19509 version 2

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Control rail movements using a signal box

Level / 4
Credits / 8

PurposePeople credited with this unit standard are able to: explain the operation of the signal apparatus in the control of train movements within station limits; plan, authorise, and record scheduled train movements within station limits using a signal box; plan, authorise, and record maintenance activities within station limits using a signal box; apply emergency working procedures in the control of rail movements using a signal box; describe the occurrence management procedures which apply to a person controlling rail movements using a signal box.

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 / Prerequisite: Unit 19286, Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of railway signals, 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.

3The operation of signalling equipment requires the signal operator to first be familiar with the operational requirements of the signal box. It is recommended that assessment against this unit standard only be undertaken following a reasonable period of exposure to: the signal box equipment and its function; route options within the selected site; and scheduled train movements. The time required for familiarisation will vary depending on the complexity of the equipment and other operational aspects of the selected site.

4Definitions

Maintenance, in the context of this unit standard, refers to all repairs and improvements to track, equipment, and structures that have a direct relationship with the safe movement of rail vehicles.

Occurrence refers to any unscheduled or unplanned event which does, or has the potential to, alter the rail traffic movements planned in the working timetable.

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

Signal box, in the context of this unit standard, refers to a structure that houses apparatus for the control of fixed signals and points contained within station limits. The apparatus for signal and points control may be manual or electronic, but must depend on signal-operator intervention for determining the route.

Station limits refers to all lines in both single and double line areas that are defined by physical markers including fixed signals, points and points indicators, and/or notice boards.

Elements and performance criteria

Element 1

Explain the operation of the signal apparatus in the control of train movements within station limits.

Performance criteria

1.1The explanation is consistent with the station layout.

1.2The explanation is consistent with the signal apparatus at the site.

1.3The explanation identifies signalling requirements for potential rail traffic.

Rangefive possible movements, including movement onto and off the main line.

1.4The explanation is consistent with the limits of control of a signaller operating the signal box at the site.

1.5The explanation identifies the method for obtaining authorisation for traffic movements beyond the limits of control of a signaller operating the signal box at the site.

Element 2

Plan, authorise, and record scheduled train movements within station limits using a signal box.

Performance criteria

2.1Scheduled train movements is structured and planned in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangesite limitations, job requirements, other scheduled traffic, safety factors, contingencies.

2.2The plan is consistent with signal operator levels of authority at the selected site.

2.3Traffic activity is recorded in accordance with organisational procedures.

Element 3

Plan, authorise, and record maintenance activities within station limits using a signal box.

Performance criteria

3.1Information pertaining to the maintenance activity is collected in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – identification of maintenance personnel, location of maintenance activity, nature of work, protection requirements, time required to complete work.

3.2Track maintenance requirements are planned and protected in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangesite limitations, job requirements, maintenance vehicle movements, timeline, scheduled traffic, contingencies, safety factors.

3.3Authorisations for the maintenance work to proceed are given in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangeincludes but is not limited to – extent of permitted activity, train running information, presence of other maintenance activities, communications, on-job progress.

3.4Track maintenance vehicle movements are recorded in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.5Planning and permissions given are within the designated authority of the signal operator at the selected site.

Element 4

Apply emergency working procedures in the control of rail movements using a signal box.

Rangesimulated infrastructure failure which includes – points, cables, signalling apparatus.

Performance criteria

4.1The emergency procedures applied are consistent with the emergency, facilities available, and planned rail traffic movements.

4.2The emergency procedures applied are in accordance with organisational procedures.

Element 5

Describe the occurrence management procedures which apply to a person controlling rail movements using a signal box.

Rangeoccurrences involving – dangerous goods, rail vehicle failure, crew incapacitation, breach of organisational procedures.

Performance criteria

5.1The description includes mechanisms for the protection of the site.

5.2The description includes the application of procedures for continued safe working.

5.3The description is 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.

Comments on this unit standard

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 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018