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 Use stand alone signalling control equipment 

1.1 Signalling/point control equipment is identified and confirmed with network control officer, if applicable

1.2 Authority to operate signalling/point control equipment is obtained from network control officer

1.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn in accordance with Access Provider and organisational requirements

1.4 Track environment is accessed safely in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5 Changed local conditions are identified

1.6 Stand alone signalling control equipment is operated safely in accordance with any local instructions

1.7 Route is set and confirmed as correct to facilitate safe rail vehicle movement

1.8 Communication with network control officer is maintained using appropriate communication protocols and systems in accordance with workplace procedures

1.9 Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified and appropriate action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures

2 Restore stand alone signalling control equipment 

2.1 Network control officer is informed when rail vehicle/s are clear of fouling points

2.2 Stand alone signalling/point control equipment is restored to correct position

2.3 Restoration is confirmed with network control officer

2.4 Where required, signalling/point control equipment is locked and secured in accordance with workplace procedures

2.5 Any identified equipment faults are reported 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

• Operational communication protocols and systems

• Rail terminology as defined by the applicable Access Provider

• Recognition of points, signals and location features

Required skills: 

• Communicate effectively with individuals and work groups

• Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols

• Identify unsafe situations and emergencies

• Operate points and signal controls

• Use appropriate PPE 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
• other relevant aspects of the range statement

• Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

• explaining procedures to maintain communication with network control officer
• selecting and wearing appropriate PPE
• correctly operating stand alone signalling and point control equipment
• correctly restoring stand alone signalling and point control equipment
• demonstrating locking and, where required, securing stand alone signalling control equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated in a suitable context
• 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/or
• 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.

Work locations may include:

• rail corridor
• danger zone:

• running line
• sidings/yards

• platforms/buildings

Terminology will be:

• as defined by the Access Provider

Work may occur:

• by day or night
• under varied weather conditions and situations

Safety assessment will be:

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

• view - line of sight
• direction of approaching trains
• speed of approaching trains
• position of safety
• changed local conditions

Network control officer may be:

• network controller
• train controller
• area controller
• signaller

Communication may include:

• receiving and passing on verbal messages/information
• reporting unsafe situations and responding to emergencies
• general safety and emergency messages

Communication protocols and systems may include:

• general safety
• transmitting and receiving messages:

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

• emergency messages

Safety clothing and equipment may include:

• high visibility clothing
• protective footwear
• hearing protection

Rail vehicles may include:

• trains
• road/rail vehicles
• track vehicles

Stand alone signalling equipment may include:

• dual control point machines
• ground frames
• switchlocks
• plunger lock points
• small signal boxes
• quadrant levers
• master keys
• tokens
• Annett keys