Elements and Performance Criteria

Operations may be conducted:
by day or night
in all relevant weather conditions

Motive power units may include all motive power units in service within Australian rail systems and may include:
diesel locomotives
electric locomotives
railcars
multiple units (including electric multiple units)

Motive power equipment may include:
auxiliary systems
automatic control systems
braking systems
drive systems
instrumentation
manual controls
remote train and signal control systems
communication systems
warning equipment
power source
vigilance systems
traction systems
head and marker lights

Inspection of a motive power unit may include:
lights
hoses
couplings
destination boards (electric urban train services)
doors and door locks
springs
brake equipment
wheels
seals
sand and fuel (regional diesel train services)
pantographs (in case of electric MPUs)
electrical cables
glass windows and doors
compressor oil levels
automatic power cut out sensors
audible faults (e.g. hiss of escaping air)
visible faults (e.g. oil leaks, tears and cracks)

In-cab pre-operational checks will include:
brake checks
electro-pneumatic brake cut out test (for electric urban trains)
driver's safety control test
functionality checks of supervisory controls and indicators
traction
in-cab check of communication equipment (depending on type of MPU this may include radio, intercom, PA systems, passenger emergency intercom, passenger emergency systems, etc.)
radio communication check with train controller
seat
windows and blinds
air conditioners and heaters
door locks
fire extinguishers
emergency toolbox
passenger service resources

Electric motive power unit start-up sequence will include:
check that handbrake is on
check log book
switch batteries on
switch auxiliary compressor on
pantograph up
close main circuit breaker
observe and interpret gauges (electric and air)
take appropriate action if gauge readings outside normal operation range
recheck fluid levels
start motive power unit

Diesel motive power unit start-up sequence will include:
check that handbrake is on
check log book
check all fluid levels (including radiator, crankcase oil, water, compressor oil and governor oil) and take appropriate action if outside required levels
battery switch on
isolation switch to 'start'
all circuit breakers on
observe and interpret gauges (electric and air)
take appropriate action if gauge readings outside normal operation range
recheck fluid levels
start motive power unit

Risk minimisation may require differentiating between faults, defects and deficiencies that:
do not present a hazard and could be attended to under running maintenance or in a normal maintenance schedule
present a potential hazard and need to be attended to under running maintenance or at the next most practical opportunity
present an immediate hazard and require immediate attention

Relevant personnel may include:
train crew
train controllers and signallers
rostering supervisors and staff
other train drivers and crews
depot coordinators
yard masters, supervisors and other operational personnel
service delivery supervisors
electric train service supervisor
station yard staff
maintenance and cleaning personnel
immediate internal or external customers

Action taken upon the identification of faults, defects or deficiencies may include:
reporting the problem and carrying out repairs (depending on the level and extent of work required), or isolating and tagging the faulty equipment and advising appropriate personnel of the fault and need for repair or replacement

Depending on the organisation concerned workplace procedures may be called:
standard operating procedures
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures

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

Positioning of motive power unit may involve:
operation of manual points
operation of turntable
coupling/uncoupling to other rolling stock

Information and documents may include:
applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
notices in drivers' notice board/box
reference cards
train driver roster sheet and/or table card
operational instructions, policies and procedures:
emergency procedures manual
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:
applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each 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

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 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/or equipment, and/or
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace