This unit involves applying rail communications systems, in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements.

It includes preparing to apply rail communications systems, recording and logging communications, and ensuring safeworking systems are incorporated into communications systems.

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 

Prepare to apply rail communications systems 

1.1

Communications systems used in the rail industry are outlined

1.2

Main components of fixed and mobile communications systems are identified and explained

1.3

Functions of the different types of communications systems used in the rail industry are explained

1.4

Effectiveness of different types of communications systems are compared

1.5

Communications system/s appropriate to a situation are selected in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.6

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

1.7

Working order of selected communications system/s is ensured in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2 

Record and log communications 

2.1

Purpose of recording and logging communications is identified

2.2

Methods by which communications are recorded and logged are identified and explained

2.3

Effectiveness of different types of communications recording and logging processes are outlined

2.4

Communications recording and logging processes most appropriate to a situation are selected in accordance with organisational policies and procedure

2.5

Relevant communications systems plans are identified, explained and implemented in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3 

Ensure safeworking systems are incorporated into communications systems 

3.1

Different methods of safeworking are identified and communications used for each type are outlined

3.2

Potential problems that can occur with different communications systems are identified and explained

3.3

Methods to overcome identified problems are developed and implemented

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions can be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

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:

• accessing and using rail industry standards and safety management systems (SMSs)
• applying relevant safeworking and workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others and interpreting complex information related to rail operations
• ensuring safeworking systems are incorporated into communications systems
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• preparing to apply rail communications systems
• recording and logging communications
• researching relevant information
• reviewing regulatory information changes.

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:

• emergency management plan
• key concepts and definitions relating to rail communications systems
• key principles and practices associated with railway operations
• key rail industry regulatory requirements and standards
• rail industry terminology, including terminology used in rail industry standards and codes of practice
• rail regulatory framework
• rail SMSs
• relevance of national and international standards to the rail industry.

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 rail workplace operational situations or, where this is not available, in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate rail 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, rail industry standards, codes of practice and operation manuals.