Persons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines.

Work is performed without supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures to the operation of the motive power unit by the use of a radio remote control system as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Set up motive power unit for radio remote operation

1.1 Motive power unit is prepared for operation according to organisational procedures

1.2 Ensure motive power unit is set up for manual operation and all other cabin operations are set in the normal or manual manner

1.3 Motive power unit is started as per standard procedure

1.4 If necessary, the radio remote control equipment is installed according to operational requirements and manufactures instructions

1.5 Check that the remote control box and motive power unit controls are set up according to operational requirements

1.6 Relevant OH&S requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage

2Operate motive power unit using radio remote control equipment

2.1 Motive power unit and radio remote control system set-up is checked to ensure safe operational status

2.2 Radio remote control equipment is operated and monitored in accordance with operational requirements during train movements to provide safe train handling and control

2.3 Any operational difficulties encountered are addressed by re-establishing control of the motive power unit with minimum risk to personnel and equipment

3Shut down radio remote control equipment

3.1 Motive power unit is secured against accidental movement

3.2 Shut-down procedures of radio remote control equipment are followed to ensure train security and correct deactivation of the system

3.3 If required, radio remote control equipment is removed from the locomotive

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Relevant rail safety, OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

Radio remote control equipment controls, instruments and indicators and their purpose, location and use

Positioning procedures

Shut-down procedures

Braking and safety system procedures

Procedures for the control of motive power units

Procedures for the operation of radio remote control units

Motive power operating techniques

Procedures for managing hazardous situations involving radio remote control systems

Procedures for conducting full function testing of the remote control unit, and actions to be taken in the event of a failure of one or more features

Awareness that not all people in the vicinity of the work area may know that the locomotive is being operated remotely

Operational instructions

Shunting and marshalling procedures

Procedures for identifying defects in radio remote control units, and assessing appropriate action to be taken

Procedures for operating electronic communications equipment with required protocol

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when operating radio remote control system

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, and information relevant to the operation of radio remote control system

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the operation of radio remote control system

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when operating radio remote control system

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when operating radio remote control system in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events when operating radio remote control system

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 conforming to industry and OH&S standards

Judge train speeds and movements

Monitor performance of equipment and take appropriate action if required

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:

setting up the radio remote control equipment correctly

operating the motive power unit using the remote control equipment

shutting down the remote control equipment

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, 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

Radio remote control equipment may be:

Vectran

Cattron QC

Motive power units may include:

diesel locomotives

electric locomotives

Radio remote control operation may be used:

within yard limits for:

marshalling or shunting

crossing trains on Driver Only Operations (DOO)

on mainlines to pilot a train over broken rails

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:

relevant log or record book

maintenance notices, records and requests

local instructions

equipment operation manuals

operational instructions, policies and procedures

emergency procedure manuals

two-way radio operation procedures

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

Applicable regulations, legislation 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 state/territory codes of practice and safeworking system requirements

relevant Australian Standards and related requirements

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

This unit contains employability skills.