This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to allocate motive power in accordance with workplace procedures and the requirements of relevant safeworking regulations and codes of practice.

It includes identifying train operating requirements, establishing motive power requirements and availability, allocating individual motive power units, and adjusting motive power allocation in accordance with workplace requirements.

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.

While work is performed individually, it will generally be undertaken within a team environment.

It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures to allocate motive power across a variety of operational contexts in 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

Identify train operating requirements

1.1

Train timetables, shunting requirements and track conditions for each line or service are identified and records are kept up to date

1.2

Tonnage of individual trains is identified to enable planning of suitable motive power

1.3

Routine usage of motive power units is established to provide an initial allocation framework

1.4

Contingency plans covering operational problems are developed and their impact on motive power requirements are taken into account

2

Establish motive power requirements and availability

2.1

Availability of all motive power units is determined including location, operational status, special and routine maintenance requirements

2.2

Motive power required to haul tonnage is determined for each train/service and support activity consistent with track geography, gauge, train weight and conditions is identified

3

Allocate individual motive power units

3.1

Motive power units, including railcar and locomotive types, are allocated to ensure train and support activities are serviced

3.2

Allocations are documented and communicated to operations personnel and feedback is sought to ensure suitability of units planned

3.3

Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are identified and included in allocation considerations

3.4

Documentation authorising the use of allocated motive power for the train service is completed and processed

4

Monitor and adjust motive power allocation

4.1

Use and requirements for motive power are monitored and possible allocation changes are determined to maintain efficient use of resources

4.2

Contingency plans for unexpected non-availability of specific motive power units or operational non-performance are implemented

4.3

Changes to allocation are negotiated with operational personnel and motive power maintenance personnel to achieve suitable outcomes

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:

adjusting motive power allocation

applying relevant safeworking system and workplace procedures

communicating and negotiating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

establishing motive power requirements and availability, and allocating individual motive power units

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

identifying train operating requirements

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

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

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures and information

reading and interpreting train graphs and diagrams

reporting and/or rectifying problems, faults or malfunctions in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

selecting and using relevant computing and communications equipment and materials when allocating motive power

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

working collaboratively with others when allocating motive power

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:

allocation and maintenance schedules for motive power units

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

communication and negotiation requirements when allocating motive power

crew requirements and working patterns

documentation and record requirements

emergency management procedures

equipment and materials used when allocating motive power, and procedures that should be followed in their use

gauges, distance, gradients and tonnages for relevant track area

motive power units and specifications, capabilities and capacity

problems that may occur when allocating motive power and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve these problems

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations, including codes of practice

timetables and train details

track specifications and limitations

workplace procedures and policies for allocating motive power.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within 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 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 must include:

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

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry

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

Rail sector.