19390 version 2

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Operate a diesel-electric railcar on a main line managed by a network operator

Level / 4
Credits / 10

PurposePeople credited with this unit standard are able to: prepare to drive a diesel-electric railcaron a main line managed by a network operator; drive a diesel-electric railcaron a main line managed by a network operator; demonstrate knowledge and use of diesel-electric railcar braking systems; and describe follow-up procedures and complete documentation.

Subfield / Rail Transport
Domain / Rail Operations
Status / Registered
Status date / 20 November 2009
Date version published / 20 November 2009
Planned review date / 31 December 2014
Entry information / Prerequisites: Unit 19389, Service and operate a diesel-electric railcar; and one of the following unit standards: Unit 19287, Demonstrate knowledge of the Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) system for rail operations; Unit 19394, Demonstrate knowledge of a track warrant control (TWC) system; Unit 19395, Demonstrate knowledge of a single line automatic signalling (SLAS) system; Unit 19396, Demonstrate knowledge of a double line automatic signalling (DLAS) system;or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Accreditation / Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and industry.
Standard setting body (SSB) / Competenz
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference / 0013

This AMAP can be accessed at

Special notes

1Assessment against this unit standard is to be carried out within the context of an organisation operating under a current, valid Rail Licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the Railways Act 2005. The organisation’s operating rules, codes, and instructions, referred to in this unit standard, are those the organisation has in place to meet the requirements of the Rail Licence.

2Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

3Candidates must hold a minimum of the class of licence required for the vehicle being driven and comply with the requirements of the Land Transport (Driver licensing) Rule 1999.

4Diesel-electric railcars for this unit standard must be of a dual-cab type and may include but are not limited to Nissho-IwaiSilver Fern.

5Operation of the diesel-electric railcar must be of a reasonable duration to allow for the demonstration of performance outcomes specified in this unit standard. Typically, the assessment would be expected to require continuous operation time of between two to four hours.

6The operation of a diesel-electric railcar over any prescribed main line requires the diesel-electric railcar driver to first be familiar with the route. It is recommended that assessment against this unit standard only be undertaken following a reasonable period of exposure to the track and surrounding environment. The time required for familiarisation will vary depending on the length and other aspects of the route.

7For the purposes of this unit standard, operation of the diesel-electric railcar must include the conveyance of passengers.

8Definitions

Main line refers to any principal length of track.

Railcar whistle refers to any audible warning device installed on motive power units.

Organisational procedures refer to documents that include: worksite rules, codes, and practices; equipment operating instructions; documented quality management systems; and health and safety requirements.

Network operator refers to operators with a railway network route of 40 kilometres or more.

Train Control is a centre from where the movements of all trains in a specified area are brought under the direction of a Train Control Officer.

Elements and performance criteria

Element 1

Prepare to drive a diesel-electric railcar on a main line managed by a network operator.

Performance criteria

1.1Working instructions are received, interpreted, and followed.

Rangestanding instructions, timetable requirements, special instructions.

1.2Railcar crew is briefed about safety critical items.

1.3Documentation is completed in accordance with organisational procedures.

Element 2

Drive a diesel-electric railcar on a main line managed by a network operator.

Performance criteria

2.1Diesel-electric railcar is operated in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – condition of engine(s), condition of traction motors, single or multiplecar operation.

2.2Diesel-electric railcar is operated with consideration to road characteristics and environmental conditions.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – current and anticipated terrain, rate of acceleration, speed restrictions, condition of track, presence of track maintenance personnel.

2.3Railcar warning devices are monitored en-route.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – all doors closed light, brake pipe pressure gauge.

2.4Signal locations are anticipated and indications are acted upon correctly in accordance with organisational procedures during the entire operation.

2.5Railcar whistle is used in accordance with regional requirements and organisational procedures.

2.6Railcar headlight is used in accordance with regional requirements and organisational procedures.

2.7Communications with railcar crew and Train Control are made in accordance with job requirements and organisational procedures.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – VHF fixed radio, UHF portable radio, track side telephones, cell phone.

Element 3

Demonstrate knowledge ofbraking systems on adiesel-electric railcar.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – air brake, electro-pneumatic brake.

Performance criteria

3.1Actions to take in the event of an emergency stop are described in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2Diesel-electric railcar brakes are operated in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – slow down train, service stop, passenger comfort.

3.3Diesel-electric railcar controller is operated correctly in conjunction with braking systems.

3.4Diesel-electric railcar is positioned correctly in accordance with organisational procedures at station platform.

3.5Principles of braking on steep descents are described in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – failure of electro-pneumatic brake, heavy passenger loading.

Element 4

Describe follow-up procedures and complete documentation.

Performance criteria

4.1Steps for the reporting of incidents and unusual occurrences en-route are described in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.2Steps for the reporting of problems with diesel-electric railcar are described in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.3Documentation is completed in accordance with organisational procedures.

Please note

Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.

Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.

Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.

Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.

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 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018