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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Assist with preparing for train operation
  2. Planning documentation is accessed and interpreted to determine journey purpose, constraints, loading information and characteristics, and is confirmed with driver
  3. Visual inspections of equipment are carried out and identified faults or defects are appropriately reported in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer specifications
  4. Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and control measures are implemented
  5. Assistance is provided with pre-operational checking and testing of equipment in accordance with workplace policies and procedures
  6. Assist with train operation
  7. Motive power unit is monitored in conjunction with driver, in accordance with workplace procedures
  8. Guidance is provided to driver while stopping and starting to ensure safety of personnel and equipment
  9. Train running schedules are monitored and recorded to assist with on-time running
  10. Performance of equipment and rolling stock is monitored en route to identify faults or defects and appropriate action is taken as required in accordance with workplace procedures
  11. Security of loading and all other aspects of the train are monitored en route and abnormalities are dealt with in accordance with workplace procedures
  12. Signals and track/road are monitored en route in accordance with workplace procedures
  13. Stable or handover train
  14. Appropriate assistance is provided when train is stabled in accordance with safeworking system requirements, operational instructions and workplace procedures
  15. Safety devices are activated or put in position in accordance with operational instructions and workplace procedures to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment
  16. Prior to handover, documentation relevant to the train and activities undertaken en route is updated, provided to relief crew and/or forwarded to appropriate personnel in accordance with workplace 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, performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying relevant rail safety and workplace procedures

assisting driver in monitoring train performance and as required, security of load

assisting in stabling and securing train

assisting with preparing trains prior to operation

communicating effectively with others when assisting with train operations

conducting handover and stabling activities correctly

documenting train journey and incidents

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

identifying possible faults and defects that could occur and appropriate responses

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational hazards and taking appropriate action

monitoring journey schedule

monitoring the operation of different train types in normal operation in accordance with workplace procedures

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

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures and information

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

selecting and using relevant equipment and materials when assisting with train operations

working collaboratively with others when assisting with train operations

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, performance criteria and include knowledge of:

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

documentation required during and after train operations

electronic communications equipment protocols

emergency procedures

motive power unit and rolling stock systems

problems that can occur when assisting with train operations and action that should be taken

procedures for assisting a driver in monitoring train operations and performance

procedures for completing required documentation

procedures for coupling/uncoupling motive power units and rolling stock

procedures for fixed and hand signalling and voice communication

procedures for identifying equipment defects and assessing for appropriate action

relevant rail danger zones

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

relevant safeworking systems and requirements

relevant train operations, procedures and operating requirements

track or road characteristics

train characteristics.