Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to visually inspect a stationary train in accordance with workplace procedures and the requirements of relevant safeworking regulations and codes of practice. It includes preparing for the visual inspection, inspecting the train, and documenting and actioning the inspection results. Licensing or certification requirements are not 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 applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines.

Work is performed without supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of operational principles, regulations, safeworking codes, protocols and procedures to the visual inspection of a stationary train 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 a visual inspection of a stationary train 

1.1 Inspection location and requirements are obtained and inspection activities planned

1.2 Materials, documents and equipment required for the inspection are identified, obtained, and prepared for use

1.3 Visual inspection is started at planned time and location to minimise delays to train availability

1.4 Train identification and status is confirmed and required actions are taken to ensure train remains safe for duration of inspection

1.5 Individual responsibilities required to complete inspection are agreed with relevant personnel

1.6 Conditions are assessed and necessary actions taken to ensure inspection is effective

2 Carry out a visual inspection of a stationary train 

2.1 Visual inspection is undertaken in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2 Communication is maintained with relevant personnel to ensure safe, efficient and complete inspection

2.3 Condition of rolling stock, couplings and, if applicable, load are visually inspected

2.4 Obvious faults with wagons or carriages and their locations are documented

2.5 Where required by inspection result, wagons or carriages are carded, in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

2.6 Apparent problems are investigated further and corrected, where possible

2.7 Conditions requiring urgent action are noted and appropriate action is taken to initiate immediate response

3 Document and action inspection results 

3.1 All required documentation is completed and forwarded to record inspection results and initiate corrective actions

3.2 Appropriate personnel are informed of actions required prior to movement of train

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge :

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

• Procedures for planning a visual inspection of a stationary train

• Security procedures

• Standards and specifications for all items requiring examination

• Contingency management processes for unexpected events that may arise when carrying out a visual inspection of a stationary train

• Communication protocols related to the visual inspection of a stationary train

• Documentation requirements relating to visual examination

• Procedures for completing relevant documentation

• Guidelines relating to equipment capability and limitations

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when carrying out a visual inspection of a stationary train

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to carrying out a visual inspection of a stationary train

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to a visual inspection of a stationary train

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others when carrying out a visual inspection of a stationary train

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when carrying out a visual inspection of a stationary train in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Implement contingency plans for unexpected situations that may arise when carrying out a visual inspection of a stationary train

• 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 rolling stock and equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

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

• Assess rolling stock defects

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

• Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

• identifying possible problems/issues that a visual inspection may find
• carrying out visual inspection of a number of trains correctly
• completing documentation/reporting requirements correctly and in accordance with organisational procedures

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, 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 or passenger 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
• load and discharge doors
• 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.)
• trailing items (ropes, hoses etc.)

Communication methods may include:

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

Relevant personnel may 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/mobile phone/satellite phone
• hand lamps
• flags
• safety devices
• hearing protection

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:

• passenger train preparation docket
• 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 and declarations
• drivers advice (train load)
• mechanical condition advice forms
• equipment operations manuals
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

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

Competency Field 

B - Equipment Checking and Maintenance