This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform guard duties as part of electric passenger train operations in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements, and workplace procedures.

It includes assisting in all movements and related activities required to achieve operational requirements, changing work locations, handing over a train to a relief crew, providing customer service and maintaining customer safety.

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

Work is performed under minimal supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures when performing train guard duties in traffic for an electric passenger train in accordance with operational requirements, as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

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

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Perform on-train role/duties efficiently and effectively 

1.1

On-train duties are performed in accordance with relevant codes of practice, workplace procedures and instructions

1.2

Right of way activities are performed to ensure train is operated safely within the confines of platform or station limits

1.3

On-train duties are performed in a manner that provides optimal customer safety and comfort

1.4

On-train duties are performed to meet specified timetable and schedule in accordance with on-time running standards

1.5

Train carriages, and equipment performance and operation are monitored to optimise running conditions by identifying faults, defects and deficiencies

1.6

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

2 

Complete train journey 

2.1

Train documentation is received, interpreted and applied in accordance with relevant workplace procedures and safeworking systems

2.2

Relevant workplace procedures, safeworking and signalling requirements are followed throughout train operations

2.3

Communications are maintained with relevant personnel during train journey in accordance with relevant workplace procedures and safeworking systems

2.4

Assistance is provided to customers as required in accordance with workplace requirements

2.5

Correspondence and/or cash and/or valuables are carried in cooperation with relevant personnel

2.6

Platform duties are performed in accordance with workplace procedures

3 

Manage communications 

3.1

Passengers are advised of station identification, emergency situations and other critical information, using train communications system in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Instructions from network control officer and other relevant personnel are received, interpreted and applied to ensure safe and effective control of train

3.3

Communications are maintained with network control and other relevant personnel during train journey in accordance with workplace rules and procedures, and safeworking systems

3.4

Instructions concerning 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 safeworking systems and organisational policies and procedures

4 

Carry out inspections during train journey 

4.1

Train visual checks are made in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Identified problems and or defects are reported and/or rectified in accordance with workplace procedures, other regulatory requirements and manufacturer instructions

4.3

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

4.4

Safety of train is monitored through on-board surveillance systems

5 

Change ends 

5.1

Arrival procedures are carried out in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Checks and terminus inspections of train are carried out in accordance with workplace procedures

5.3

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

6 

Conduct train handover to relieving crew 

6.1

Identity of relieving crew is checked and confirmed

6.2

Relevant personnel are advised of condition and location of train

6.3

Relieving crew is updated and documentation is completed and/or handed over as required

7 

Accept train handover as relief guard 

7.1

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

7.2

Identity of train guard is confirmed

7.3

Train status and/or other relevant information and/or documentation is received and referred to in accordance with organisational requirements as required

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 and ancillary equipment
• applying information about track or road to train operations
• applying relevant safeworking system and workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring journey schedule
• monitoring train performance and security to facilitate optimum safe operation
• monitoring train performance including passenger safety and comfort during service
• performing handover and relief activities in accordance with workplace procedures
• performing on-train guard duties in accordance with workplace procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• recognising problems that may arise and taking appropriate action
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, 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
• on-train controls, instruments and indicators and their purpose, location and use
• procedures for carrying out in-service checks
• relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations
• requirements for completing relevant documentation
• track and road characteristics
• train characteristics
• train equipment and systems
• workplace procedures and operating requirements.

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