1 Identify and establish track maintenance vehicle braking system

1.1 Brake system and type to be used are identified

1.2 Where required, correct coupling of vehicle braking system is established and/or confirmed in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3 Where fitted, air brake system is charged to required pressures in accordance with organisational procedures

2 Test, operate and monitor track maintenance vehicle braking system

2.1 Relevant brake system tests are conducted in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2 Vehicle brakes are applied and released under normal operational conditions in accordance with correct handling and organisational procedures

2.3 Vehicle brakes are applied and released under emergency conditions in accordance with correct handling and organisational procedures

2.4 Vehicle brake system is monitored in accordance with organisational and/or operational requirements

3 Identify and rectify track maintenance vehicle braking system faults in transit

3.1 Braking system faults while in transit are identified

3.2 If possible, suitable location to bring vehicle to a stand is identified in accordance with vehicle handling and organisational procedures

3.3 Vehicle brake system fault is located and rectified or isolated in accordance with manufacturer and/or organisational procedures

3.4 When applicable, relevant brake system tests are conducted in accordance with organisational procedures

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

Required knowledge:

Appropriate sections of legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

Brake systems, their components and their operation

Relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) and environmental procedures and regulations

Tools and equipment applications

Types of brake tests and their purpose

Required skills:

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

Assess brake system defects

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Modify activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

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

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to operating a train braking system

Report any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when operating a train braking system in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

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

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 correct procedure for testing braking system

correctly conduct brake test

operate brake when driving on-track vehicle

identify possible brake faults that may occur

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 on a track maintenance vehicle:

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.

Brake system types may include:

air brake

electronically controlled pneumatic braking (ECP)

Brake system tests may include:

brake leakage test

air continuity test

train brake test

penalty brake test

hose and pipe components repair or replacement

Brake system faults may include:

minor leakage

excessive leakage

burst hose pipe/hose bag

brake equipment fault/failure

worn brake component

external tampering

Safety and protective equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

gloves

safety eyewear

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radios/mobile phones

hearing protection

Information/documents may include:

workplace procedures and instructions, and job specification

manufacturer specifications and standards

brake inspection and testing documentation

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