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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Control rail movement by operating colour-light signals 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14616  Control rail movement by operating colour-light signals 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2006-09-05  2009-06-17  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-17   2013-06-17  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
264379  Control rail movement by operating colour-light signals  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner will be able to control the safe movement of trains/ shunting movements by operating colour-light signals according to related train working rules in a specific railway environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Control rail movement by operating signals/indicators for rail movement on double lines - NQF level 5
Utilise colour light signals for rail movement - NQF level 4 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
The level assigned to this standard is appropriate because performance must be carried out:
  • under different weather conditions
  • during day and night time,
  • in different yards/stations/sections on colour-light signalling system,
  • within a specific time span to adhere to predictable service,
  • under normal and abnormal circumstances,
  • with lever-frames, panels, consoles and computer equipment (PC screens, keyboards, mouse and touch screens).

    This standard is exclusive of:
  • Token methods of train working, which also include pilot working and any abnormal working, related to other token methods of train control.

    This standard is inclusive of:
  • Failure of signals/points and communication. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan the safe movement of rail vehicles on colour-light signalling system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Rail movement information is gathered. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Rail movement running times are calculated and movements are planned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Rail movements are planned according to operational/traffic requirements on colour-light signalling system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Planned movements are communicated and agreed upon with neighbouring stations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the position of colour-light signals/points. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Identify the position of colour-light signals/points on the relevant diagram/panel/console. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Relevant diagram/panel/console outlay is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Position of all signals on the diagram/panel/console is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Position of all routes on the diagram/panel/console are identified and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate specific signals/points for movement and observe the reaction of operated signals and points 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Operate specific signals/points for movement and observe the reaction of operated signals and points for movement 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Routes for train movements are determined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Routes for planned movement are clear. (Not occupied) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Routes (points) are correctly set and reaction is observed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Signals for movement are operated and reaction is observed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Train number indications are displayed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Illuminated train movements on the diagram/panel/console and the reaction of signals to danger are observed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Train movements are recorded. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Authorise movement during failure of equipment, failure of communication and any other abnormal circ 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Authorise movement during failure of equipment, failure of communication and any other abnormal circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Movement during failure of equipment is authorised, by means of authority register/SD2 or orally applicable to outlay. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Movement during failure of all communication is authorised, e.g. introduce other train control systems applicable to outlay. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Movement during any other abnormal circumstances is authorised, e.g. failure of trains or derailments, etc. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Rearrange train movements according to service requirements during any abnormal circumstances within 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Rearrange train movements according to service requirements during any abnormal circumstances within a colour-light signalling environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Train movements are rearranged according to service requirements during any abnormal circumstances within a colour-light signalling environment, e.g. train delays, train derailments and other abnormal circumstances that can occur. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply station-opening and closing procedures according to train working rules. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Neighbouring stations and Joint Operating Office are informed about station closing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Points for main line are set. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Signals for main line are operated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Signal lights are extinguished. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Sign off procedures are performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Information from neighbouring stations and Joint Operating Office regarding train movements are obtained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Sign on procedures are performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Signals are normalised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Lights if necessary, are switched on - day or nighttime. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Comply with POSMOR and related instructions to perform safe movement on rail within a colour-light 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Comply with POSMOR and related instructions to perform safe movement on rail within a colour-light signalling environment. (Principles of save movement on rail) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. POSMOR are complied with to perform safe movement on rail within colour-light signals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Related train working rules are complied with to perform safe movement on rail within colour-light signals. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. An individual wishing to be assessed against this standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provided institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.
    2. A learner specialising in Rail Operations through this elective standard will be assessed by an assessor who has been certified as competent against the National Certificate in Rail Operations NQF level 5, which must include this standard.
    3. Any assessor and training provider must ensure that the relevant company specific procedures/rules are used as reference material when designing courseware, assessment or when selecting pre-designed assessments.
    4. Anyone assessing a learner against this standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant TRANSPORT SETA - ETQA.
    5. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this standard must be registered and accredited as a provider at SAQA.
    6. Moderation of assessment will be done by the relevant ETQA as prescribed. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners can understand and explain the following in a rail environment:

    1. Principles and theory of colour-light signalling for the purpose of safe movements on rail under normal and abnormal circumstances.
    2. POSMOR and related company specific instructions relevant to colour-light signalling system.
    3. Relevant elements of OHS Act, Act 85 of 1993.
    4. Protocol of two-way communications to facilitate safe movement on rail.
    5. Yards/stations/sections layout (geographical set-up, critical signals (topography).
    6. Principles and theory of abnormal working during failures of signalling/communication on railway 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem-solving

