This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to drive a train to operational requirements in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements, and workplace procedures.

It includes applying train management techniques to manage the movement of a train and, as the driver of a motive power unit, to conduct all movements and related activities required to achieve operational requirements. It also includes responding effectively to external factors and emergencies, handing over a train to a relief crew and stabling it at the end of a journey.

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 performed without supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures when driving trains as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail systems.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Drive train efficiently and effectively

1.1

Motive power unit is operated in accordance with relevant codes of practice, workplace procedures and instructions

1.2

Motive power unit is operated safely within track/road characteristics and conditions, to minimise wear and fuel use and to avoid damage

1.3

Train is driven with due care for passenger comfort and/or condition of freight

1.4

Performance of equipment and rolling stock is monitored to maintain optimum running conditions and to identify faults, defects and inefficiencies

1.5

Relevant codes of practice, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage

2

Complete train journey in accordance with operational requirements

2.1

Train documentation is received, interpreted and followed

2.2

Train is operated in accordance with documentation and procedures

2.3

Events and circumstances affecting planned running schedule are communicated to relevant personnel en route

2.4

Relevant codes of practice, safeworking and signalling requirements are followed throughout train operations

2.5

Network control officer instructions are received, interpreted and applied to ensure safe and effective control of train

2.6

Communications are maintained with network control officer and other relevant personnel during train journey in accordance with relevant codes of practice and safeworking systems

2.7

Instructions concerning train operation are given to relevant personnel to ensure safe and efficient running

3

Respond to changed external operating factors

3.1

Instructions regarding changed external operating factors are verified, interpreted and followed, in accordance with relevant codes of practice, safeworking systems, and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure actions taken are appropriate and safe

3.2

Fixed and hand signals, and verbal movement commands are interpreted and followed, in accordance with relevant codes of practice, safeworking systems, and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure actions taken are appropriate and safe

3.3

Hazardous situations are recognised and appropriate action is taken to minimise risk to passengers/freight and equipment

3.4

Emergency situations are recognised and actions are taken that are appropriate and safe

4

Prepare train for crew handover

4.1

Relevant personnel are advised of condition and location of train

4.2

Documentation is updated and faults identified en route are reported to relevant personnel in accordance with established policies and procedures

4.3

Incidents or unusual occurrences are recorded and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

5

Stable train

5.1

Location for stabling of train is confirmed with relevant personnel

5.2

Train is shunted and secured in accordance with directions, workplace procedures and relevant rail regulations

5.3

Safety devices are activated or put in position to ensure safety of personnel and 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 on at least one occasion and include:

adapting to differences in trains, associated motive power units and ancillary equipment

applying track or road information/characteristics to train operations

checking and replenishing fluids and carrying out lubrication processes as part of train operations in accordance with workplace requirements

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

driving train in accordance with equipment and track/road characteristics

identifying and assessing motive power unit defects and deficiencies and taking appropriate action to report, isolate, repair or replace identified defective equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

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

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring equipment in accordance with organisational requirements

monitoring journey schedule in accordance with train documentation

monitoring train performance and security of load to facilitate optimum safe operation

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

recognising problems that may arise when driving a train, and taking appropriate action

selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) standards

working collaboratively with others

working systematically with required attention to detail.

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 state/territory legislated rail safety requirements, relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines

braking and safety system procedures

defects that can occur on a motive power unit and related action that should be taken

motive power unit controls, instruments and indicators and their purpose, location and use

motive power unit equipment and systems including monitoring devices, braking and drive equipment, and ancillary systems

operating controls to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop

procedures and required protocol for operating electronic communications equipment

procedures for identifying equipment faults and defects, and assessing for appropriate action

procedures for minor maintenance, cleaning, lubricating and servicing of motive power unit

procedures for operating and monitoring the performance of ancillary systems on a train

procedures for refuelling and lubricating a motive power unit

procedures for responding to hazardous situations and emergencies

processes for adjusting controls to maximise efficient and safe running

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

requirements for completing relevant documentation

startup and shutdown procedures

techniques and procedures for complying with speed and load limits

track and road characteristics

train operating characteristics.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Practical assessment must occur in an appropriate range of situations in the rail workplace.

A simulator assessment is not suitable for the final assessment of this unit of competency

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.