Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:34 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:34 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Drive a master-slave locomotive
Drive a master-slave locomotive
Unit of competency
National Code
FDFSUG301A
FDFSUG301A
State Code
WD862
WD862
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/07/2014
Field of Education
039907 - Rail Operations
Original Release Date
31/07/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the outcomes required to drive a master-slave locomotive.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare and connect the slave locomotive for operation
- 1.1 Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used
- 1.2 Health and safety hazards / maintenance requirements are identified and reported to appropriate personnel according to workplace reporting procedures
- 1.3 Workplace records are checked to confirm operational status
- 1.4 The remote control system is set in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer's specifications
- 1.5 Slave locomotives are prepared and required operating mode is selected
- 1.6 Pre-start checks are conducted
2 Prepare and connect the master locomotive
- 2.1 Confirm that system is in link mode
- 2.2 Check control system and conduct system self-test to confirm that the system is operating effectively
- 2.3 Confirm braking system is operating effectively
- 2.4 Total control of the system is established and confirmed
- 2.5 Pre-departure tests are conducted to confirm control system and locomotive equipment meets operating standard
- 2.6 Front and rear train consists are coupled safely to form one train
3 Start, operate and monitor locomotive
- 3.1 Master-slave locomotives are operated in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer's specifications to meet transport requirements
- 3.2 Condition of locomotive equipment is monitored to maintain optimum operating condition and identify faults or defects
- 3.3 Faults are assessed to determine risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment
- 3.4 Corrective action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures in response to OHS hazards, abnormal or unacceptable equipment condition or performance
- 3.5 Emergency procedures are implemented as required according to workplace procedures and manufacturer's recommendations
- 3.6 Housekeeping standards are maintained
4 Prepare for shift handover
- 4.1 Workplace records are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements and workplace procedures
- 4.2 Handover is carried out according to workplace procedure
- 4.3 Changeover drivers are aware of locomotive and related equipment status, track conditions and incidents at completion of handover
5 Shut down locomotive
- 5.1 Shutdown procedures for master and slave locomotives are followed according workplace procedures
- 5.2 Shut down sequence is confirmed and complete and locomotives are secured in accordance with workplace procedures
6 Complete work
- 6.1 Workplace information is recorded according to workplace recording requirements
- 6.2 Plant and equipment are cleaned and stored/parked as required
- 6.3 Defects and faults are identified and reported according to workplace procedures
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements.
Codes of Practice
Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice and sugar industry codes of practice related to cane railway and transport operations.
Workplace information
Workplace information can include
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
manufacturer's specifications.
Workplace documentation
Documentation and recording requirements may include:
marshalling strategy
documentation relating to the traffic schedule such as run slips
loco running sheets and log books.
Cane transport networks
Cane transport network features and their characteristics may include:
main and branch lines
yards, sidings
loops
dump points
pads.
Information systems
Information systems may be print or screen based.
Master-slave locomotive equipment
A master-slave configuration describes any mechanism and operating system that allows control of one motive power unit by another motive power unit which forms part of the same train. The slave or remote unit is not operated freely, unattached from the master or lead locomotive. Master-slave locomotives may be used within a yard for the purpose of marshalling and shunting and on running lines.
Hazards
Hazards include working with moving machinery, manual handling and working in exposed conditions.
Teamwork
Work may require the ability to work within a team environment.
Communication methods
Communication methods include:
use of two-way radios used in accordance with workplace requirements and state authority protocols and
hand and audible signalling.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements.
Codes of Practice
Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice and sugar industry codes of practice related to cane railway and transport operations.
Workplace information
Workplace information can include
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
manufacturer's specifications.
Workplace documentation
Documentation and recording requirements may include:
marshalling strategy
documentation relating to the traffic schedule such as run slips
loco running sheets and log books.
Cane transport networks
Cane transport network features and their characteristics may include:
main and branch lines
yards, sidings
loops
dump points
pads.
Information systems
Information systems may be print or screen based.
Master-slave locomotive equipment
A master-slave configuration describes any mechanism and operating system that allows control of one motive power unit by another motive power unit which forms part of the same train. The slave or remote unit is not operated freely, unattached from the master or lead locomotive. Master-slave locomotives may be used within a yard for the purpose of marshalling and shunting and on running lines.
Hazards
Hazards include working with moving machinery, manual handling and working in exposed conditions.
Teamwork
Work may require the ability to work within a team environment.
Communication methods
Communication methods include:
use of two-way radios used in accordance with workplace requirements and state authority protocols and
hand and audible signalling.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
prepare the master and slave locomotive systems and operating settings
operate the master-slave locomotive and associated equipment
monitor locomotive and equipment condition
take corrective action in response to abnormal or unacceptable performance of control systems or operating equipment
assess equipment faults to determine appropriate corrective action
follow procedure to notify a locomotive breakdown
communicate with the traffic officer and rail personnel as required
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
Master and slave locomotives and related equipment such as brake vans
Cane railway system
Relevant services and equipment required to carry out inspections, checks and monitoring
Workplace information including running slips and daily schedule, to advise of driving requirements
Operating procedures and related advice on equipment operation
Personal protective clothing and equipment
Communication systems and equipment
Housekeeping standards and procedures
Workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures
Method of assessment
Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Overview of assessment
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
prepare the master and slave locomotive systems and operating settings
operate the master-slave locomotive and associated equipment
monitor locomotive and equipment condition
take corrective action in response to abnormal or unacceptable performance of control systems or operating equipment
assess equipment faults to determine appropriate corrective action
follow procedure to notify a locomotive breakdown
communicate with the traffic officer and rail personnel as required
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
Master and slave locomotives and related equipment such as brake vans
Cane railway system
Relevant services and equipment required to carry out inspections, checks and monitoring
Workplace information including running slips and daily schedule, to advise of driving requirements
Operating procedures and related advice on equipment operation
Personal protective clothing and equipment
Communication systems and equipment
Housekeeping standards and procedures
Workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures
Method of assessment
Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYL37 | SUGTDMS3A | Drive a master-slave locomotive | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAM98 | FBPSUG3004 | Drive a master-slave locomotive | Unit of competency |