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to solve problems in planning for different operational situations in order to execute safe movement of rail vehicles and by critically evaluating signals/indicators and situations in order to execute safe movement of rail vehicles. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to work together in a team for the safe movement of rail vehicles under normal and abnormal circumstances in a colour-light system environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners have acquired the generic ability to communicate verbally under normal and abnormal circumstances. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners have acquired the generic ability to effectively control movement by utilising and observing signals/indicators (applying approved signalling and communication systems - signals/hand signals/walkie-talkies/telephones/voice recording devices /train movement register) 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to understand that the operational environment includes a set of related systems (by observing the operated signals and their aspects) [position and reaction to the signal(s)] 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 264379, which is "Control rail movement by operating colour-light signals", Level 4, 12 credits.

    ASSESSMENT PROCESS

    When conducting assessment, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    Each environment/situation will be different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the context in which the assessment will take place.

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

    During formal training at the provider:
    1. Written tests
    2. Case studies.
    3. Simulation

    During on the job training:
    1. Oral test
    2. Observations
    3. Case studies.

    Integrated final on the job assessment:
    1. Observation
    2. Oral tests
    3. Case studies

    In the Rail Operations environment it will be more effective to assess a number of unit standards together and the assessor must evaluate each assessment request to determine the grouping of the standards for assessment.

    The assessment must integrate a number of different methods. (Example: When equipment, communication and train movements are normal the integrated assessment will be based on normal working. The abnormal working assessment will then be based on a case study (simulation) or when the abnormal working is in operation during the assessment period, the normal working assessment will be a case study (simulation). This will give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes and skills.

    The integrated assessment must take place in the environment where the learner will work independently on completion of final assessment.

    Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience may serve to supplement the assessment of applied competence. The portfolio should include, inter alia:
    1. Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
    2. Relevant certificates or awards.
    3. Previous assessment records.
    4. Journal (Logbook).

    VALUES

    In addition the following values should be demonstrated:
  • Safety consciousness
  • Decisiveness
  • Co-operation
  • Sense of urgency (within limits)
  • Judgement
  • Assertiveness
  • Responsibility
  • Trustworthiness
  • Integrity
  • Sobriety
  • Quality consciousness

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

    Definition: The objective of colour-light signals is to control train and shunting movements and afford protection against conflicting movements.
    Definition: Unidirectional line means a running line over which the running of trains is controlled by means of fixed signals in one direction only, viz. in either the up or down direction.
    Definition: Bi-directional line means a running line over which the running of trains in both directions is controlled by means of fixed signals.
    Definition: Twin single line sections means two signalled single lines, next to each other, between two stations and controlled jointly by those stations.
    Definition: Multi line means a portion of a CTC area, equipped with two or more bi-directional running lines, points and signals, where trains may cross or pass each other and where the length of each of the two longest bi-directional running lines is such that -
    (a) two or more trains in the same direction can be admitted thereto by means of fixed signals and/or
    (b) it includes one or more block sections.
    Definition: A lever-frame is an apparatus linked to signals, indicators, points, locking bars and safety bars by an interlocking mechanism.
    Definition: Points are used to switch direction from one railway line to another line.
    Definition: Locking bars are used in connection with points and to safeguard the position of points in a specific position.
    Definition: Double lines are utilised for flow of traffic in one direction on one line and flow in the other direction on the other (opposite) line.
    Definition: Panel means an illuminated diagram on which signals, points, track circuits, routes and train positions are indicated to the operator.
    Definition: Console means a control desk on which control buttons for operation of points, signals and related apparatus are mounted.
    Definition: Control panel means an operator`s illuminated diagram on which signals, points, track circuits, routes and train positions are indicated and on which control buttons or switches are mounted.
    Note: Where panel is referred to in this section, it will also mean a control panel where a console is not in use.
    POSMOR: Principles of Safe Movement on Rail (POSMOR) includes the following:
  • a defined track for movement,
  • a defined clear track,
  • stopping at limit of authority,
  • authority for movement received by licensed persons,
  • adhering to speed instructions and track side indicators,
  • being protected, secured and standing clear while stationary,
  • preventing conflicting movement,
  • personnel must be fit for duty and
  • being alert, vigilant and assessing surroundings.

    Abnormal Circumstances: Abnormal circumstances embrace all defective/missing/incorrect
    positioning and malfunctioning of colour-light signalling. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  24498   National Certificate: Rail Operations (Train Control)  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-06-17  Was TETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. PRASA T/A Metrorail KwaZulu Natal 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.