This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to shunt, couple and uncouple an electric passenger train to operational requirements in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements, and workplace procedures. This includes 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 requirements and to comply with relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines.

Work is generally performed without supervision and within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures when 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

Plan and prepare for shunting operation

1.1

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

1.2

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

1.3

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

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 as required in accordance with workplace requirements

2.2

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

2.3

Hand, light and radio shunting commands are responded to in accordance with workplace requirements

2.4

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

2.5

Train is shunted and positioned in accordance with operational/workplace requirements

2.6

Train is secured after shunt movement in accordance with workplace requirements

3

Couple trains

3.1

Type of connections required are identified prior to coupling

3.2

Trains to be coupled are positioned in accordance with operating procedures and workplace requirements

3.3

Trains to be coupled are fully secured

3.4

Alignment of couplers in the appropriate position for type of connection required is ensured

3.5

Prior to coupling trains, safety requirements are ensured

3.6

Trains are coupled in accordance with operating procedures and workplace requirements

3.7

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

4

Uncouple trains

4.1

Trains to be uncoupled are identified and pre-uncoupling checks and, as required, procedures, are conducted in accordance with operating procedures and workplace requirements

4.2

Prior to uncoupling trains, safety requirements are ensured

4.3

Train to remain after uncoupling is fully secured

4.4

Trains are uncoupled in accordance with operating procedures and workplace requirements

4.5

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 one occasion and include:

applying rail safety practices and workplace procedures

assessing shunting, coupling and uncoupling defects

carrying out pre-shunting checks in accordance with workplace requirements

communicating effectively with others

coupling an electric passenger train

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

identifying and assessing electric passenger train defects and deficiencies, and taking appropriate action to report, isolate, repair or replace identified defective equipment, in accordance with workplace procedures

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

operating and adapting to differences in trains and related equipment in accordance with operating procedures

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

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

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

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:

applicable minimum standards and approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

communications protocols

coupling systems, their components and their operation

electric passenger train shunting, coupling and uncoupling diagnostic techniques

emergency procedures

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

shunting procedures and requirements

types of couplers and their purpose

types of coupling adaptors, their purpose and use.