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 

Establish purpose and function of rail safeworking systems 

1.1

Relevant information is accessed and analysed

1.2

Purpose of rail safeworking rules and procedures are identified and explained

1.3

Methods for developing safeworking rules and procedures are identified and outlined

1.4

Types of safeworking systems, their functions and where they are used are explained

2 

Implement principles of rail safeworking systems 

2.1

Relevant information is accessed and analysed

2.2

Principles behind rail safeworking systems are identified and explained

2.3

Main elements of rail safeworking systems are identified and explained

2.4

Methods by which operations can continue in degraded situations are identified and outlined

2.5

Appropriate procedures are prepared to enable operations to continue in various degraded situations

3 

Implement principles of track protection systems 

3.1

Relevant information is accessed and analysed

3.2

Risks involved in working on or beside the track are identified, explained and managed

3.3

Purpose of track protection is identified and explained

3.4

Different methods of track protection are identified and outlined

3.5

Work is planned so that relevant track protection methods can be applied

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

Required knowledge: 

• Changes in rail industry operations and technology with implications for rail safety

• Duty holders and their duties under rail safety legislation, such as:

• contractors

• designers, manufacturers, suppliers, commissioners, erectors and installers

• de-commissioners

• managers of private sidings

• rail safety workers

• rail transport operators-rail infrastructure managers and/or rolling stock operators

• Key concepts and definitions relating to rail safeworking

• Key regulatory requirements and standards for participants in the rail industry

• Key principles and practices associated with railway operations

• Rail regulatory framework

• Rail industry terminology, including terminology used in technical standards

• Rail safety management systems

• Rail safety operating principles:

• ensuring emergencies and incidents are properly managed

• ensuring interfaces between different organisations are properly defined and managed

• identifying and managing risk

• protecting persons from injury

• protecting property from damage

• track access

• train separation

• Relevance of national and international standards to the rail industry

• Relevant rail safety, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental legislation related to safeworking and track protection

Required skills: 

• Access and use rail safety industry standards

• Communicate effectively with others, particularly in relation to interpreting complex information relating to rail operations

• Develop and maintain currency of rail industry knowledge and regulatory requirements

• Network and build relationships with a diverse range of rail industry organisations

• Research information related to the rail industry and rail safety regulation

• Review changing regulatory information

• Work ethically in accordance with legislation

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 competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include demonstration of applying:

• required knowledge and skills
• relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• 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.

Relevant information may include :

• audit program information
• compliance and enforcement regime
• changes to regulations
• rail regulatory requirements
• safety notices

Safeworking systems may include: 

• automatic train control (ATC)
• centralised traffic control (CTC)
• double line block
• electric staff
• manual block working
• mishap orders
• pilot staff working
• rail vehicle detection
• section authority
• special proceed authority
• staff and ticket
• train order working