TLIB3100A
Visually inspect track infrastructure

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to visually inspect track infrastructure in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements and workplace procedure. It includes patrolling the track and right of way infrastructure, and recording and documenting identified defects in accordance with workplace requirements. Licensing or certification requirements are not applicable to this unit.

Application

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 visual inspection of the railway track infrastructure as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Patrol track infrastructure

1.1 Appropriate inspection method is employed to conduct visual examinations of track and right of way for the identification of defects

1.2 Visual examinations are performed in accordance with workplace procedures and in line with inspection schedules

1.3 Variations from allowable tolerances, defects and deficiencies likely to affect train safety are identified to enable appropriate action to be taken on the repairs required

1.4 Unsatisfactory conditions are assessed in terms of seriousness and priority

2Record and document defects

2.1 Appropriate action is taken to safeguard operation of the rail system

2.2 Inspection schedule or work report data is completed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3 Defects and deficiencies are reported to enable repairs to be effected in a timely manner

Required Skills

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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

Required knowledge:

Relevant safety, OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

Workplace procedures for the visual inspection of track and right of way

Problems that may occur during the visual inspection of track and right of way, and action that can be taken to report or resolve the problems

Hazards that may exist when visually inspecting track and right of way, and ways of controlling the risks involved

Contents of relevant technical specifications and manuals

Track and right of way standards

Different types of track and right of way defects

Defect deterioration under differing operating conditions

Visible rail defect types

Techniques for prioritising defect rectification

Fault identification and analysis techniques

Emergency procedures

Details of local authority procedures

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when visually inspecting track and right of way

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the visual inspection of track and right of way

Identify different types of track and right of way defects

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the visual inspection of track and right of way

Record and report results of visual inspection of track and right of way in required format

Operate communication equipment to required protocol

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when visually inspecting track and right of way in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events during the visual inspection of track and right of way

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

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

Select and use required personal protective equipment

Identify, select and use tools and equipment

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

patrolling the track and right of way infrastructure

recording and documenting identified defects to workplace standards

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


Range Statement

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 weather conditions

Work may be conducted in:

restricted spaces or exposed conditions

controlled or open environments

Work may involve:

exposure to chemicals, and dangerous or hazardous substances

movements of equipment, goods and vehicles

Track and right of way infrastructure may include:

track geometry

track components

turnouts

formation

drainage

earthworks

clearances

trackside signs

fencing

Patrol methods may include:

walking

engine

road/rail vehicle

track vehicle

Patrol inspections may include:

scheduled patrol

patrol in abnormal weather (heat, cold, wet etc.)

special patrols as directed

Faults may include:

track geometry defects (top, twist, line, gauge)

pumping or unstable track

obstructions to train movements

obstructions to the wheel path of the train

defective or broken rails, joints, breakaways, and loose or foul joints, fishbolts and fishplates

failures of sleepers, transoms and fastenings

breaches of fencing and ineffective safety barriers

missing or incorrect speed signs

track formation, cutting or embankment failure

failed or ineffective drainage

ballast deficiencies and foul ballast

crossing and switch failures

Tools may include:

hand tools

small plant

Depending on the type and seriousness of identified defects, appropriate action may include:

stop trains

speed restrictions

immediate repair action

report for programmed repair action

monitor for further deterioration

Liaison may include:

internal or external personnel from other work areas

Communication equipment may include:

two-way radios

telephones/mobile phones

agreed audible or hand signals

Information may be provided:

electronically

in writing, via forms/documents

orally, via face-to-face communications

Safety and personal protective equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

hearing protection

gloves

sunscreen

sunglasses

safety glasses

dust mask

insect repellent

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radio/mobile phone

hand lamps

flags

safety devices

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

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Information/documents may include:

maintenance notices, records and requests

local authority regulations and procedures

work orders

technical instructions

QA plans, data and document control

local instructions

manufacturers or workplace equipment operation manuals

operational instructions, policies and workplace procedures

emergency procedure manuals

two-way radio/mobile phone operation procedures

emergency procedures manual

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 and related requirements, including AS 4292

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor