Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply applicable safeworking rules and regulations to rail functions carried out on rail networks. It includes the correct use of communication protocols; interpreting and responding to radio, hand signal and light commands; interpreting and following relevant safeworking rules and protocols; and taking appropriate action in the event of safety incidents, unsafe situations or emergencies. Licensing or certification requirements are not applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Work involves the application of the relevant principles, protocols, rules and requirements of the legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines to the work activities of the rail occupation concerned.

Work is performed under 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 Apply safeworking rules and regulations 

1.1 Relevant safeworking system for the area where work activities are to be carried out is identified prior to commencing work

1.2 Relevant rules for the applicable safeworking system are followed when carrying out activities as part of rail operation

1.3 All work activities are conducted in compliance with the relevant state/territory safeworking regulations pertaining to the activities concerned

2 Apply communication protocols 

2.1 Communication protocols are followed in accordance with the applicable safeworking system requirements

2.2 Appropriate records of communications are maintained as required within the applicable safeworking system rules and procedures

3 Use and interpret radio , hand , light and flag commands 

3.1 The applicable safeworking system rules and procedures are applied in the use and interpretation of radio, hand, light and flag commands

3.2 Hand signals are only used in conditions of good visibility

3.3 Any command not clearly understood is regarded as a 'STOP' command in accordance with applicable safeworking system rules and regulations

4 Follow safeworking protocols 

4.1 Where applicable, relevant protocols are followed as specified in the safeworking system rules and procedures

4.2 Appropriate records and documentation are completed in accordance with the requirements of the applicable safeworking system rules and procedures

5 Take action in the event of unsafe situations or emergencies 

5.1 Unsafe situations are identified in accordance with the requirements of the applicable safeworking system rules and procedures

5.2 Where a safety incident, unsafe situation or emergency has been identified, appropriate action is taken to report and/or control the incident or situation in accordance with the limits of responsibility of the worker concerned and the requirements of the applicable safeworking system rules and procedures

6 Record unsafe situations or emergencies 

6.1 Appropriate records and documentation of an identified unsafe situation, an emergency, or a safety incident are completed in accordance with the requirements of the applicable safeworking system rules and procedures

6.2 Records of identified unsafe situations, emergencies, or safety incidents are maintained in accordance with the requirements of the applicable safeworking system rules and procedures

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

• Relevant OH&S and environmental protection legislation and policies

• Basic understanding of applicable safeworking systems, requirements and limitations

• Rail terminology as defined in the applicable safeworking system

• Action to be taken in the event of safety incidents, identified unsafe situations and emergencies within the limits of responsibility under the applicable safeworking systems

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when applying safeworking rules and regulations to rail functions

• Read and interpret relevant safeworking rules, regulations and instructions applicable to the rail operations concerned

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to safeworking requirements applicable to the rail operations concerned

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others to fulfil safeworking requirements applicable to the rail operations concerned

• Implement contingency plans for unplanned events

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

• Recognise problems and hazards that may arise during rail operations and take appropriate action

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

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

• Check compliance between work and safeworking rules and regulations and take appropriate action as per standard operating procedures when non-compliance is identified

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 all applicable safeworking systems for their applicable occupation
• using and responding appropriately to a range of radio, hand, light and flag signals as used for their applicable occupation
• identifying unsafe or emergency situations that could occur in their workplace and appropriate responses

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.

Work may include:

• rail operations carried out in the state/territory concerned and covered by the legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

Terminology and related meanings will be:

• as defined within the applicable safeworking system

Work may occur:

• by day or night
• in both normal and emergency situations
• in all weather conditions

Communication protocols will be as specified within applicable safeworking system and may include:

• general safety
• emergency messages
• testing communications equipment
• transmitting and receiving messages
• identification
• standard radio terms
• phonetic alphabet
• spoken figures

Communications equipment may include:

• hand-held or portable equipment
• fixed equipment
• mobile/satellite phones
• specialised testing facilities

Radio, hand, light and flag commands will be:

• as defined within the applicable safeworking system

Track work protocols will be:

• as defined within the applicable safeworking system

Safety clothing and equipment may include:

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

Information and documents may include:

• instructions of relevant rail authorities concerning rail safety and operations
• workplace procedures, policies and work instructions
• relevant occupancy authorities (where applicable)
• train authorities (where applicable)
• worksite safety plan (where applicable)
• Emergency Response Plan (ER Plan) and emergency procedure manuals
• train running information (TRI)
• train notices
• train register books
• failure reports
• local instructions
• take-off location documents
• level crossing location documents
• track and infrastructure drawings and diagrams
• plant, equipment, track vehicle and communications equipment registers
• operating and maintenance instructions of relevant equipment manufacturers
• repair cards and books
• voice communications log
• safeworking forms

Applicable legislation, regulations and codes 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 Australian Standards and related requirements including AS 4292
• relevant state/territory OH&S regulations
• state, federal or territory environmental protection legislation
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements, including workplace agreements and awards

Competency Field 

F - Safety Management