Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:36 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.

Carry out track ballasting

Carry out track ballasting

Unit of competency
National Code
TLIX2309A
State Code
WA789
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
14/07/2010
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/10/2010
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
14/10/2010
Nominal Hours
35
Description
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
No information
Operations may be conducted:
by day or night
in all weather conditions

Work may be conducted in:
restricted spaces
exposed conditions
controlled or open environments

Work may involve:
exposure to chemicals, and dangerous or hazardous substances
movements of equipment, goods and vehicles

Equipment may include:
off-track plant (front end loaders, back hoes etc.)
ballast hoppers
hand tools and small plant
ballast sled
ballast undercutters
ballast cleaners
ballast forks
ballast regulators
other mechanical means

Materials may include:
gravel ballast
crushed rock ballast
metal fines/road base

Ballast profile may differ for:
different rail mass
rail types (non-welded, welded and curve)
traffic task
sleeper type

Methods may include:
unloading ballast hoppers
spreading ballast dumped by truck or front end loader or similar equipment
profiling using shovels, ballast forks or using a ballast regulator
removing ballast using manual methods
removing ballast using:
off-track plant
ballast cleaners
undercutters
ballast sled

Liaison may include:
internal or external personnel from other work areas (e.g. train controllers)

Communications systems may include:
two-way radios
telephones/mobile phones
agreed audible or hand signals

Depending on work context, safety and personal protective equipment may include:
high visibility clothing
hearing protection
gloves
sunscreen
sunglasses
safety glasses
dust mask
insect repellent
safety headwear
safety footwear
portable radios/mobile phone
hand lamps
flags
safety devices

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures

Information/documents may include:
operational instructions, policies and workplace procedures
local authority regulations and procedures
work orders
technical instructions
manufacturers or workplace equipment instructions and operation manuals
emergency procedure manuals
two-way radio/mobile phone operation procedures
QA plans, data and document control
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Information may be provided:
electronically
in writing, via forms/documents/plans
orally, via face-to-face communications
via trackside signals

Applicable procedures 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, including AS 4292
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

Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

removing and distributing existing ballast by manual and/or mechanical methods
distributing new ballast by manual and/or mechanical methods
ensuring completed work meets ballast profile requirements

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
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 activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D5339 TLIS2030A Carry out track ballasting Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
W747 TLI21309 Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure Qualification