This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely couple/uncouple track vehicles in accordance with safeworking and organisational, policies and procedures.

It includes preparing to couple track maintenance vehicles, coupling track maintenance vehicles, and uncoupling and securing track maintenance vehicles.

This unit is intended for all types of track maintenance vehicles required to be coupled and uncoupled as part of operational requirements. Track maintenance vehicles may include:

• overhead wiring maintenance vehicle
• road/rail vehicles
• shunting tractors
• track inspection vehicles
• track machines
• wagon.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENT S 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Prepare to couple track maintenance vehicles 

1.1

Coupling instructions are interpreted and confirmed as meeting minimum operating standards

1.2

Location of vehicles and required movements are identified

1.3

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and control measures are implemented

1.4

Communication methods to be used are agreed and confirmed

1.5

Vehicle/s to be coupled are secured in accordance with organisational procedures

2 

Couple track maintenance vehicles 

2.1

Setting of route and having correct authority in place is ensured prior to movement of track vehicles

2.2

Warning is given before vehicle is moved

2.3

Vehicle is moved in a controlled manner to enable safe coupling and prevent damage

2.4

Coupling mechanisms are checked to ensure they are correctly engaged

2.5

Connecting brake hoses and/or electrical couplings are connected as required, in accordance with organisational procedures and/or manufacturer specifications

2.6

Securing devices are released/removed in accordance with organisational procedures

3 

Uncouple and secure track maintenance vehicles 

3.1

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and control measures are implemented

3.2

Vehicles are positioned to meet uncoupling requirements in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3

Securing devices are applied/attached in accordance with organisational procedures

3.4

Brake hoses and/or electrical couplings are disconnected in accordance with organisational procedures and/or manufacturer specifications

3.5

Coupling devices are correctly disengaged

3.6

Warning is given before vehicle is moved

3.7

Vehicles are separated in a controlled manner to enable safe uncoupling and prevent damage

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying relevant safeworking and workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others
• coupling and uncoupling track maintenance vehicles
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• securing vehicles in accordance with manufacturer specifications, before coupling and after uncoupling has been completed
• using correct communications methods
• working collaboratively with others
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• communications protocols
• operating requirements for coupling and uncoupling track maintenance vehicles
• principles of operation of protective devices, air and electrical couplings, handbrakes, derailers and coupling equipment
• relevant manufacturer specifications for coupling and uncoupling of track maintenance vehicles
• relevant rail danger zones
• relevant state/territory legislated work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and rail safety requirements, codes of practice, guidelines and manufacturer specifications.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or, where this is not available, in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
• applicable documentation and terminology as defined by the relevant Rail Infrastructure Manager safeworking system including workplace procedures, regulations, rules and codes of practice.