Unit of competency details

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.

1 Prepare for operations  

1.1 Vehicle logbook is checked in accordance with organisational requirements

1.2 Pre-operational vehicle checks are conducted

1.3 Any identified faults or defects are recorded in accordance with organisational requirements

1.4 Worn brushes are replaced

2 Operate cleaning vehicle on track 

2.1 Vehicle is driven to cleaning location and hazard warning equipment is operated in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.2 Fleet operations are notified when on site and ready to begin cleaning operations

2.3 Vehicle is correctly aligned with the track and trolley is lowered in accordance with organisational and/or manufactures requirements

2.5 Brushes are switched on for operation in accordance with organisational requirements

2.6 Vehicle is driven along the track and brushes are monitored for effective operation

3 Operate cleaning vehicle to clean points 

3.1 Correct alignment of points is verified before starting cleaning operations

3.2 At least 25 metres of track prior to automatic points are cleaned in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.3 Visual contact with assistant is maintained at all times when cleaning points

3.4 Cleaning vehicle is driven through points and, when points have been changed, reversed back through the points

4 Dispose of waste  

4.1 Collected waste is disposed of in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.2 Waste collection container and surrounding area of the vehicle is cleaned

5 Complete documentation 

5.1 Documentation is completed in accordance with organisational requirements

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge: 

• Documentation and recordkeeping requirements

• Hazards that may exist during cleaning of rail and points, and ways of controlling the risks involved

• Problems that may occur during cleaning rail and points, and action that can be taken to report or resolve the problems

• Relevant communication systems and procedures

• Relevant safety, occupational health and safety (OH&S) and environmental procedures and regulations

• Workplace procedures for the cleaning of rail and points

Required skills: 

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

• Communicate effectively with others when cleaning rail and points

• Complete documentation related to cleaning rail and points

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

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

• Read and interpret instructions and manuals relevant to cleaning rail and points

• Report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may occur when cleaning rail and points in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Select and use required personal protective equipment

• Work collaboratively with others cleaning rail and points

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

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 required 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:

• completing pre-work checks correctly
• correctly replacing brushes
• correct operation when positioning the cleaning vehicle
• cleaning straight track and points to required standards
• cleaning out waste collection container

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 practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

• 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 

• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
• Practical assessment must occur:

• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

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

Hazard warning equipment may include:

• rotating lights
• flashing arrow boards
• reversing beepers
• reversing cameras
• signage

Communication equipment systems may include:

• two-way radios
• mobile phones
• agreed audible or hand signal

Depending on the work context, safety and personal protective equipment may include:

• high visibility clothing
• hearing protection
• gloves
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• safety glasses
• insect repellent
• safety headwear
• safety footwear
• portable radios/mobile phones
• hand lamps
• safety devices

Information/documents may include:

• operational instructions, policies and workplace procedures
• local authority regulations and procedures
• information provided by other workplace personnel
• technical instructions
• manufacturer or workplace equipment instructions and operation manuals
• two-way radio/mobile phone operation procedures
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

• legislated rail safety requirements including state acts and regulations together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
• relevant road regulations including state acts and regulations together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
• relevant state/territory OH&S and environmental protection legislation