Unit of competency details

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify the principles of mechanised track laying operations.

The unit provides an introduction to mechanised track laying machines and is not to be used for their operation, which must be covered by individual certification for the particular machine or individual work stations.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit.

Operators of mechanised track laying machines must have undertaken training and hold the relevant licence, permit or certificate and be recognised as competent for each type of machinery being used.

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 components and work stations of mechanised track laying machines 

1.1 Identify components and where applicable individual work stations of mechanised track laying machines

1.2 Purpose of the identified components and work stations is identified

1.3 Associated hazards of each component and work station and appropriate control methods are identified

2 Identify basic functions of mechanised track laying 

2.1 Purposes of mechanised track laying are identified

2.2 Methods by which the mechanised track laying machine constructs or refurbishes track to meet network owner’s standards are identified

3 Identify hazards and risks associated with mechanised track laying operations 

3.1 Environmental risks are identified

3.2 Risks to the rail infrastructure are identified

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge: 

• Relevant safety, OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

• Workplace procedures for using a mechanised track laying machine

• Problems that may occur when track laying, and action that can be taken to resolve and report them

• Hazards that may exist when track laying, and ways of controlling the risks involved

Required skills: 

• Use agreed communication methods

• Work collaboratively with others when track laying

• Use appropriate numeric functions when track laying

• Report problems, faults and malfunctions that may occur when using a mechanised track laying machine in accordance with organisational procedures

• Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to equipment in accordance with organisational procedures

• Select and use required personal protective equipment (PPE)

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

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 

• 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.

Components may include: 

• sleeper table
• front liner
• steering
• rear liner
• laying frame
• plough
• old sleeper pick-up
• ballast conveyor
• cutter bar and chain
• gantry crane
• control panels
• rail feeders
• rail clamps
• new sleeper laying base

Work stations may include: 

• drive station
• main operator station
• pad layer station
• chain operator station
• deflection operator station
• rail feeder station
• gantry crane operator station
• jewellery wagon

Environmental hazards may include: 

• dust
• noise
• oil or fuel spills
• environmentally sensitive sites
• hazardous substances
• flying debris

Risks to rail infrastructure may include: 

• sleeper damage
• fastener damage
• drainage
• structures
• formation
• signage/track survey monuments
• signalling equipment
• in-track and trackside equipment
• damage to adjacent line
• damage/fouling points and crossings
• damage to external assets

Communication systems may include: 

• two-way radios
• telephones, including mobile phones
• agreed audible or hand signals

Depending on work context, safety and PPE may include: 

• high visibility clothing
• hearing protection
• gloves
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• safety glasses
• dust mask
• insect repellent
• safety headwear
• safety footwear
• portable radios and mobile phones
• hand lamps
• flags
• safety devices

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, organisational procedures may include: 

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• workplace procedures
• established procedures

Information and documents may include: 

• operational instructions, policies and workplace procedures
• local authority regulations and procedures
• technical instructions
• manufacturer or workplace equipment instructions and operation manuals
• emergency procedure manuals
• two-way radio or mobile telephone operation procedures

Applicable procedures and codes may include: 

• relevant state and territory legislation relating to:

• environmental protection
• OH&S
• rail safety