Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform handsignaller duties, which may include the role of inner or outer handsignaller, to provide protection for work groups by controlling rail traffic speed on a rail network, in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements. It includes following policies, procedures and protocols of the access provider. 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 legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from the applicable state or territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines.

It involves the application of access provider's policies, procedures and protocols related to applying rail safety requirements to work activities.

Work is performed under instruction using established procedures, with accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes within the limits of responsibility of the worker concerned.

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 Identify site protection requirements 

1.1 Ensure site protection plan is explained by relevant personnel

1.2 Responsibilities as handsignaller for site protection are identified from plan and understood

1.3 Tools and equipment required for handsignalling duties are identified, obtained and checked for functional condition

1.4 Communication equipment to be used is tested and verified

2 Take up handsignaller position 

2.1 Danger zone is safely accessed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2 Handsignalling position is in accordance with plan and workplace procedures

2.3 Unsafe and/or ineffective signalling positions are identified and reported in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4 A situational awareness is conducted to identify potential risks

2.5 If applicable, audible track warning devices are applied in accordance with workplace procedures

2.6 Effectiveness of handsignalling position and communication protocols are confirmed

3 Use hand signal commands to manage rail traffic 

3.1 Vigilance is maintained at all times

3.2 Protection officer is alerted to approaching rail traffic in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3 The correct hand signal is displayed to rail traffic in accordance with protection officer instructions

3.4 If required, verbal instructions are provided to the train driver

3.5 If applicable, audible track warning devices are replaced

4 Take action in the event of unsafe situations or emergencies 

4.1 Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified, and appropriate action is taken to minimise risk in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2 Emergencies and/or incidents are recorded and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge :

• Access provider's and organisational policies, procedures and protocols

• Rail terminology as defined by the applicable access provider

• Access provider's policies, procedures and protocols in the event of identified unsafe situations or emergencies within workplace role

• Audible track warning devices and their use, if applicable

• Site safety plans

• Hand, light and flag signals used by both day and night

• Positioning requirements for handsignallers

• Operational communication protocols and systems

Required skills :

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Apply hand, light and flag signals by both day and night

• Apply procedures for the use of audible track warning devices, if applicable

• Communicate effectively with individuals and work groups

• Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols

• Conduct a situational awareness assessment

• Use required personal protective equipment conforming to organisational standards

• Identify unsafe situations and emergencies

• Ensure effectiveness of handsignalling placement

• Apply fatigue management skills as they relate to the work role

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
• the timeframes typically expected for the work function and industrial environment

• Compliance with site safety plans, OH&S regulations and other regulatory requirements
• Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

• identifying responsibilities of handsignaller from explanation of site safety plan
• identifying and selecting correct equipment and ensures functional condition
• conducting situational awareness assessment to identify potential risks
• identifying unsafe and ineffective handsignalling positions
• taking up handsignalling position that enables effective communication with driver
• using hand signal commands to instruct a train driver
• applying procedures for the use of audible track warning devices
• explaining appropriate action in the event of an unsafe situation and/or emergency

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 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
• 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.

Worksites may include:

• rail corridor
• danger zone:

• running line
• parallel networks (adjacent access providers, shared corridor)
• adjacent lines
• sidings/yards

• platforms/buildings
• structures

Terminology used will be:

• as defined by the applicable track safeworking system and operating procedures

Work may occur:

• under varied visibility conditions

Situational awareness will be:

• as defined within the workplace procedures
• as defined in the risk assessment for situational awareness including:

• view - line of sight
• direction of approaching trains
• speed of approaching trains
• position of safety
• changed local conditions

Communications may include:

• receive and pass on verbal messages/information
• report unsafe situations and respond to emergencies
• general safety and emergency messages

Communications equipment and systems may include:

• hand and audible signals

Safety clothing and equipment may include:

• high visibility clothing
• protective footwear
• hearing protection

Where applicable, worksite protection equipment may include:

• warning devices, whistles and sirens
• audible track warning devices
• demarcation barriers
• lights and flags
• electronic devices

Information and documents may include:

• workplace procedures, policies and work instructions
• worksite safety plan
• emergency plan
• pre-work briefing and worksite protection plan

Unsafe situations may include:

• risks to the individual
• risks to the public
• risks to the trains
• risks to the physical assets of the network

Audible track warning devices may be known as:

• railway track signals
• detonators

Communication protocols may include:

• general safety
• transmitting and receiving messages:

• identification
• standard radio terms
• phonetic alphabet
• testing communications equipment

• emergency messages

Competency Field 

F - Safety Management