Persons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines.

Work is performed under minimal supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures to the inspection of poles and associated hardware as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Plan and prepare for inspection

1.1 Inspection program or works order is received/ accessed, analysed and confirmed, if necessary by site inspection

1.2 Resources required for the job are identified and scheduled

1.3 Liaison and communication issues are resolved

1.4 Personnel participating in task, including plant operators and contractors, are fully briefed

2Conduct inspection of poles and associated hardware

2.1 Worksite requirements are confirmed and hazards identified by site inspection

2.2 Road signs, barriers and warning devices are positioned, and worksite protection is provided

2.3 Safeworking practices are observed on or about the running line/track

2.4 Pole structures, including foundations and hardware, are inspected by test or examination against approved specifications

3Complete the inspection

3.1 Worksite is rehabilitated, and work is completed in an agreed time and with minimum waste

3.2 Inspection reports are completed and pole records are updated according to workplace procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

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

Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations, including OH&S instructions related to pole erection, site safety and rescue techniques

Workplace procedures for the inspection of poles and associated hardware

Problems that may occur during the inspection of poles and associated hardware, and action that can be taken to report or resolve the problems

Hazards that may exist when inspecting poles and associated hardware and ways of controlling the risks involved

Workplace and commercial technical manuals, publications and instructions which relate to pole quality and chemical treatment

Characteristics, capabilities, uses, limitations and location standards of the types of poles

Mechanical principles related to structures

Pole maintenance techniques and processes

Soil types and stabilisation processes

Diagnostic and fault finding techniques relevant to the inspection of poles and associated hardware

Regulatory and workplace requirements for rigging, traffic control and guidance signals for planned operations

Workplace documentation and records systems related to pole management

Procedures for the use of relevant support plant and equipment

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when inspecting poles and associated hardware

Communicate plans, intentions and safety criteria to others

Read and interpret technical instructions and manuals, procedures, information and signs relevant to the inspection of poles and associated hardware

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the inspection of poles and associated hardware

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when inspecting poles and associated hardware

Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when inspecting poles and associated hardware in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events when inspecting poles and associated hardware

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

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

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

Adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Select and use appropriate pole testing equipment

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

Use hand tools

Operate relevant minor plant and 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 underpinning 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

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

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 at the registered training organisation, 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.

Operations may be conducted:

by day or night

in all relevant weather conditions

Work may be conducted in:

restricted spaces or exposed conditions

controlled or open environments

Work may involve exposure to:

chemicals, dangerous or hazardous substances

movements of equipment, materials and vehicles

Pole types may include:

wood

concrete

steel

composite

Associated hardware may include:

insulators

crossarms

stays

earth down leads and bond wires

crossarm braces

pole steps

shackle straps

associated bolts and clamps

Maintenance requirements may be obtained from:

site inspection

works orders

workplace personnel

client requests

Inspection/testing devices may include:

electronic data capture devices

computers

sonic testing devices

shigometer

X-ray

CAT-scanner

proof load tester

drills

Works orders may include:

drawings

plans

resource and materials lists.

materials lists

Resources may include:

personnel

plant

equipment

transport

Liaison may involve:

clients

authorities

landowners

personnel

Communication equipment may include:

two-way radios

telephones

Information may be provided:

electronically

in writing, via forms/documents

orally, via face-to-face communications

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Safety and protective equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

hearing protection

gloves

sunscreen

sunglasses

safety glasses

insect repellent

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radios

hand lamps

flags

safety devices

Information/documents may include:

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

relevant log or record book

maintenance notices, records and requests

local instructions

manufacturers or workplace equipment operation manuals

operational instructions, policies and workplace procedures

emergency procedure manuals

two-way radio operation procedures

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

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

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

relevant Australian Standards and related requirements

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

This unit contains employability skills.