This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to inspect, prepare and start a motive power unit in accordance with relevant workplace procedures, rail safety regulations and codes of practice.

It includes checking and preparing a motive power unit, visually examining a motive power unit, conducting in-cab checks, and starting and positioning a motive power unit for service in accordance with workplace requirements.

A motive power unit is a rail vehicle used to provide the power to move itself or other vehicles.

People achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements and to comply with relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines.

Work is performed without supervision, generally within a team environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for work activities

1.1

Roster is checked and interpreted for day’s train driving activities

1.2

Allocation of motive power units is checked as required by notices, in conjunction with network control officer and roster clerk

1.3

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and risk control measures are implemented

1.4

Trackside safety and basic electrification awareness procedures are followed as required, while locating allocated motive power unit in the yard

1.5

Motive power unit inspection and preparation duties are identified and interpreted

1.6

Train schedules, notices and other operational and regulatory documentation are accessed and interpreted in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7

Communication equipment required for day’s operations is obtained and checked to ensure it is functional

1.8

Required personal protective equipment is obtained for use prior to day’s train driving activities

1.9

Motive power unit to be inspected and prepared is located in the yard

2

Inspect and prepare motive power unit

2.1

Features, functions and location of motive power unit and associated equipment are identified

2.2

Logbook is checked to confirm serviceability of unit

2.3

Preparation and safety checks are conducted, in accordance with work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and other workplace policies and procedures

2.4

Motive power unit, kit and equipment are checked and defects and deficiencies are recorded and rectified, isolated, tagged or reported as required, in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

2.5

Availability of appropriate fuel, lubricating oils, water, coolant and sand quantities are checked against journey requirements as required and appropriate action is taken to replenish them

2.6

Relevant WHS/OHS and regulatory requirements are followed

3

Start motive power unit

3.1

Motive power unit is started in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or workplace procedures and operating faults are recognised, diagnosed, reported and recorded in appropriate records for follow-up

3.2

Where critical or serious equipment faults cannot be readily rectified, motive power unit is shut down, faulty equipment is isolated and tagged, and problem is reported

3.3

Instruments and gauges are observed and readings are interpreted to confirm effective operation

3.4

Action is taken to determine cause of identified problem in instruments and gauges, and situation is rectified or reported, as required

3.5

Fluid levels are rechecked after starting and appropriate action is taken as required

3.6

Pre-departure checks are carried out to ensure motive power unit is braking and powering effectively and is safe to move

4

Conduct in-cab checks

4.1

Motive power unit is checked in correct sequence and all equipment is confirmed to be operating to optimum requirements

4.2

Cab layout is checked and confirmed that it meets operating requirements

4.3

Pre-departure mechanical checks are correctly performed and correct functioning of equipment is confirmed in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer operating requirements

4.4

Supervisory controls and indicators are checked to ensure they are functioning correctly and appropriate action is taken if they are not working correctly

4.5

Communications equipment is checked to ensure it is functioning correctly and appropriate action is taken if it is not working correctly

4.6

Seat, windows, blinds, air conditioners, heaters and other personal in-cab equipment are checked and adjusted for correct functionality, safety and comfort

4.7

Auxiliary equipment is checked and is confirmed to be operational in accordance with operating requirements

4.8

Fire extinguisher and emergency toolbox are checked to confirm they are in position and meet operational requirements

5

Complete documentation

5.1

Required documentation concerning inspecting motive power unit is completed and processed in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

5.2

Logbook and other service records on the motive power unit are completed and filed in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

6

Position motive power unit

6.1

Authority to move and position motive power unit is obtained and relevant personnel are advised of intention and procedures

6.2

Motive power unit is operated in accordance with standard procedures and regulatory requirements, within operating and operational constraints

6.3

Motive power unit is positioned in accordance with operational requirements and directions

6.4

Motive power unit performance is monitored during operation to confirm effective operation or to identify defects

6.5

Equipment defects are identified, reported, rectified and recorded or relevant personnel are advised for assistance

6.6

Relevant WHS/OHS and regulatory requirements are followed to ensure safety and to prevent injury and damage

6.7

Network control officer and other relevant personnel are advised that motive power unit is secured in the required position and is ready for service

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:

adapting to differences in motive power units and associated equipment and procedures

checking and replenishing fluids and carrying out lubrication requirements on a motive power unit

communicating effectively with others

conducting a visual inspection of a motive power unit and associated equipment

identifying and assessing motive power unit defects and deficiencies and taking appropriate action to report, isolate, repair or replace identified defective equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

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

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

preparing a motive power unit prior to service

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures and information and signs

working collaboratively with others.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

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

braking and safety system procedures for motive power units

cleaning requirements for a motive power unit

communications equipment checks

emergency procedures

external features of a motive power unit that must be checked during a pre-operational visual inspection

fuel tank capacity and range (where applicable)

functions of all supervisory indicators and controls and related checks for correct operation

functions of auxiliary systems on a motive power unit and related checks for correct operation

in-cab pre-operational checks for a motive power unit

inspection procedures for a motive power unit

lubrication requirements for a motive power unit

operating controls to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop a motive power unit

operating procedures for a motive power unit

principles, purpose and location of controls, monitoring devices, braking, power source and traction systems

procedures for adjusting controls to optimise the operation of a motive power unit

procedures for checking fuel and fluid levels and carrying out lubrication processes on a motive power unit

procedures for identifying equipment defects and assessing for appropriate action

procedures for managing and controlling hazardous situations when preparing and starting up a motive power unit

procedures for minor maintenance including cleaning, brake shoe/pad replacement and sand box requirements

procedures for operating electronic communications equipment in accordance with required protocol

procedures for starting and operating auxiliary systems on a motive power unit

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

requirements for completing relevant documentation

start-up procedures for motive power units

typical defects that can occur on a motive power unit and related action that should be taken

workplace procedures and operating requirements.