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 with some supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures to operate self-propelled equipment on track as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

Operators of self-propelled equipment on track may need to have fulfilled licence or certification requirements for the type of equipment being used.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Perform pre-operational equipment checks

1.1 Basic pre-operational equipment checks are conducted as per manufacturers specifications or local maintenance schedules

1.2 Service books are checked and completed accurately as required

1.3 Deficiencies with equipment are identified and rectified in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 Relevant persons are notified of problems and/or documentation completed

2Operate equipment

2.1 Equipment is placed on track and removed from track where applicable

2.2 Equipment is driven on track

2.3 Equipment is set up for work and prepared for travel after work

2.4 Equipment is operated in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with manufacturers instructions and workplace procedures

2.5 Equipment is operated with due regard for prevailing operating conditions to ensure safe working conditions and minimise potential accidents

2.6 Equipment is operated to achieve the outcome and quality of work in accordance with the workplace standards and procedures

2.7 Warning systems are monitored and responded to appropriately during operation to maintain correct functionality of equipment

2.8 Equipment is left stored in appropriate manner and location to ensure security and protection of equipment

3Perform post-operational equipment procedures

3.1 Post-operational equipment checks are conducted as per manufacturers specifications or local maintenance schedules to identify defects and maintenance requirements

3.2 Deficiencies with equipment are identified and rectified in an appropriate manner to maintain correct functionality of equipment

3.3 Relevant persons are notified of problems and/or documentation is completed in accordance with instructions and the relevant codes of practice

4Complete documentation

4.1 Service books are checked and completed accurately

4.2 Required documentation is completed in a timely, accurate and complete manner in accordance with workplace procedures

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

Servicing schedules and procedures for pre- and post-operational checks of self-propelled equipment

Equipment and materials for use when conducting pre- and post-operational checks of self-propelled equipment

Components of self-propelled equipment and their applications

Workplace procedures for the operation of self-propelled equipment

Problems that may occur during the operation of self-propelled equipment, and action that can be taken to report or resolve the problems

Setting up requirements in preparation for work

Hazards that may exist when setting up and operating self-propelled equipment on track, and ways of controlling the risks involved

Types of self-propelled equipment and their applications

Technical specifications and manuals

Impact of machine operation on track condition and geometry

Defects that can occur in self-propelled equipment, and related action that should be taken

Emergency procedures

Local authority procedures

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when operating self-propelled equipment on track

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the operation of self-propelled equipment on track

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to work activities

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when operating self-propelled equipment on track

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when operating self-propelled equipment on track in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Plan and organise work

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events when operating self-propelled equipment on track

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

Drive self-propelled equipment on track (for which certificated and/or licensed)

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:

performing pre- and post-operational equipment checks

operating self-propelled equipment on track in travel and work mode

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 weather conditions

Work may be conducted in:

exposed conditions

controlled or open environments

Work may involve:

exposure to chemicals, and dangerous or hazardous substances

movements of equipment, materials and vehicles

Equipment may include:

basic mechanical/hydraulic self-propelled equipment, including:

jacks

borers

pullers

(rail-mounted) lubricators

winches

tampers

rail adjusters

ballast scarifiers

equipment with multiple functions, including: ballast regulators, cranes, sleeper renewer, gantry, sleeper laying frame, disposal and distribution wagons

complex self-propelled equipment, including:

tamper liners

track laying machines

rail-mounted lubrication vehicles

rail planers

rail grinders

undercutters

ballast cleaning machines

ballast screening and collection units

track geometry recording and detection cars

Liaison may include:

internal or external personnel from other work areas

Communication equipment/systems may include:

two-way radios

radio headsets

telephones/mobile phones

agreed audible or hand signal

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

insect repellent

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radios/mobile phones

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:

operational instructions, policies and workplace procedures

relevant log or record book

maintenance notices, records and requests

local authority regulations and procedures

technical instructions

manufacturers or workplace equipment operation manuals

emergency procedure manuals

two-way radio/mobile phone operation procedures

information provided by other workplace personnel

work orders

QA plans, data and document control

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

Applicable procedures and codes 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

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

This unit contains employability skills.