Operators of tamping 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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Determine components and work stations of tamping machines

1.1 Components and where applicable individual work stations of the machine are identified

1.2 Purpose of the identified components and work stations is identified

1.3 Associated hazards of each component and appropriate control methods are identified

2 Identify basic functions of the tamping machine

2.1 Purposes of the machine are identified

2.2 Methods by which the tamping machine constructs or maintains the track to the required track geometry in accordance with network owner’s standards are identified

3 Identify hazards and risks associated with tamping machine operations

3.1 Environmental risks are identified

3.2 Risks to the rail infrastructure are identified

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

Workplace procedures for the use of tamping machines

Problems that may occur when using a tamping machine, and action that can be taken to resolve and report them

Hazards that may exist when using a tamping machine, and ways of controlling the risks involved

Ballast profile standards

Basic track geometry and terminology

Required skills:

Use agreed communication methods

Work collaboratively with others when using a tamping machine

Use appropriate numeric functions when using a tamping machine

Report problems, faults and malfunctions that may occur when using a tamping machine in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to equipment in accordance with organisational procedures

Select and use required personal protective equipment (PPE)

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

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.

Components may include:

rail sweeps

tamping tools and work heads

trolleys

lasers

satellites

lifting units, including third arm

clamps

lifting and lining systems

ploughs

Work stations may include:

drive station

front tower

main operator station

laser operation station

external work station and ground person

data input

Environmental hazards may include:

dust

noise

oil or fuel spills

environmentally sensitive sites

hazardous substances

Risks to rail infrastructure may include:

degrading ballast

sleeper damage or movement

rail damage

track geometry

fastener damage

drainage

structures

formation

signage/track survey monuments

signalling equipment

in-track and trackside equipment

damage to adjacent line

damage/fouling points and crossings

level crossings

damage to external assets

Communication systems may include:

two-way radios

telephones, including mobile phones

agreed audible or hand signals

Depending on work context, safety and PPE may include:

high visibility clothing

hearing protection

gloves

sunscreen

sunglasses

safety glasses

dust mask

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, organisational procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

workplace procedures

established procedures

Information and documents may include:

operational instructions, policies and workplace procedures

local authority regulations and procedures

technical instructions

manufacturer or workplace equipment instructions and operation manuals

emergency procedure manuals

two-way radio or mobile telephone operation procedures

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

relevant state and territory legislation relating to:

environmental protection

OH&S

rail safety

This unit contains employability skills.