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 Clip and secure points 

Advice is confirmed as to the location and identification of points to be clipped and secured

Position that points are to be clipped in is confirmed

Relevant yard personnel are contacted and informed as required in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

Equipment is checked for availability and suitability to perform job in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

Where required, points are placed in correct position in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

Point clips are fitted in correct position and, where required, locked in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

Relevant yard personnel are notified that points are clipped and secured

2 Remove points clip 

2.1 Advice is confirmed as to the location and identification of points to be unclipped

2.2 Relevant yard personnel are contacted and informed as required in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

2.3 Equipment is removed from track, secured and stowed appropriately

2.4 Where required, points are restored to correct position in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

2.5 Relevant yard personnel are notified that clip and, where used, lock has been removed

3 Apply safety devices 

3.1 Advice is confirmed as to the location and identification of safety device/s to be applied

3.2 Position that safety device/s are to be placed in is confirmed

3.3 Equipment is checked for integrity in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

3.4 Safety device/s are placed in correct position and, where required, locked in accordance with network owner policies and procedures

3.5 Relevant yard personnel are notified that safety device/s are applied and secured

4 Remove safety devices 

4.1 Advice is confirmed as to the location and identification of safety device/s to be removed

4.2 Safety device/s are removed from track, secured and stowed appropriately

4.3 Relevant yard personnel are notified that safety device/s and, where used, lock have been removed

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

Required knowledge: 

• Organisational and/or network owner policies and procedures for placing and removing points, clips and safety devices

• Relevant legislative and regulatory requirements

• Relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and work practices

Required skills: 

• Communicate effectively with individuals and/or groups

• Measure distances

• Read and interpret organisational and/or network owner procedures for placing and removing points, clips and safety devices

• Recognise hazards that may arise and take appropriate action

• Use personal protective equipment conforming to required standards

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 legislation and workplace procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement
• the timeframes typically expected for the work function and industrial environment

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

• correct procedure for determining the location of points to be clipped
• clipping and unclipping points correctly
• applying and removing safety devices

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Performance is demonstrated in a suitable context
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments, and/or
• access to an appropriate relevant location in the rail yard

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including procedures, regulations and codes of practice

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/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace such as a rail yard

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Equipment may include:

• point clips
• locks
• digging equipment
• spanner
• pinch bar
• hammer
• points winding equipment

Points may include:

• swing nose
• electro
• pneumatic
• manual
• ground frames
• trailable

Personal protective equipment may include:

• high visibility clothing
• protective footwear
• hearing protection
• eye protection
• gloves
• head protection

Relevant yard personnel may include:

• yard coordinator
• foreman shunter/shunting supervisor
• senior driver