This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply rail resource management (RRM) principles to rail activities.

It includes identifying and applying RRM principles to personal leadership, task management, teamwork, communications, risk management, situational awareness, decision making, managing emergencies and self-management.

This unit covers the application of RRM principles in a management role within the rail industry. It can be applied to freight, heavy haul or metropolitan and regional passenger rail systems.

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

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Apply RRM principles to personal leadership 

1.1

Personal responsibility is taken in accordance with RRM principles

1.2

Decisiveness is demonstrated when mitigating risk, in accordance with RRM principles

1.3

Interventions are made when rules and procedures are not followed by team members, in accordance with RRM principles

1.4

Own and team performance is monitored in accordance with RRM principles

1.5

Participation in task planning and analysis by team members is encouraged where appropriate, in accordance with RRM principles

1.6

Situational leadership is demonstrated in accordance with RRM principles

2 

Apply RRM principles to task management 

2.1

Attention is focused and distractions are managed in normal and high workload situations

2.2

Actions of team members are monitored and cross-checked in accordance with RRM principles

2.3

Workloads are managed by prioritising and delegating safety-critical and routine tasks

2.4

Existing work plans are reviewed and modified as required

2.5

Automated systems and controls are managed effectively

2.6

Multiple tasks and high workload are identified and prioritised in accordance with RRM principles

2.7

Time constraints are discussed with team members when managing workload

3 

Apply RRM principles to teamwork 

3.1

Assistance and advice is provided to team members

3.2

Workload of team members is considered before interacting with them

3.3

Team awareness of safety is enhanced by sharing experiences

3.4

Open communication and effective working relationships with others are established

3.5

Professional or personal biases are identified and put aside to promote cooperation

3.6

Interpersonal skills are used to defuse arguments and to resolve conflict

3.7

Advice is sought and considered from team members and/or relevant sources as required

4 

Apply RRM principles to communications 

4.1

Information and operational plans are shared with others as required, prior to commencing work

4.2

Critical events are debriefed to improve the way they are handled next time

4.3

Understanding is confirmed at end of a briefing or debriefing

4.4

Questions are asked to clarify understanding

4.5

Relevant information is passed on to keep team members up-to-date

4.6

Instructions, information and explanations are given in a clear and unambiguous manner

4.7

Correct radio protocol is used at all times

4.8

Proper handover to another person or team is conducted at end of shift for critical operational tasks

5 

Apply RRM principles to risk management 

5.1

Principles of threat and error management are applied in rail industry workplaces

5.2

Particular caution is exercised under unusual or demanding conditions

5.3

Deadlines are balanced with safety considerations

5.4

Tasks are carried out in accordance with risk management policies and procedures

5.5

Rules and procedures are followed at all times

5.6

Management of potential hazards and/or abnormal situations is discussed with team members

5.7

Equipment is operated safely in accordance with rules and limits

6 

Apply RRM principles to decision making 

6.1

Relevant information to help understand problem is gathered and analysed

6.2

Opinions and suggestions are sought from others before deciding what to do

6.3

Available time is used to consider all options, not just the most obvious alternative

6.4

Potential risks for each alternative being considered are discussed with appropriate personnel

6.5

Appropriate option/s is selected and implemented based on available information

6.6

Outcome of decision/s is reviewed to ensure solution was effective

7 

Apply RRM principles to managing emergencies 

7.1

Risk is regularly re-assessed when dealing with emergency situations

7.2

Training and experience is applied to carry out most important actions in an emergency

7.3

Reassurance is given to others to help them remain calm in an emergency

7.4

Action is taken to protect passengers and/or rail workers from further danger in an emergency

8 

Apply RRM principles to self-management 

8.1

Composure is shown in managing emergency and/or other demanding situations

8.2

Effects of fatigue in self and/or others are recognised and appropriate action is taken to manage this

8.3

Effectiveness is maintained under stress or periods of high workload

8.4

Assistance is requested to deal with difficult or abnormal situations

This unit replaces and is equivalent to TLIL5066A Apply rail resource management principles.

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:

• accessing and using rail industry standards
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others, particularly in relation to interpreting complex information relating to rail operations
• developing and maintaining currency of rail industry knowledge and regulatory requirements
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• networking and building relationships with a diverse range of rail industry organisations.

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:

• communications systems, procedures and protocols in the rail industry
• decision-making processes and their application within a rail environment
• key concepts and definitions relating to rail resource management (RRM)
• key emergency management principles and practices associated with railway operations
• leadership principles and practices
• relevant documentation/records
• relevant rail safety, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental legislation
• relevant state/territory legislated rail safety requirements, codes of practice and/or guidelines
• risk management principles and procedures
• task management principles and procedures
• teamwork principles.

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 rail workplace operational situations or, where this is not available, in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate rail 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 RRM principles exercises, case studies and/or simulations related to personal leadership, task management, teamwork, communications, risk management, situational awareness, decision making, managing emergencies and self-management
• relevant and appropriate RRM principle materials, tools and equipment
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.