Elements and Performance Criteria

Trains may be operated:
over tracks owned and maintained by different organisations

Motive power units include any motive power units in service within Australian rail systems and may include:
diesel locomotives
electric locomotives
railcars
multiple units
electric multiple units

Rolling stock includes:
any rolling stock in service within Australian rail systems

Operations may be conducted:
by day or night
in all relevant weather conditions

Critical route information may include but is not limited to:
track/bridge limitations
speed limitations
gauge limitation
curves and gradients
curfews
location of signals and crossings
emergency cross-overs
weather conditions along the route
track work along the route
reports of accidents or breakdowns along the route

Depending on context, train management considerations to which route information may be applied may include but are not limited to:
safety of the train and passengers/freight
comfort and quality of ride of passengers
use of track terrain for the advantage of train operations
optimisation of the efficiency of operations
on-time running
wear and tear on rolling stock and motive power units
security of freight in the case of a freight train
size and dimensions of a freight train and its load

Relevant personnel may include:
train controllers
train examiners
maintenance personnel
train crews
yard and other operational personnel
those providing operational assistance
signals staff
passengers
station staff

Communication protocols may include but are not limited to:
general safety
emergency messages
testing communications equipment
transmitting and receiving messages
identification
standard radio terms
phonetic alphabet
spoken figures

Communications equipment may include but is not limited to:
train intercom
hand-held or portable radio equipment
fixed radio equipment
computer-based communications equipment
specialised testing facilities

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

Information/documents may include:
applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
motive power unit log book
train running sheets
route information
local instructions
track speed, length and load limitations
train notices, records and requests
weather information and alerts
specified operating limits and optimum efficiency running speeds for motive power units
operational instructions, protocols, policies and procedures, including:
those related to preventing trains from moving
track speed, length and load limitations
monitoring and complying with signals
operating in accordance with track condition
equipment operation manuals and maintenance specifications
emergency procedure manuals
two-way radio operation procedures
procedures for using protective clothing and equipment
emergency procedures manual
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant state/territory codes of practice and safeworking system requirements
relevant Australian standards and related requirements
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

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 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/or equipment, and/or
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace