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 Set up locomotive for portable remote operation 

1.1 Locomotive is set up for portable remote control operation in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or organisational policies and procedures

1.2 Where necessary, portable remote control equipment is installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or organisational policies and procedures

1.3 Remote control system is tested and operation is confirmed in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or organisational policies and procedures

1.4 Relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage to equipment

2 Operate locomotive using portable remote control equipment 

2.1 Where applicable, relevant warning signage is placed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.2 Portable remote control equipment is operated and monitored in accordance with operational requirements during train movements to provide safe train handling and control

2.3 Portable remote control equipment is operated with an awareness that not all persons in the vicinity of the work area may know that the locomotive is being operated remotely

2.4 Any operational difficulties encountered are addressed by re-establishing control of the locomotive with minimum risk to personnel and equipment

3 Shut down portable remote control equipment 

3.1 Locomotive is secured against unintentional movement in a safe location in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2 Portable remote control equipment is shut down in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or organisational policies and procedures

3.3 When required, portable remote control equipment is removed from the locomotive in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or organisational policies and procedures

3.4 Relevant OH&S requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage to equipment

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

Required knowledge: 

• Braking and safety system procedures

• Locomotive operating techniques

• Operational instructions

• Procedures for identifying defects in portable remote control units, and assessing appropriate action to be taken

• Procedures for managing hazardous situations involving portable remote control systems

• Procedures for operating electronic communications equipment with required protocol

• Relevant rail safety, OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

• Shunting and marshalling procedures

Required skills: 

• Communicate effectively with others when setting up and operating a portable remote control system

• Implement contingency plans for unexpected events when operating a portable remote control system

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Modify activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, and information relevant to operating a portable remote control system

• Report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when operating a portable remote control system in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

• Work collaboratively with others when operating a portable remote control system

• Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

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 legislation and workplace procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement

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

• setting up portable remote control equipment correctly
• operating the locomotive using the remote control equipment
• shutting down the remote control equipment

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, case studies 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 

• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
• 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.

Locomotives may include:

• diesel locomotives
• electric locomotives

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, organisational procedures may be known as:

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• workplace procedures
• established procedures

Information/documents may include:

• relevant log or record book
• maintenance notices, records and requests
• local instructions
• equipment operation manuals
• operational instructions, policies and procedures
• emergency procedure manuals
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable regulations, legislation and codes may include:

• legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
• relevant state/territory codes of practice and safeworking system requirements
• relevant Australian Standards and related requirements
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation