This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify the principles of ballast cleaning operations.

It includes determining components and work stations of ballast cleaning machines, identifying ballast cleaning functions, and identifying hazards and risks associated with ballast cleaning operations.

The unit provides an introduction to ballast cleaning and is not to be used for their operation, which must be covered by individual certification for the particular machine.

Operators of ballast cleaning machines must have undertaken training and hold the relevant licence, permit or certificate and be recognised as competent for each type 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 components and work stations of ballast cleaning machines

1.1

Ballast cleaning machine components and individual work stations are identified

1.2

Purpose of identified components and individual work stations is explained

1.3

Associated hazards of each component and appropriate control methods are identified

2

Identify ballast cleaning functions

2.1

Purposes of ballast cleaning are identified

2.2

Method is identified by which the machine completes ballast cleaning operations in accordance with network owner’s standards

3

Identify hazards and risks associated with ballast cleaning operations

3.1

Environmental hazards are identified

3.2

Potential risks to the rail infrastructure are identified

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:

anticipating appropriate numeric functions for using a ballast cleaner

anticipating problems, faults and malfunctions that may occur, in accordance with organisational procedures

applying relevant workplace procedures

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

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to equipment in accordance with organisational 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 and include knowledge of:

ballast profile rail industry standards

functions of ballast

hazards that may exist when cleaning ballast and ways of controlling the risks involved

problems that may occur when cleaning ballast and action that can be taken to resolve and report them

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

workplace procedures for using a ballast cleaning machine.

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