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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Identify train operating requirements
  2. Train timetables, shunting requirements and track conditions for each line or service are identified and records are kept up-to-date
  3. Tonnage of individual trains is identified to enable planning of suitable motive power
  4. Routine usage of motive power units is established to provide an initial allocation framework
  5. Contingency plans covering operational problems are developed and their impact on motive power requirements are taken into account
  6. Establish motive power requirements and availability
  7. Availability of all motive power units is determined including location, operational status, special and routine maintenance requirements
  8. Motive power required to haul tonnage is determined for each train/service and support activity consistent with track geography, gauge, train weight and conditions is identified
  9. Allocate individual motive power units
  10. Motive power units, including railcar and locomotive types, are allocated to ensure train and support activities are serviced
  11. Allocations are documented and communicated to operations personnel and feedback is sought to ensure suitability of units planned
  12. Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are identified and included in allocation considerations
  13. Documentation authorising the use of allocated motive power for the train service is completed and processed
  14. Monitor and adjust motive power allocation
  15. Use and requirements for motive power are monitored and possible allocation changes are determined to maintain efficient use of resources
  16. Contingency plans for unexpected non-availability of specific motive power units or operational non-performance are implemented
  17. Changes to allocation are negotiated with operational personnel and motive power maintenance personnel, to achieve suitable outcomes
  18. Changes to allocation are negotiated with operational personnel and motive power maintenance personnel to achieve suitable outcomes

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:

adjusting motive power allocation

applying relevant safeworking system and workplace procedures

communicating and negotiating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

establishing motive power requirements and availability, and allocating individual motive power units

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

identifying train operating requirements

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 and information

reading and interpreting train graphs and diagrams

reporting and/or rectifying problems, faults or malfunctions in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

selecting and using relevant computing and communications equipment and materials when allocating motive power

selecting and using required personal protective equipment (PPE) conforming to industry and work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) standards

working collaboratively with others when allocating motive power

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:

allocation and maintenance schedules for motive power units

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

communication and negotiation requirements when allocating motive power

crew requirements and working patterns

documentation and record requirements

emergency management procedures

equipment and materials used when allocating motive power, and procedures that should be followed in their use

gauges, distance, gradients and tonnages for relevant track area

motive power units and specifications, capabilities and capacity

problems that may occur when allocating motive power and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve these problems

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations, including codes of practice

timetables and train details

track specifications and limitations

workplace procedures and policies for allocating motive power.