This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to drive and operate an electric passenger train to operational requirements in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements and workplace procedures.

It includes applying train management techniques to manage the movement of a train, conducting all movements and related activities required to meet operational requirements, changing ends, and handing over a train to a relief crew.

People achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements and to comply with relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines.

Work is generally performed without supervision and within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures when driving electric passenger trains to operational requirements as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail systems.

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 

Drive train efficiently and effectively 

1.1

Train is operated in accordance with relevant codes of practice, workplace procedures and instructions

1.2

Train is operated safely in accordance with track/road characteristics and route conditions

1.3

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

1.4

Train operations are controlled to minimise wear, maximise efficiency and avoid damage

1.5

Train is operated with due care for passenger comfort and quality of ride

1.6

Train is safely operated to specified timetable and schedule in accordance with on-time running standards

1.7

Performance of equipment and rolling stock is monitored to maintain optimum running conditions and to identify faults, defects and efficiencies

1.8

Relevant codes of practice, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health safety (OHS) and environmental requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage

2 

Operate train in accordance with operating procedures 

2.1

Train documentation is received, interpreted and followed

2.2

Relevant codes of practice, safeworking and signalling requirements are adhered to throughout train operations

2.3

Network Control Officer instructions and other instructions are received, interpreted and applied to ensure safe and effective control of train

2.4

Communications are maintained with relevant personnel during train journey in accordance with relevant codes of practice and safeworking systems

2.5

Instructions about train operation are given to relevant personnel to ensure safe and efficient running

3 

Manage communications 

3.1

Passengers are advised of station identification, emergency situations and other critical information as required, using train communications system

3.2

Network Control Officer and other instructions are received, interpreted and applied to ensure safe and effective control of train

3.3

Communications are maintained with Network Control Officer and other relevant personnel during train journey in accordance with workplace procedures, relevant codes of practice and safeworking systems

3.4

Instructions about train operation are given to relevant personnel to ensure safe and efficient on-time running

3.5

Instructions are verified as required, interpreted and followed, in accordance with relevant codes of practice, safeworking systems and requirements, and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure actions taken are appropriate and safe

3.6

Fixed and hand signals, and verbal movement commands are interpreted and followed, in accordance with relevant codes of practice, safeworking systems and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure actions taken are appropriate and safe

4 

Change ends 

4.1

Arrival procedures are carried out in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.2

Checks and terminus inspections are carried out in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.3

Departure procedures are carried out in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

5 

Carry out in-service inspections 

5.1

Train checks are made in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Problems and defects are identified and reported/rectified in accordance with workplace procedures, other regulatory requirements and manufacturer instructions

5.3

Incidents or unusual occurrences are reported to relevant personnel in accordance with established policies and procedures

6 

Handover train to relieving driver 

6.1

Identity of relieving driver is checked and confirmed as required

6.2

Relieving driver is advised of condition and location of train as required

6.3

Relieving driver is updated and is made aware of relevant documentation as required

7 

Accept train handover as relief driver 

7.1

Relieving driver position is taken up at correct time and location in accordance with organisational requirements

7.2

Identification is presented to train driver being relieved, as required

7.3

Relevant documentation is identified and referred to in accordance with organisational requirements

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:

• adapting to differences in trains, associated trains and ancillary equipment
• carrying out train handover in accordance with workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• driving train efficiently and effectively
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• implementing contingency plans
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• maintaining on-time running
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring train performance to facilitate optimum safe operation
• operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• recognising problems that may arise and taking appropriate action
• securing electric passenger train
• selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) standards
• working collaboratively with others as part of a train crew
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to vehicles 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:

• applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements, relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines
• procedures and required protocol for operating electronic communications equipment
• procedures for carrying out in-service checks
• relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations
• requirements for completing relevant documentation
• track and road characteristics including: track limitations, speed limitations, gauge limitation, curves and gradients, location of signals and crossings, crossovers, and yard and siding layouts
• train characteristics
• train equipment and systems including instruments and indicators and their purpose, location and use
• workplace operating procedures.

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.

Practical assessment must occur in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

A simulator assessment is not suitable for the final assessment of this unit of competency

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 including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.