Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 7:41 AM AWST
24/07/2026 7:41 AM 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.
Fire a steam locomotive
Fire a steam locomotive
Unit of competency
National Code
TLIC3073A
TLIC3073A
State Code
WG207
WG207
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/11/2014
Field of Education
039907 - Rail Operations
Original Release Date
04/11/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct the duties of an assistant on a steam locomotive in accordance with workplace procedures and the requirements of relevant rail regulations and codes of practice.It includes preparing for operations; preparing and starting the locomotive; assisting with un/coupling and securing the steam locomotive; assisting in operating and stabling the locomotive in accordance with organisational requirements. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are not applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare to operate a steam locomotive
- 1.1 Roster is checked and interpreted for day's operational activities
- 1.2 Allocation of locomotive is checked
- 1.3 Train schedules/notices and other operational and regulatory documentation is accessed and interpreted in accordance with workplace procedures
- 1.4 Required personal protective equipment is obtained for use while operating the locomotive
- 1.5 Trackside safety and basic electrification awareness procedures are followed while locating the allocated locomotive
2 Prepare and start a steam locomotive
- 2.1 Logbook is checked to confirm serviceability of locomotive
- 2.2 Locomotive is confirmed as being securely stabled prior to commencing preparation and safety checks
- 2.3 Preparation and safety checks are conducted in accordance with occupational health and safety (OH&S) and other organisational policies and procedures
- 2.4 Water levels and fuels are checked and replenished as required
- 2.5 Mechanical equipment is checked and appropriate action taken as required
- 2.6 Fire is lit and steam is raised in accordance with organisational instructions, with consideration for thermal expansion and environmental considerations
- 2.7 For critical or serious equipment faults that cannot be readily rectified, fire is dropped, faulty equipment is isolated and problem is reported for rectification
- 2.8 All indicators and gauges are continuously monitored and readings are interpreted to confirm effective pressure, water level and air operation and where a problem is indicated, action is taken to determine the cause and to rectify or report the situation
- 2.9 Operation of locomotive equipment is established and verified
- 2.10 Lubrication, cleaning, preparation, and provisioning of the locomotive is undertaken in accordance with organisational requirements
- 2.11Logbook and other service records on the locomotive are completed in accordance with organisational requirements
3 Assist with coupling, uncoupling and securing rail vehicles
- 3.1 Rail vehicles are positioned to meet coupling requirements in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- 3.3 Coupling systems are identified and applied appropriately to couple and/or uncouple rail vehicles
- 3.4 Connecting hoses and electrical couplings are connected/disconnected in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- 3.5 Hand brakes and other securing devices are applied/released attached/removed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
4 Assist with operating a steam locomotive
- 4.1 Safeworking activities are undertaken in accordance with organisational and/or network owner policies and procedures
- 4.2 Gauges and indicators are monitored and operated in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- 4.3 Boiler is fired to meet load requirements and environmental considerations
- 4.4 Water level is maintained to ensure safe boiler operation meets load requirements and track characteristics
- 4.5 Assistance is provided with communications with network control officers and ground staff
- 4.6 Observation of all aspects of the rail corridor and environs is maintained and communicated to driver in accordance with organisational and/or network owner policies and procedures
- 4.7 In case of driver being incapacitated train is stopped and network control informed and instructions are followed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
- 4.8 Assistance with locomotive operation is provided as requested by driver
5 Assist with stabling a steam locomotive
- 5.1 Locomotive is secured in accordance with directions, workplace procedures and rail regulations
- 5.2 Boiler water levels are checked and replenished as required
- 5.3 Locomotive is shut down in accordance with operators instructions
- 5.4 Ash is disposed of responsibly in accordance with network owner and operators policies
- 5.5 Assistance is provided to conduct a post-operational inspection
- 5.6 Logbook and other service records on the locomotive are completed in accordance with organisational requirements
- 5.7 Controls are secured in accordance with organisational 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.
Gauges and instruments may include:
steam pressure
sight glasses
brake gauges
drivers assistance gauges
firing gauges
Locomotive equipment may include:
boiler systems
feed water systems
firing systems
braking systems
gauges and instrumentation
communication systems
whistle
head and marker lights
ancillary equipment
Inspection of a steam locomotive may include:
lights
motion and valve gear
boiler integrity and fittings
running gear and tender
hoses
couplings
doors and door locks
springs
brake equipment
wheels
seals
sand and fuel
glass windows and doors
compressor oil levels
audible faults (e.g. hiss of escaping air and/or steam)
visible faults (e.g. oil leaks, tears and cracks)
safety appliances
Relevant personnel may include:
train crew
train controllers and signallers
maintenance personnel
Safety and personal protective equipment may include:
gloves
sunscreen and sunglasses
safety glasses
insect repellent
safety headwear and footwear
two-way radios
hand lamps
flags
safety devices
audible indicators
breathing equipment
fire extinguishers
high visibility clothing
hearing protection
Information and documents may include:
notices in driver notice board/box
train driver roster sheet and/or table card
operational instructions, policies and procedures
emergency procedures manual
Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:
legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
relevant Australian Standards and related requirements
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
Gauges and instruments may include:
steam pressure
sight glasses
brake gauges
drivers assistance gauges
firing gauges
Locomotive equipment may include:
boiler systems
feed water systems
firing systems
braking systems
gauges and instrumentation
communication systems
whistle
head and marker lights
ancillary equipment
Inspection of a steam locomotive may include:
lights
motion and valve gear
boiler integrity and fittings
running gear and tender
hoses
couplings
doors and door locks
springs
brake equipment
wheels
seals
sand and fuel
glass windows and doors
compressor oil levels
audible faults (e.g. hiss of escaping air and/or steam)
visible faults (e.g. oil leaks, tears and cracks)
safety appliances
Relevant personnel may include:
train crew
train controllers and signallers
maintenance personnel
Safety and personal protective equipment may include:
gloves
sunscreen and sunglasses
safety glasses
insect repellent
safety headwear and footwear
two-way radios
hand lamps
flags
safety devices
audible indicators
breathing equipment
fire extinguishers
high visibility clothing
hearing protection
Information and documents may include:
notices in driver notice board/box
train driver roster sheet and/or table card
operational instructions, policies and procedures
emergency procedures manual
Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:
legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
relevant Australian Standards and related requirements
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
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 required knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:
assisting with pre-operational activities
firing a steam locomotive
coupling and uncoupling a steam locomotive
stabling a steam locomotive
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 appropriate range of situations in the workplace
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 required knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:
assisting with pre-operational activities
firing a steam locomotive
coupling and uncoupling a steam locomotive
stabling a steam locomotive
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 appropriate range of situations in the workplace
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVJ85 | TLIC3073 | Fire a steam locomotive | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J539 | TLI33013 | Certificate III in Heritage Locomotive Assistant or Steam Locomotive Fireman | Qualification |