This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to implement ballast unloading in accordance with safeworking and regulatory requirements, and workplace procedures.

It includes determining the job requirements, carrying out the unloading activity in accordance with work orders, and completing all required documentation.

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.

Work is performed under limited supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures when implementing ballast unloading, as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational context within the Australian rail system.

Operators of mechanised equipment must have undertaken training and, where appropriate, hold the relevant licence, permit or certificate and be recognised as competent for the class of machinery being used.

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

Determine job requirements

1.1

Work requirements are determined for new ballast work and/or repair of existing ballast

1.2

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

1.3

Obstacles in work area are identified and removal or protection are organised as necessary to ensure smooth workflow in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Resources are organised to meet the scope of the job and appropriate work methods are selected

1.5

Ballast quantities are determined

2

Undertake ballast unloading

2.1

Site communications are established and agreed to ensure safe and efficient working conditions

2.2

Ballast unloading operation is implemented to ensure appropriate flow rates and extent

2.3

Ballast is distributed by manual and/or mechanical methods to allow safe operation of trains

2.4

Ballast is removed from sensitive infrastructure to ensure safe operation of trains and safety of public

3

Complete documentation

3.1

Required documentation procedures and processes are confirmed

3.2

Documentation is filled in legibly and proofread

3.3

Documentation is processed in accordance with workplace requirements

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 workplace procedures

ensuring ballast is distributed so as to meet requirements for safe operation and in accordance with workplace procedures

ensuring unloading operation is carried out correctly

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

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

negotiating communication methods and communicating effectively with others including train drivers and equipment operators

operating communications equipment to required protocol

reading and interpreting relevant technical plans, specifications, instructions and manuals

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

selecting and using relevant equipment and tools in accordance with workplace procedures

working collaboratively with others

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to 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:

ballast flow rates

ballast hopper operation

contents of workplace technical manuals relating to ballast unloading and profile

functions of ballast

hazards that may exist when implementing track ballast activities and ways of controlling the risks involved

problems that may occur when implementing track ballast activities and action that can be taken to report or resolve these problems

relevant recording and documentation procedures

relevant safety, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations

required rail industry standard of materials and methods involved in implementing ballast unloading activities

relevant rail danger zones

workplace procedures for implementing ballast unloading activities.

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.

Practical assessment must occur in appropriate range of situations in the rail corridor workplace.

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, rail industry standards, codes of practice and operation manuals.