1 Identify pre-departure checks

1.1 Required checks, and relevant procedures and standards are identified in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.2 Constraints and special instructions that may apply for the journey are identified

1.3 Where necessary, compliance with the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code and relevant regulatory requirements are identified

2 Implement pre-departure checks

2.1 Locomotive control systems are set up and checked in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.2 Train is checked to ensure that rolling stock is coupled and sequenced correctly

2.3 Train braking systems are tested to ensure they are operating effectively in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.4 Action is taken to rectify any identified faults to ensure minimum delay to planned running schedule

3 Confirm train can proceed

3.1 Relevant personnel are advised of the result of completed checks

3.2 Authority to proceed relevant to the operational situation is obtained and followed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Applicable sections of legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and/or territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

Communication procedures and protocols

Maintenance and servicing procedures

Procedures to be followed in an emergency

Relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) and environmental procedures and regulations

Relevant sections of the ADG Code and any other dangerous goods regulations (for freight operations only)

Train preparation documentation procedures

Required skills:

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

Communicate effectively with others when preparing a train for operation

Complete documentation related to preparing a train for operation

Modify activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to preparing a train for operation

Report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when preparing a train for operation in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

Work collaboratively with others when preparing a train for operation

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

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the required knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Constraints and special instructions may include:

speed restrictions

shunt requirements

ADG separation

locomotive marshalling

network owner requirements

Safety and protective equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

gloves

sunscreen and sunglasses

safety glasses

insect repellent

safety headwear and footwear

portable radios

mobile/satellite phones

hand lamps

flags

safety devices

hearing protection

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, organisational procedures may be known as:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

workplace procedures

established procedures

Information/documents may include:

train consists

train notices

out-of-gauge notices

dangerous goods documentation

brake certification

load/passenger manifests

OH&S and environmental protection legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures

local instructions

emergency procedure documentation

manufacturer specifications

equipment operations manuals

conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

relevant Australian Standards including AS 4292 Railway safety management

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation