People achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from the applicable state or territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines.
The unit includes the application of Access Provider rules, procedures and protocols for rail safety.
All activities are performed under established rules and procedures.
Not applicable.
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 necessary 1.3 Tools and equipment required for handsignalling duties are identified, obtained and checked for functional condition 1.4 Communication equipment to be used is tested and verified |
2 Take up handsignaller position | 2.1 Danger zone is safely accessed in accordance with workplace procedures 2.2 Handsignalling position is in accordance with worksite protection plan and workplace procedures 2.3 Unsafe and/or ineffective signalling positions are identified and reported in accordance with workplace procedures 2.4 Situational awareness is conducted to identify potential risks 2.5 When applicable, audible track warning devices are applied in accordance with workplace procedures 2.6 Effectiveness of handsignalling position and communication 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 When required, verbal instructions are provided to train driver 3.5 When applicable, railway track signals are replaced |
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 |
This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit. |
Required knowledge: |
Access Provider and organisational policies, procedures and protocols |
Access Provider policies, procedures and protocols for identified unsafe situations or emergencies within workplace role |
Access Provider rules and procedures for working around electrical infrastructure |
Hand, light and flag signals used during the day and at night |
Operational communication protocols and systems |
Positioning requirements for handsignallers |
Rail terminology as defined by the applicable Access Provider |
Railway track signals and their use, if applicable |
Worksite protection plan |
Required skills: |
Apply fatigue management skills as they relate to the work role |
Apply hand, light and flag signals during the day and at night |
Apply procedures for using railway track signals |
Communicate effectively with individuals and work groups |
Ensure effectiveness of handsignalling placement |
Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols |
Identify unsafe situations and emergencies |
Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol |
Use required personal protective equipment conforming to Access Provider requirements |
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying: the required knowledge and skills relevant workplace rules and procedures Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations: identifying responsibilities of handsignaller from explanation of site safety plan identifying and selecting correct equipment and ensures functional condition identifying potential risks identifying unsafe and ineffective handsignalling positions taking up handsignalling position that enables effective communication with rail traffic crew using hand signal commands to instruct a rail traffic crew applying procedures for the use of railway track signals explaining appropriate action in the event of an unsafe situation and/or emergency |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts Resources for assessment include: a range of relevant exercises and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace In both real and simulated environments, access is required to: relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals |
Method of assessment | Assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests Practical assessment must occur: through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace |
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. | |
Worksites may include: | rail corridor danger zone: running line parallel networks (adjacent access providers, shared corridor) adjacent lines sidings/yards platforms/buildings structures |
Terminology used will be: | as defined by the Access Provider |
Work may occur: | under varied visibility conditions |
Safety assessment will be: | as defined within the workplace procedures as defined in the safety assessment for work including: view - line of sight direction of approaching trains speed of approaching trains position of safety changed local conditions |
Communications may include: | receiving and passing on verbal messages/information reporting unsafe situations and responding to emergencies general safety and emergency messages |
Safety clothing and equipment may include: | high visibility clothing protective footwear hearing protection |
Where applicable, worksite protection equipment may include: | warning devices, whistles and sirens railway track signals demarcation barriers lights and flags electronic devices |
Information and documents may include: | workplace procedures, policies and work instructions worksite protection plan emergency plan pre-work briefing and worksite protection plan |
Unsafe situations may include: | risks to the individual risks to other workers risks to the public risks to trains risks to the physical assets of the network |
Communication protocols may include: | general safety transmitting and receiving messages: identification standard radio terms phonetic alphabet testing communications equipment emergency messages |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.