This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist a train driver to shunt, couple and uncouple an electric passenger train to operational requirements in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements, and workplace procedures.

It includes assisting with planning and preparing for shunting operations, shunting the train, coupling and uncoupling the train, and using a coupling adaptor.

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

Work is performed with minimal supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures to assist with shunting, coupling and uncoupling electric passenger trains to operational requirements as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

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

Assist with preparing for shunting operation

1.1

Shunting requirements are confirmed through workplace documents and/or relevant personnel

1.2

Local safety requirements are identified and followed in accordance with workplace procedures

1.3

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

1.4

Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage

2

Shunt trains

2.1

Points, levers, and/or switches are operated in accordance with workplace requirements as required

2.2

Audible signals, hand signals and/or other line of sight communications are used to assist control of train movements

2.3

Hand, flag, light or radio shunting commands used are responded to in accordance with workplace requirements

2.4

Pre-movement inspection/tests are carried out prior to moving trains

3

Assist with coupling trains

3.1

Type of connections required are identified prior to coupling

3.2

Situations requiring the use of a coupling adaptor are identified, as required, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

All safety requirements are met prior to coupling train in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

Coupling adaptor, if required, is accessed and transported to required location for use

3.5

Coupling adaptor, if required is attached to one of the trains prior to coupling in accordance with workplace procedures

3.6

Trains are coupled in accordance with workplace procedures and coupling adaptor is secured in place

3.7

After trains are coupled, post-coupling inspection/tests are carried out in accordance with operating procedures and workplace requirements

4

Assist with uncoupling trains

4.1

Train to be uncoupled is identified and checks are made to ensure all safety requirements are met prior to uncoupling

4.2

Train is uncoupled in accordance with operating procedures and workplace requirements

4.3

Coupling equipment is removed and stored in accordance with operating and workplace procedures

4.4

Post-uncoupling inspection/tests are carried out in accordance with operating procedures and workplace requirements

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 two separate occasions and in two separate locations and include:

applying relevant safeworking and workplace procedures

carrying out pre-shunting checks in accordance with workplace procedures

communicating effectively with others

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

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions defects promptly, in accordance with workplace procedures

shunting trains in more than one location including sidings and depots/yards

working collaboratively with others

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

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

communications protocols

coupling systems, their components and their operation

diagnostic techniques relating to shunting, coupling and uncoupling electric passenger trains

emergency procedures

relevant rail danger zones

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

relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations including codes of practice for manual handling

shunting workplace procedures and requirements

types of couplers and their purpose

types of coupling adaptors and their purpose.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or, where this is not available, in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate rail corridor workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry

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

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Rail sector.

C – Vehicle Operation