Work is performed under supervision, generally in a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures to install rail as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Identify job requirements

1.1 Scope of work is determined and resources are arranged

1.2 Replacement rail is checked for compliance with acceptance standards in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2 Prepare rail for installation

2.1 Rails are loaded and unloaded using approved methods to minimise risk to health and safety and damage to rail components

2.2 Rails are cut to required length using an appropriate method to minimise delays and wastage

2.3 If required, rails are bent to the correct curvature to ensure correct track geometry is maintained to standard

3 Position rail

3.1 Where required, existing rail is unfastened and removed using appropriate equipment or manual method

3.2 New rail is lifted into place using appropriate equipment or manual method maximising efficiency and minimising risk of injuries

4 Join rail ends

4.1 Rail joints are prepared for welding or are assembled and installed to specifications in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.2 Rail bonds or other track circuit connections are installed or restored as required in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

5 Restore track

5.1 Track fastenings are restored in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

6 Complete documentation

6.1 Required documentation is completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Relevant safety, OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations applicable to the job role

Workplace procedures for installing and replacing rail

Problems or hazards that may occur when loading and unloading rail and when installing and replacing rail, and action that can be taken to report or resolve them

Acceptance standards for re-use of rails

Rail installation acceptance standard

Characteristics of plant and equipment, transport, structures, hardware and components used in work activities

Relevant recording and documentation procedures

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when installing and replacing rail

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work when installing and replacing rail

Complete documentation relating to the installation and replacement of rail

Work collaboratively with others when installing and replacing rail

Report and rectify within limits of own role problems, faults and malfunctions that may occur when installing and replacing rail in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

Measure rail weight and dimensions

Check compliance between work and job specifications

Select and use required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Select and use relevant equipment and tools

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 underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Assessment must include exercises that demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

loading and unloading rails correctly

removing existing rail and/or lifting new rail into place using appropriate equipment and methods

preparing rail joints and installing them correctly

restoring track fastenings according to workplace procedures

checking that replacement rails meet requirements

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, case studies 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

As a minimum, 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

RANGE STATEMENT

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Rail loading and unloading equipment may include:

off-track or on-track plant

manual methods

rail trains

mechanical handling and lifting equipment

Rail loading and unloading methods may vary according to:

rail length

on-site storage

rail re-use intentions

Rail installation and replacement may include:

laying new rail

replacing worn or defective rail with new or second-hand rail

replacing rail defects with new or second-hand closure rails

installing bonded insulated joints

transposing rails

Equipment may include:

mechanical handling and lifting equipment

hand tools, including impact wrench, grinder, tension wrench, friction rail saw, and velocity rail punch

rail threaders

fastening equipment

cutting and boring equipment

Materials may include:

new or second-hand rail

fastenings

plates

anchors

bolts

nuts

washer clips

rail jewellery

Rail joint parts and surroundings to be checked may include:

joint insulation

fishbolts

rail bonds

rail geometry

Fastenings may include:

bolts

rail fasteners

coach screws

Depending on work context, safety and PPE may include:

high visibility clothing

hearing protection

gloves

sunscreen

sunglasses

dust masks

safety glasses

insect repellent

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radios and mobile phones

hand lamps

flags

safety devices

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

This unit contains employability skills.