1 Assist with locomotive brake testing

1.1 Under the direction of the driver, the application of the locomotive brake is observed to ensure it is within operational parameters

1.2 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements, codes of practice, policies and procedures are identified and followed

1.3 Work area is made safe for testing by ensuring locomotive is isolated and secured in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 Problems, faults or malfunctions are identified, responded to and/or reported in accordance with workplace procedures

2 Assist with train brake examination

2.1 Under the direction of the driver, train brake is applied in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2 Under the direction of the driver, train brake is released in accordance with organisational procedures

3 Apply and release handbrake

3.1 Under the direction of the driver, handbrake is applied in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2 Under the direction of the driver, handbrake is released in accordance with organisational procedures

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

Required knowledge:

Brake systems, their components and their operation

Communication protocols

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 OH&S procedures and regulations

Types of brake tests and their purpose

When it is applicable to release train brake

Required skills:

Apply rail safety practices and regulations

Communicate effectively with others when testing heritage locomotive or train braking systems

Interpret and follow operational instructions

Modify activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

Promptly report any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when testing heritage locomotive and train braking systems in accordance with regulatory requirements and organisational procedures

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to testing heritage locomotive and train braking systems

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

Work collaboratively with others when testing heritage locomotive and train braking systems

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

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

identifying procedures to test heritage train brake systems

assisting with a heritage train brake test

applying and removing handbrakes and brakes on a heritage locomotive

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 practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

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

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:

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 conducted by day or night in:

all weather conditions

full range of light conditions

Locations for tests may include:

heavy traffic

yards or sidings

station platforms

Tests may include:

air continuity test

modified brake test

train brake test

Safety and protective equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

gloves

sunscreen

sunglasses

safety glasses

insect repellent

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radios/mobile phones

hand lamps

flags

hearing protection

Information/documents may include:

workplace procedures, instructions and job specifications

manufacturer specifications and standards

brake inspection and testing documentation

safeworking documentation

brake test certification

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 state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

relevant Australian Standards