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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Inspect and prepare locomotive
  2. Identification and location of locomotive is confirmed
  3. Logbook and locomotive are checked for out of service indications and to confirm serviceability
  4. Locomotive kit and equipment are checked as required, and defects and deficiencies are recorded and rectified, isolated, tagged or reported as required, in accordance with organisational procedures
  5. Fuel, lubricating oils, water, coolant and sand equipment are checked as required and then replenished as required, in accordance with manufacturer and/or organisational procedures
  6. Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and control measures are implemented
  7. External visual checks are conducted in accordance with manufacturer and/or organisational policies and procedures
  8. Start up locomotive
  9. Locomotive is started in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or organisational procedures
  10. Operating faults are identified, diagnosed, rectified and/or reported and recorded in appropriate records
  11. All instruments and gauges are observed and readings are interpreted to confirm effective operation in accordance with manufacturer and/or organisational procedures
  12. Fluid levels are rechecked after starting, as required, and appropriate action is taken as required
  13. Conduct in-cab checks
  14. Locomotive in-cab checks are conducted in accordance with manufacturer and/or organisational policies and procedures
  15. Vigilance and safety controls and indicators are checked to ensure they are functioning correctly and appropriate action is taken if they are not working correctly
  16. Communications equipment is checked to ensure it is functioning correctly and appropriate action is taken if it is not working correctly
  17. Personal in-cab equipment and crew comfort requirements are checked and adjusted for correct functionality and comfort
  18. Auxiliary and emergency equipment is checked and confirmed to be operational in accordance with operating requirements
  19. Conduct post start-up checks
  20. Post start-up checks are carried out to ensure locomotive is braking and powering effectively and is safe to move, in accordance with manufacturer and/or organisational policies and procedures
  21. Communications equipment is obtained and checked, as required, to ensure it is functional
  22. Pantographs are raised or lowered and confirmed to be operational, as required, in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or organisational procedures
  23. Complete start-up documentation
  24. All required documentation concerning inspecting the locomotive is completed and processed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
  25. Logbook and other locomotive service records are completed and stored in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
  26. Stable locomotive
  27. Location for stabling locomotive is identified and confirmed with appropriate personnel
  28. Directions of appropriate personnel are interpreted and followed as required
  29. Locomotive is stabled and shut down in accordance with manufacturer and/or organisational procedures
  30. Locomotive is secured in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
  31. Control equipment and cab are secured in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
  32. Additional protection is set in place as required, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
  33. Carry out post-operational checks
  34. Fuel, oil, water and sand levels are checked as required and then replenished as required
  35. Outcomes of post-operational checks are recorded and processed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

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:

adapting to differences in locomotives and associated equipment and procedures

communicating effectively with others

completing all pre start-up checks on a locomotive

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

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures and information and signs.


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:

auxiliary systems on a locomotive, and related checks and workplace procedures

braking and safety system procedures for a locomotive

defects that can occur on a locomotive and related action that should be taken

external features of a locomotive that must be checked during a visual inspection

functions of all supervisory indicators and controls, and related checks for correct operation

inspection procedures for a locomotive

lubrication requirements for a locomotive

procedures and required protocol for operating electronic communications equipment

purpose and location of controls, monitoring devices, braking, power source and traction systems

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

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