This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform handsignaller duties, in accordance with Rail Infrastructure Manager, legislative and regulatory requirements.

It includes identifying site protection requirements, taking up hand signaller positions, using hand signal commands to manage rail traffic, and taking action in unsafe situations or emergencies.

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.

The unit includes the application of Rail Infrastructure Manager rules, procedures and protocols for performing handsignaller duties.

A hand signal is a signal given by hand movements, with or without a flag or light.

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 site protection requirements

1.1

Worksite protection plan briefing conducted by relevant personnel is attended

1.2

Responsibilities as handsignaller for protection are identified and clarified as required

1.3

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

1.4

Tools and equipment required for handsignalling duties are identified, obtained and checked for functional condition

1.5

Communications equipment to be used is tested and set to correct channel

2

Take up handsignaller position

2.1

Danger zone is safely accessed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2

Unsafe and/or ineffective signalling positions are identified and reported in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3

Handsignalling positions that conform to worksite protection plan and workplace procedures are identified and the most appropriate position is chosen

2.4

Situational awareness is conducted to identify potential risks

2.5

Audible track warning devices are applied in accordance with workplace procedures as required

2.6

Effectiveness of handsignalling position and communications protocols are confirmed

3

Use hand signal commands to manage rail traffic

3.1

Vigilance is maintained at all times

3.2

Protection Officer is alerted to approaching rail traffic in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Correct hand signal is displayed to rail traffic in accordance with Protection Officer instructions

3.4

Verbal instructions are provided to train driver as required

3.5

Railway track signals are replaced as required

4

Take action in unsafe situations or emergencies

4.1

Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified, and appropriate action is taken to minimise risk in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Emergencies and/or incidents are recorded and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace 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 and responding to hand, light and flag signals during the day and at night

applying Rail Infrastructure Manager procedures for using railway track signals

communicating effectively with individuals and work groups

ensuring effectiveness of handsignalling placement

explaining appropriate action in an unsafe situation and/or emergency in accordance with workplace procedures

following workplace policies, procedures and safeworking protocols

giving and interpreting STOP and ALL CLEAR hand signals in accordance with Rail Infrastructure Manager workplace procedures

identifying and selecting correct equipment and ensuring equipment functional condition

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

identifying unsafe and ineffective handsignalling positions

taking appropriate safety precautions when accessing the danger zone in accordance with workplace procedures

taking up handsignalling position that enables effective communication with rail traffic crew

using hand signal commands to instruct a rail traffic crew in a clear and timely manner.

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:

hand, light and flag signals used during the day and at night

operational communications protocols and safeworking systems

positioning requirements for handsignallers

Rail Infrastructure Manager and organisational policies, procedures, rules and protocols relevant to handsignaller duties

Rail Infrastructure Manager emergency management plan

rail terminology as defined by the applicable Rail Infrastructure Manager

railway track signals and their use

relevant rail danger zones

worksite protection plan in accordance with workplace briefing and procedures.

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 and terminology as defined by the relevant Rail Infrastructure Manager safeworking system including workplace procedures, regulations, rules and codes of practice.