This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist with train operations as a driver assistant or second-person, in accordance with organisational procedures, safeworking system and codes of practice.

It includes assisting with train preparations and train operation when loading/unloading, taking charge of or handing over, and/or stabling a train.

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.

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 

Assist with preparing for train operation and train handover 

1.1

Documentation/information is obtained and interpreted to confirm consist information and constraints or characteristics of load, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.2

Visual inspection of equipment is carried out and identified faults or defects are appropriately reported in accordance with manufacturer specifications, and organisational policies and procedures

1.3

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

1.4

Assistance is provided with pre-operational checking and testing of equipment, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2 

Assist with train operation in transit 

2.1

Motive power unit is monitored in conjunction with driver, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.2

Guidance is provided to driver while stopping and starting to ensure safety of personnel and equipment

2.3

Train running is monitored and recorded to assist with on-time running in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.4

Performance of equipment and rolling stock is monitored to identify faults or defects and appropriate action is taken in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.5

Security of load is monitored and identified abnormalities are dealt with in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.6

Signals and track/road are monitored and confirmed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3 

Assist with handing over or stabling train 

3.1

Appropriate assistance is provided when stabling train in accordance with safeworking system requirements, operational instructions and organisational policies and procedures

3.2

Safety devices are activated or put in position in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.3

During handing over or stabling train, documentation relevant to train and activities undertaken in transit is updated and provided to relief crew or is completed and forwarded to appropriate personnel in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.4

Relevant housekeeping activities are completed prior to handover/stabling in accordance with organisational policies and 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:

• assisting with train preparations and train operations when:

• loading and/or unloading
• taking charge of or handing over and/or stabling a train

• 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
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures and information
• selecting and using relevant equipment and materials
• working collaboratively with others
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods 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
• appropriate motive power unit and rolling stock systems
• emergency procedures and emergency response plan
• how to compile and confirm required documentation
• problems that can occur when assisting with train operations and action that should be taken
• procedures for fixed and hand signalling, and communications protocols
• relevant environmental protection legislation, regulations, codes of practice, policies and procedures
• safeworking systems and requirements
• stabling workplace 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.

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.