Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare to assist with operating a steam locomotive
- Roster is checked and interpreted for day’s operational activities
- Allocation of locomotive is checked
- Train schedules/notices and other operational and regulatory documentation are accessed and interpreted in accordance with workplace procedures
- Personal protective equipment required to operate the locomotive is obtained
- Trackside safety and electrification awareness procedures are followed while locating allocated locomotive
- Prepare and start a steam locomotive
- Logbook is checked to confirm serviceability of locomotive
- Locomotive is confirmed as being securely stabled prior to commencing preparation and safety checks
- Preparation and safety checks are conducted in accordance with work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and other organisational policies and procedures
- Water levels and fuels are checked and replenished as required
- Mechanical equipment is checked and appropriate action is taken as required
- Fire is lit and steam is raised in accordance with organisational instructions, with consideration for thermal expansion and in accordance with environmental procedures and practices
- For critical or serious equipment faults that cannot be readily rectified, fire is dropped, faulty equipment is isolated and problem is reported for rectification
- All indicators and gauges are continuously monitored and readings are interpreted to confirm effective pressure, water level and air operation, and where a problem is indicated, action is taken to determine the cause and to rectify or report the situation
- Operation of locomotive equipment is established and verified
- Assist with coupling, uncoupling and securing rail vehicles
- Rail vehicles are positioned to meet coupling requirements in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- Coupling systems are identified and applied appropriately to couple and/or uncouple rail vehicles
- Connecting hoses and electrical couplings are connected/disconnected in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- Hand brakes and other securing devices are applied/released and attached/removed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- Assist with operating a steam locomotive
- Safeworking activities are undertaken in accordance with organisational and/or network owner policies and procedures
- Gauges and indicators are monitored and operated in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- Boiler is fired to meet load requirements in accordance with environmental procedures and practices
- Water level is maintained to ensure safe boiler operation meets load requirements and track characteristics
- Assistance with communications is provided when communicating with Network Control Officer and ground staff
- Observation of all aspects of the rail corridor and environs is maintained and communicated to driver in accordance with organisational and/or network owner policies and procedures
- In case of driver being incapacitated, train is stopped, Network Control Officer is informed and instructions are followed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- Assistance with locomotive operation is provided as requested by driver
- Assist with stabling a steam locomotive
- Locomotive is secured in accordance with directions, workplace procedures and rail regulations
- Boiler water levels are checked and replenished as required
- Locomotive is shut down in accordance with operator instructions
- Ash is disposed of responsibly in accordance with network owner and operator policies
- Assistance is provided to conduct a post-operational inspection
- Logbook and other service records on the locomotive are completed in accordance with organisational requirements
- Controls are secured in accordance with organisational procedures