Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Plan and prepare work

1.1 The location and scope of work are identified

1.2 Materials required to complete the work are confirmed and available

1.3 Equipment status is confirmed and pre-operational checks are carried out

1.4 Personal protective equipment is selected, correctly fitted and used

1.5 Safety procedures are followed to confirm that work is clearly signed and relevant authorities are advised that work is in progress

1.6 Site is inspected prior to commencing work to identify and remove potential hazards

2 Construct turnouts

2.1 Sleepers for turnouts are placed in required position for track junctions

2.2 Base plates for switching are fixed to sleepers in specified locations

2.3 Switch rails are positioned and fitted to specification

2.4 Switching gear is installed to specification

3 Complete work

3.1 The construction area is cleared of debris

3.2 Unused materials are stored as required

3.3Tools, plant and equipment is cleaned and stored as required

3.4 Workplace information is recorded according to workplace recording requirements

Required skills include:

Ability to: 

• interpret workplace information such as drawings and related instructions to identify the project requirements
• estimate materials required for a given project
• assess operational status of equipment and carry out pre-operational checks
• construct turnouts to meet design and construction specifications
• confirm that switching gear is operational
• identify faulty operation of equipment
• identify unacceptable work outcomes
• take corrective action in response to abnormal or unacceptable performance
• use appropriate communication methods and equipment
• report and/or record corrective action as required
• maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of: 

• relevant state OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice relating to work responsibilities
• overview of cane transport system
• track system layout and characteristics of each section
• the steps involved in laying/repairing track
• functions and basic operating principles of equipment
• the impact of turnout construction on related track laying operations
• factors that can affect turnout construction
• traffic control signage, communication and procedures
• safe work procedures including awareness of health and safety hazards related to track laying and associated control measures including safe manual handling procedures
• purpose and limitations of protective clothing and equipment
• environmental issues and controls
• requirements to liaise/advise related work areas
• housekeeping standards for the work area
• reporting and recording systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to:

• interpret workplace information
• estimate materials
• assess operational status of equipment
• construct turnouts to meet design and construction specifications
• confirm that switching gear is operational
• identify faulty operation of equipment
• take corrective action in response to abnormal or unacceptable performance.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

• Site and related project information
• Relevant codes of practice and industry standards
• Turnout construction equipment
• Materials handling equipment and relevant hand and power tools
• Operating procedures and related advice on equipment operation
• Track work
• Switching gear
• Personal protective clothing and equipment
• Communication systems and equipment
• Housekeeping standards and procedures
• Workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures.

Method of assessment

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Policies and procedures 

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements.

Codes of Practice 

Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice and sugar industry codes of practice related to cane railway and transport operations.

Workplace information 

Workplace information can include:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturer's specifications.

Cane transport network 

Cane transport network features and their characteristics may include:

• main and branch lines
• yards
• sidings
• loops
• dump points and pads.

Information systems 

Information systems may be print or screen based

Equipment and materials 

Equipment and materials may include:

• track laying equipment and related attachments
• hand tools
• pneumatic tools
• base plates
• fish plates
• clips
• dog spikes
• anchors
• screws
• insulating biscuits
• camber plates.

Confirming equipment status 

Confirming equipment status involves conducting relevant pre-start checks, confirming that all safety guards and equipment are ready and safe to operate.

Teamwork 

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment.

Communication methods 

Communication methods may include:

• use of two-way radios.