Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 Access rail track 

1.1 Permission to occupy rail track is requested from network control officer

1.2 Permission to occupy rail track is documented in accordance with occupancy authority requirements

1.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used conforming to Access Provider requirements

1.4 Limits of travel are determined and agreed with network control officer

1.5 Where applicable, points are manually operated to gain access to the track as authorised by network control officer

1.6 Awareness is maintained to identify local conditions and any changed circumstances

1.7 Communication with network control officer is maintained using communication rules and procedures

2 Travel track vehicle on track 

2.1 Speed limit is observed for type and classification of track vehicle and type of track

2.2 Speed is varied to meet local conditions

2.3 Permission is obtained to pass signals at STOP in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4 Position of points are identified and, where applicable, operated to establish correct direction as authorised by network control officer

2.5 Signals are identified and obeyed

2.6 Level crossing protection equipment is operated for the safe passage of track vehicle/s in accordance with workplace procedures

2.7 Where fitted, vigilance unit is operated in accordance with workplace procedures

2.8 Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified, and appropriate action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures

3 Remove track vehicle from track 

3.1 Network control officer is informed when track vehicle is off and clear of track

3.2 Occupancy Authority is correctly cancelled or fulfilled

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge: 

• Access Provider policies, procedures and protocols in the event of identified unsafe situations or emergencies within workplace role

• Access Provider rules and procedures for working around electrical infrastructure

• Access Providers and organisational policies, procedures and protocols

• Operational communication protocols and systems

• Rail terminology as defined by the applicable Access Provider

• Recognition of points, signals and location features

Required skills: 

• Communicate effectively with individuals and work groups

• Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols

• Identify unsafe situations and emergencies

• Use appropriate PPE conforming to Access Provider requirements

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

• the required knowledge and skills
• relevant workplace rules and procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement

• Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

• demonstrating requesting and documenting permission to occupy track
• explaining how to determine limits of travel
• conducting a safety assessment
• demonstrating observing speed limit appropriate for type of vehicle, type of track and local conditions
• explaining and demonstrating passing signals in accordance with rules and procedures
• demonstrating how to identify position of points and their correct operation
• identifying signals
• demonstrating operation of a vigilance unit
• identifying appropriate response to typical unsafe situations and/or emergencies
• demonstrating cancellation or fulfilment of an occupancy authority using appropriate procedures and documentation

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

• Assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Worksites may include:

• rail corridor
• danger zone:

• running line
• parallel networks (adjacent access providers, shared corridor)
• adjacent lines
• sidings/yards

• platforms/buildings
• structures

Terminology will be:

• as defined by the applicable track safeworking system and operating procedures

Work may occur:

• by day or night, under varied weather conditions and situations

Safety assessment will be:

• as defined within the workplace procedures
• as defined in the safety assessment for work including:

• view - line of sight
• direction of approaching rail traffic
• changed local conditions

Network control officer may be:

• network controller
• train controller
• area controller
• signaller

Communications may include:

• receiving and passing on verbal messages/information
• reporting unsafe situations and responding to emergencies
• general safety and emergency messages

Communications equipment and systems may include:

• hand and audible signals
• radios
• telephones/mobile phones
• signage

Safety clothing and equipment may include:

• high visibility clothing
• protective footwear
• hearing protection

Where applicable, worksite protection equipment may include:

• warning devices, whistles and sirens
• railway track signals
• demarcation barriers
• lights and flags
• electronic devices
• signage

Information and documents may include:

• workplace procedures, policies and work instructions
• emergency plan
• pre-work briefing

Types of track protection may include:

• lookout
• track occupancy authority (TOA)
• track work authority (TWA)
• local possession authority (LPA)
• absolute signal blocking (ASB)

Limits of protection may include

• signals
• signs
• block point

Type of vehicle may include:

• road/rail
• track vehicles

Varied conditions may include:

• gradients
• line of sight
• weather
• condition of rail
• multiple rail traffic crews
• multiple vehicles

Alterations to occupancy authority may include:

• extending time
• reducing time