This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify, establish and operate a train braking system after it has been marshalled and deals with brake system faults and failures.

It includes identifying and operating train braking system, and locating and rectifying or isolating system faults during operation in accordance with organisational procedures.

This unit covers activities carried out in a rail yard or on a main line.

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 establish train braking system

1.1

Brake system and type to be used are identified

1.2

Confirmation is made that motive power unit is appropriate for braking system to be used

1.3

Correct coupling of braking system to motive power unit is established and/or confirmed in accordance with organisational policies and requirements

1.4

Air brake system is charged to required pressures in accordance with manufacturer requirements and tolerances

2

Operate and monitor train braking system

2.1

Relevant brake system tests are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and requirements

2.2

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

2.3

Train brakes are applied and released under normal operational conditions in accordance with correct train handling and organisational policies and procedures

2.4

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

3

Identify and rectify train braking system faults during operation

3.1

Train braking system faults are identified during operation

3.2

Safe location to bring train to a stand is identified in accordance with train handling and organisational policies and procedures

3.3

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

3.4

Relevant brake system tests are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and requirements

3.5

Train is operated in accordance with organisational procedures

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 relevant rail safety practices and workplace procedures

assessing brake system defects

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

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

interpreting capabilities of train braking systems

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

modifying driving in accordance with brake capabilities and characteristics

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

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

reporting identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and organisational procedures

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

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:

brake systems, their components and their operation

capabilities and characteristics of train braking systems

diagnostic techniques

pneumatic systems and their operations

releasing train brakes after emergency application in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

relevant environmental protection legislation, regulations, codes of practice, policies and procedures

relevant information and documents

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

relevant WHS/OHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice, policies and procedures

tools and equipment applications

types of brake tests and their purpose.

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.