This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to use communication systems for on-track vehicle operations.

It includes identifying systems features, communicating using communications technology, maintaining communications equipment and completing documentation.

This unit involves the application of established communication principles and practice, and the use of local technical and colloquial language and vocabulary, in accordance with network owner communications protocols.

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 

Confirm communication systems features 

1.1

Available communication systems are identified

1.2

Features and control functions of each system are identified

1.3

Battery and signal levels are monitored as required

1.4

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

1.5

Channels are selected as required, appropriate to the types of communications to be made

2 

Communicate using communications technology 

2.1

Systems checks are carried out to confirm communications system is operational, in accordance with manufacturer instructions and organisational/network owner procedures

2.2

Communications system is operated safely in accordance with manufacturer instructions, workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

2.3

Channel selection is made as required, appropriate for the location and type of communication

2.4

Appropriate protocols and procedures are followed when using communication systems

2.5

Received messages are interpreted and recorded, as required, in accordance with organisational/network owners procedures

3 

Maintain communications equipment 

3.1

Equipment is checked and serviced as required to keep it in good working order, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Minor faults in communications systems are identified, diagnosed and repaired or reported, in accordance with workplace procedures

4 

Complete documentation 

4.1

Required communication records are confirmed

4.2

Communication records are filled out legibly and proofread

4.3

Communication records are processed in accordance with workplace procedures

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 workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others using available communications systems
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• identifying and using required communications equipment and technology
• monitoring performance of communications equipment and taking appropriate action as required
• operating and adapting to differences in communications equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions and procedures
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions, in accordance with workplace procedures.

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:

• basic principles of effective communication
• communications protocols
• communications security
• hazards that may exist when using communications systems for on-track vehicle operation and ways of controlling the risks involved
• organisational procedures for using communications systems for on-track vehicle operation
• problems that may occur when using communications systems for on-track vehicle operation and action that can be taken to report or resolve these problems
• relevant rail safety, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations.

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 and terminology as defined by the relevant Rail Infrastructure Manager safeworking system including workplace communications procedures, regulations, rules, codes of practice and operation manuals.