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 track work authority 

1.1 Worksite protection plan is sourced and read for TWA terms

1.2 Network control officer is notified of the intention to use a TWA

1.3 Responsibilities of protection officer for worksite protection are identified from the worksite protection plan

2 Issue a track work authority 

2.1 Permission to issue a TWA is requested from network control officer

2.2 Permission to use a TWA is documented in accordance with Access Provider requirements

2.3 Equipment required for TWA protection is identified and checked for functional condition

2.4 Protection is placed in accordance with the worksite protection plan

2.5 Work group supervisor is advised that protection is in place

3 Manage rail traffic 

3.1 Vigilance is maintained and protection officer is alerted to approaching rail traffic in accordance with workplace rules and procedures

3.2 Arrangements are made for equipment to be removed from the danger zone

3.3 Work group is instructed to move to a safe place prior to passage of rail traffic

3.4 Safety of track for passage of rail traffic is confirmed with work group supervisor

3.5 Instructions are issued to rail traffic in accordance with workplace procedures

3.6 That worksite protection is in place prior to work groups returning to the worksite is ensured

3.7 Protection, placement and equipment is continually monitored for effectiveness in accordance with safety assessment

4 Fulfil the track work authority 

4.1 Communication is conducted with work group supervisor to confirm that work activity is complete and track is safe

4.2 Network control officer is advised that the TWA has been fulfilled

4.3 Fulfilment of TWA is documented in accordance with Access Provider and/or organisational requirements

5 Manage unsafe situations or emergencies 

5.1 Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified

5.2 Work group is instructed to move to a safe place

5.3 Appropriate action is taken to minimise risk and/or injury in accordance with workplace procedures

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

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

Required knowledge: 

• Access Provider policies, procedures and protocols for identified unsafe situations or emergencies within workplace role

• Access Provider rules and procedures

• Access Provider rules and procedures for working around electrical infrastructure

• Audible warning equipment and its use

• Equipment available for worksite protection

• Hand, light and flag signals and signs used by day or night

• Operational communication protocols and systems

• Positioning requirements for hand signallers

• Rail terminology as defined by the applicable Access Provider

• Track work authorities

• Worksite protection plans

Required skills: 

• Apply procedures for the use of railway track signals when applicable

• Communicate effectively with individuals and work groups

• Effectively place protection

• Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols

• Identify, respond to and/or report unsafe situations and emergencies

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Use required personal protective equipment 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:

• reading and interpreting responsibilities for worksite protection from worksite safety plan
• identifying appropriate resources for worksite protection
• conducting pre-start briefing for work group
• determining and setting out protection
• coordinating protection as rail traffic travels through worksite
• explaining how to manage unsafe situations and emergencies

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 knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and
• 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.

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

Safety assessment will be:

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

• view - line of sight
• direction of approaching rail traffic
• speed of approaching rail traffic
• safety place
• changed local conditions

Communications equipment and systems may include:

• hand and audible signals
• two-way radio
• telephone/mobile phone
• signage

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
• railway track signals
• demarcation barriers
• lights and flags
• electronic devices

Network control officer may be:

• network controller
• train controller
• area controller
• signaller

Information and documents may include:

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

Unsafe situations may include:

• risks to the individual
• risks to other workers
• risks to the public
• risks to rail traffic
• risks to network physical assets

Audible warning equipment may include:

• horn
• whistle

Communication protocols may include:

• general safety
• transmitting and receiving messages:

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

• emergency messages

Worksite protection plans may include:

• defining the limits of the worksite
• identifying safe places
• identifying positions for inner/outer handsignaller and lookouts
• identifying level and pedestrian crossings
• identifying fixed rail infrastructure including:

• signals
• overhead structures
• bridges/tunnels
• turn outs

• minimum sighting distances
• parallel lines

Considerations for TWA placement may include:

• meaning of:

• inner protection
• outer protection
• intermediate

• hand signals
• train speeds
• line of sight
• location conditions
• worksite characteristics
• multiple work activities
• type of work activity