This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a train with due consideration of route conditions in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements, and workplace procedures.

It includes identifying route requirements, applying route knowledge to planning a train journey, and using route knowledge during a train journey in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.

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 operating a train with due consideration of route conditions 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 describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Identify and interpret route information

1.1

Information on anything likely to affect critical aspects of a train route is accessed in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Information on critical aspects of a train route is interpreted and analysed for use when planning a train journey and operating a train during a journey

2

Apply route knowledge when planning a train journey

2.1

Route information is applied to planning a train journey in accordance with workplace procedures and safeworking codes of practice and regulations

2.2

Events and circumstances likely to affect planned running schedule are communicated to relevant personnel

2.3

Relevant codes of practice, safeworking and signalling requirements are applied when planning train operations

2.4

Instructions concerning planned train operation are communicated to relevant personnel to ensure safe and efficient ontime running

3

Use route knowledge during a train journey

3.1

Route information is evaluated and applied to managing train operations during a train journey in accordance with workplace procedures and safeworking codes of practice and regulations

3.2

Hazardous situations along train route are recognised and appropriate action is taken to minimise risk to personnel and equipment

3.3

Communications are maintained with Network Control Officer and other relevant personnel during train journey in accordance with relevant codes of practice, safeworking systems and workplace procedures

3.4

Network Control Officer information and other instructions are received, interpreted and applied to ensure safe and effective operation of train

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 route knowledge to train operations

communicating effectively with others including using fixed and hand signals, and train communications equipment

completing relevant documentation

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring train performance and its security to facilitate optimum safe operation

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, route information and signs

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems that may occur promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

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

braking and safety system procedures

driving procedures

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

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

procedures for adjusting controls to maximise efficient and safe running

procedures for complying with speed and load limits

procedures for identifying and/or anticipating route problems and related action that can be taken

procedures for managing hazardous situations

procedures for operating ancillary systems

procedures for operating controls to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop

relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations

route information including track/bridge limitations, speed limitations, gauge limitation, curves and gradients, curfews, location of signals and crossings, emergency crossovers, end of safeworking system locations, stations and platforms, abnormal weather conditions along route, track work along route, reports of accidents or breakdowns along route, yard and siding layouts and typical problems that can occur along a train route

safe operational procedures and techniques for optimising efficiency, minimising wear and tear on rolling stock and motive power units

workplace procedures and operating requirements.

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.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or, where this is not available, in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate rail corridor workplace conditions.

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.