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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for pre-departure checks
  2. Required checks and relevant procedures and standards are identified
  3. Purpose of the journey and activities to be undertaken are identified
  4. Constraints and special instructions that may apply for the journey are identified
  5. Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and risk control measures are implemented
  6. Documentation is read to identify and confirm consist, attach/detach information and characteristics of the train
  7. Implement pre-departure checks
  8. Train, or relevant portion of the train, is checked to ensure that rolling stock is coupled and sequenced correctly
  9. Rolling stock is checked to ensure it is fit for operation in accordance with regulatory requirements and organisational procedures
  10. Assistance is provided when train braking systems are tested to ensure they are operating effectively
  11. Visual inspection is conducted to identify obvious faults or defects that would prevent safe transit
  12. Action is taken within limits of own role to rectify faults and ensure minimum delay to planned running schedule
  13. Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage
  14. Confirm train can proceed
  15. Documentation is completed after checking rolling stock and train equipment in accordance with organisational procedures
  16. Relevant personnel are promptly advised of the result of completed checks
  17. Authority to proceed relevant to the operational situation is obtained and followed

Performance Evidence

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:

applying relevant workplace procedures

carrying out all pre-departure checks in accordance with workplace procedures

communicating effectively with others when preparing a train for operation

identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

identifying typical faults and defects for the type of rolling stock being operated

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

reporting and rectifying within limits of own role identified problems, faults and malfunctions, in accordance with workplace procedures

testing braking systems in accordance with workplace procedures

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.


Knowledge Evidence

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:

applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements and relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines

contingency management processes

emergency procedures

pre-departure train testing procedures

procedures for preparing a train for operation

relevant methods to overcome identified faults and defects

relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations

safeworking systems and requirements

train characteristics and specifications

train coupling equipment and methods

train preparation documentation procedures.