This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify, interpret and respond to fixed signals and trackside signs in accordance with network owner and/or organisational policies and procedures.

It includes identifying and responding to running signals, indicators, shunting signals and subsidiary signals; interpreting and responding to trackside signs; and reporting defective or irregular signals or trackside signs.

This unit is suitable for rail safety workers who are required to identify and respond to trackside signals and signs as part of their job role. They may be working within a rail operational or infrastructure environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENT S 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Identify and respond to running signals and indicators 

1.1

Types and functions of running signal and indicators are identified in accordance with network owner procedures

1.2

Indications and aspects displayed by running signals and indicators are identified and interpreted

1.3

Hand signals and/or track warning signals are interpreted and followed, in accordance with safeworking systems, network owner requirements and organisational procedures

1.4

Rail traffic speed and movement is controlled appropriate to the indication displayed by the running signal or indicator

1.5

Illegal or irregular indications or aspects displayed by running signals or indicators are identified and appropriate action is taken

2 

Identify and respond to shunting signals and subsidiary signals 

2.1

Types and functions of shunting signals and subsidiary signals are identified in accordance with network owner procedures

2.2

Indications displayed by shunting signals and subsidiary signals are identified and interpreted

2.3

Rail traffic speed and movement is controlled appropriate to the indication displayed by the shunting signal

2.4

Illegal or irregular indications displayed by shunting signals are identified and appropriate action is taken

3 

Interpret and respond to trackside signs 

3.1

Permanent trackside signs are interpreted and followed, in accordance with safeworking systems, network owner requirements and organisational procedures

3.2

Temporary trackside signs are interpreted and followed, in accordance with safeworking systems, network owner requirements and organisational procedures

4 

Respond to and report defective or irregular signals or trackside signs 

4.1

Defective or irregular signals and trackside signs are responded to in accordance with safeworking systems, network owner requirements and organisational procedures

4.2

Defective or irregular signals and trackside signs are reported and recorded in accordance with safeworking systems, network owner requirements and organisational procedures

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:

• communicating effectively with others
• completing required documentation
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures and information (including numerical information)
• responding to different indications and aspects displayed by fixed signals in rail networks
• responding to different trackside signs in rail networks
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

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 procedures
• relevant safety, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations
• relevant sections of applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements, relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines
• signalling system for each network
• types of fixed signals used in rail networks
• types of trackside signs used in rail networks
• use of communications equipment
• workplace procedure for responding to illegal or irregular indications displayed by running signals or shunting signals.

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 workplace operational situations or, where this is not available, in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate rail corridor 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, safeworking system, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.