Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct a full train examination in accordance with workplace procedures and the requirements of relevant safeworking regulations and codes of practice. It includes preparing for the examination of the train, preparing the train for examination, examining the rolling stock, examining the loads, and documenting and actioning the examination results. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Persons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines.

Work is performed under some supervision, generally within a team environment.

It involves the application of operational principles, regulations, safeworking codes, protocols and procedures to the conduct of a full train examination as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail industry.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare for examination 

1.1 Train consist and information on load detail is established for examination purposes

1.2 Location for full train examination is confirmed and other relevant personnel notified of examination

1.3 Customer defect notices/carded wagon information is established for examination purposes

1.4 Materials and equipment required to conduct the full train examination are prepared

1.5 OH&S requirements applicable to the examination are confirmed

1.6 Other relevant train documentation is accessed and reviewed to establish key information on rolling stock required for examination

2 Prepare train for examination 

2.1 Applicable safety device or system is used to ensure train is isolated or secured for examination

2.2 Road is locked out using appropriate techniques to ensure safety during examination

2.3 Flags, banners, signs and other relevant safety equipment is positioned before and during examination to ensure safety is maintained

3 Examine rolling stock 

3.1 Types of rolling stock and capacities are confirmed as appropriate for the safe transportation of passengers or freight

3.2 Brake systems are checked and all brake tests are conducted and certificates issued as appropriate

3.3 Structure of rolling stock and major components are checked and tested to ensure operational safety

3.4 Rolling stock is carded and information is recorded within enterprise system

3.5 Train irregularities are noted and corrective action initiated in accordance with operational requirements

3.6 End-of-train monitor is attached and correct operation is confirmed

3.7 OH&S legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures are observed during the examination to prevent injury and damage

3.8 Communication is maintained with other personnel involved to ensure safe, efficient and complete examination

4 Examine loads 

4.1 Load security is checked and confirmed to meet operational safety requirements

4.2 Load contamination is identified and rectified in accordance with OH&S and dangerous goods requirements

4.3 Load dimensions are confirmed appropriate to wagon type and checked against documentation for accuracy

5 Document and action examination results 

5.1 Required documentation is completed and forwarded for recording examination results and initiating any required corrective actions

5.2 Other relevant personnel are informed of remedial or appropriate action required prior to resumption of train service

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge :

• Applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

• Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations including codes of practice for manual handling

• Workplace procedures for the conduct of a full train examination

• Train movement documentation procedures

• Communication protocols

• Procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency

• Standards and specifications for all items requiring examination during a train examination

• Signals and signalling systems

• Contingency management processes for unplanned events

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when conducting a full train examination

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the conduct of a full train examination

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to a full train examination

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work both individually and as part of a team when conducting a full train examination

• Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions identified during a full train examination in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Implement contingency plans for unplanned events that may occur during a full train examination

• Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

• Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

• Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

• Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

• Assess rolling stock defects when conducting a full train examination

• Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

• the underpinning 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 a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Resources for assessment include:

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

• Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
• 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 at the registered training organisation, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Operations conducted by day or night in:

• the full range of weather conditions
• the full range of light conditions
• typical running temperatures of trains

Locations for examinations may include:

• heavy traffic
• high volume city freight terminals
• remote regional yard and siding locations

Persons involved in examination may include:

• self only or self in conjunction with other personnel

Train under examination may be:

• loaded or unloaded

Items examined may include:

• brake equipment
• draw gear
• superstructures
• out-of-gauge conditions
• wheels and axles
• bearings
• locking and securing devices
• dangerous goods condition and separation
• air and electrical connections
• load condition (damage, leaks etc.)
• load securing devices (chains, ropes, pins etc.)
• steps, handrails and handbrakes
• rolling stock sequence
• trailing items (ropes, hoses etc.)
• bogies and brake rigging

Communication methods may include:

• written
• verbal
• line-of-sight signals
• radio

Relevant personnel can include:

• train controllers
• train examiners
• maintenance personnel
• train crews
• yard and other operational personnel
• those responsible for controlling signals

Safety and protective equipment may include:

• high visibility clothing
• end of train markers
• gloves
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• safety glasses
• insect repellent
• safety headwear
• safety footwear
• portable radios
• hand lamps
• flags
• safety devices
• hearing protection

Corrective action may include:

• notification of others who will deal with problem
• detachment and replacement of defective rolling stock

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• organisational procedures
• established procedures

Information/documents may include:

• applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
• workplace procedures and instructions and job specification
• induction and training materials
• repair cards and books
• inspection reports
• consist forms
• wagon cards
• transport instructions
• incident reports
• safeworking forms
• out-of-gauge documents
• load and weight records
• dangerous goods manifest
• drivers advice (train load)
• mechanical condition advice forms
• brake test certification
• equipment operations manuals
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

• applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
• relevant Australian Standards
• ADG Code and regulations

Competency Field 

B - Equipment Checking and Maintenance