1 Prepare to couple track maintenance vehicles

1.1 Coupling instructions are interpreted and confirmed as meeting minimum operating standards

1.2 Location of vehicles and required movements are identified

1.3 Communication methods to be used are agreed and confirmed

1.4 Vehicle/s to be coupled are secured in accordance with organisational procedures

2 Couple track maintenance vehicles

2.1 Setting of route and having correct authority in place is ensured prior to movement of track vehicles

2.2 Required warning is given before vehicle is moved

2.3 Vehicle is moved in a controlled manner to enable safe coupling and prevent damage

2.4 Coupling mechanisms are checked to ensure they are correctly engaged

2.5 Where applicable, connecting brake hoses and/or electrical couplings are connected in accordance with organisational procedures and/or manufacturer specifications

2.6 Securing devices are released/removed in accordance with organisational procedures

3 Uncouple and secure track maintenance vehicles

3.1 Vehicles are positioned to meet uncoupling requirements in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2 Securing devices are applied/attached in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3 Brake hoses and/or electrical couplings are disconnected in accordance with organisational procedures and/or manufacturer specifications

3.4 Coupling devices are correctly disengaged

3.5 Before vehicle is moved, required warning is given

3.6 Vehicles are separated in a controlled manner to enable safe uncoupling and prevent damage

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

Required knowledge:

Communication protocols

Identifying equipment defects and assessing for appropriate action

Minimum operating requirements

Principles of operation of protective devices, air and electrical couplings, handbrakes, derailers and coupling equipment

Relevant legislated occupational health and safety (OH&S) and rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

Required skills:

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

Communicate effectively with others when coupling/uncoupling track maintenance vehicles

Modify activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

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

Operate communication equipment to required protocol

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to coupling/uncoupling track maintenance vehicles

Report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when coupling/uncoupling track maintenance vehicles in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

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

Work collaboratively with others when coupling/uncoupling track maintenance vehicles

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

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:

identify communication methodologies and requirements

demonstrate correct method for coupling track vehicles

demonstrate correct method for uncoupling track vehicles

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

identifying alternative coupling equipment and methods for track maintenance vehicles in the workplace

demonstrating the correct use of communication methods during coupling and uncoupling activities

correctly securing vehicles before coupling and after uncoupling has been completed

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

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, 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.

Track maintenance vehicles may include:

track machines

shunting tractors

road/rail vehicles

wagon

track inspection vehicles

overhead wiring maintenance vehicle

Communication methods may include:

hand signals

light signals

flags

verbal

audible (horns, whistles etc.)

Required warnings may include:

verbal

audible (horns, whistles etc.)

Coupling mechanisms may include:

automatic couplers

draw hooks

tow bar

transition coupler

Securing devices may include:

hand brake

park brake

chocks

Personal protective equipment may include:

gloves

safety eyewear

hearing protection

safety headwear

safety footwear

high visibility clothing

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, organisational procedures may be known as:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

workplace procedures

established procedures

Information/documents 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

notices

yard orders

manufacturers specifications

emergency procedures