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 Take appropriate safety precautions to access the rail corridor 

1.1 Authority to enter the rail corridor is obtained from Protection Officer/Possession Protection Officer (PO/PPO)

1.2 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn conforming to Access Provider requirements

1.3 Rail corridor is entered and a visual assessment is maintained to identify potential risks

2 Take appropriate safety precautions to access the danger zone 

2.1 Direction of approaching trains and maximum speed is recognised

2.2 Safe place is identified

2.3 Types of warning provided are recognised and confirmed

2.4 Changed local conditions are identified

2.5 Communications with other personnel are maintained in accordance with workplace procedures

2.7 Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified and appropriate action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures

3 Take appropriate action in an emergency situation 

3.1 Emergencies are identified and an ‘emergency’ or ‘danger’ signal is given

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

Required knowledge: 

• Access Provider defined entry requirements and limitations

• Access Provider policies, procedures and protocols for identified unsafe situations or emergencies within the limits of the role being undertaken

• Access Provider rules and procedures for working around electrical infrastructure

• Basic rail terminology as defined by the applicable network

• Extent of rail corridor

Required skills: 

• Communicate effectively with individuals and/or groups

• Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols

• Recognise hazards that may arise and take appropriate action

• Use PPE conforming to Access Provider requirements

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 workplace rules and procedures

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

• safely accessing the rail corridor
• recognising the danger zone
• identifying a safe place
• identifying unsafe situations within the rail corridor

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated in a suitable context
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the rail corridor

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment

Method of assessment 

• 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 a rail corridor

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

Rail corridor may include:

• danger zone
• running line
• adjacent networks
• adjacent lines
• sidings/yards
• platforms/buildings
• structures
• safe place

Access may occur:

• by day or night
• under varied weather conditions and situations

Safety assessment will be:

• as defined within the workplace procedures/instructions
• as defined in the safety assessment for work including:

• view - line of sight
• direction of approaching trains
• maximum speed of trains
• safe place
• changed local conditions

Communications may include:

• giving or receiving verbal messages/information
• reporting unsafe situations
• responding to emergencies
• emergency messages
• general safety messages

Communications equipment and systems may include:

• hand signals
• audible signals

Safety clothing and equipment may include:

• high visibility clothing
• protective footwear
• hearing protection
• eye protection
• gloves
• head protection

Information and documents may include:

• workplace procedures, policies and work instructions
• worksite protection plan
• emergency plan
• safety briefing
• emergency contact details
• access contact details

Unsafe situations may include:

• risks to the individual
• risks to the public
• risks to rail traffic
• risks to the physical assets of the network