SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Control rail movement by operating semaphore signalled double lines and indicators 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14606  Control rail movement by operating semaphore signalled double lines and indicators 
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  10 
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
264336  Control rail movement by operating semaphore signals and indicators on a double line system  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner will be able to control the safe movement of trains/ shunting movements on double lines by operating semaphore signals/indicators according to related instructions in a specific railway environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Utilise semaphore signals/indicators for rail movement on single lines - NQF level 3
Control rail movement by operating semaphore signals/indicators on single lines - NQF level 5
Utilise semaphore signals/indicators for rail movement on double lines - NQF level 3 

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 and sections on double lines,
  • within a specific time span to adhere to predictable service, and
  • under normal and abnormal circumstances 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan rail movements according to operational/traffic requirements on double lines. 

    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 double lines. 

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the particular semaphore signals/indicators. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Identify the particular semaphore signals/indicators and the location thereof on double line station diagrams in signal cabins. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Station layout diagram is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Semaphore signals/indicators are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Semaphore signals/indicators locations are identified as well as the need for each signals/indicators on the diagram. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate lever-frame of semaphore signals/indicators. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Operate lever-frame of semaphore signals/indicators in compliance with related instructions on double lines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The specific railway line for passage is determined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The status of the specific railway line is determined. E.g. Line is either clear or occupied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The lever-frame outlay is explained. (Colour coding of levers, order for lever operation, etc) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The lever-frame interlocking with signals and points are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The levers for semaphore signals/indicators are operated and secured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The levers for points and locking bars are operated and secured 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Observe that the signals/points on double lines have reacted to the operation of the lever-frame. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. It is observed that the signals have reacted to the operation of the levers, e.g. Signal has changed from the danger position to all right, or vice versa.
    2. It is observed that the points have reacted to the operation of the levers, e.g. Lever is locked in the correct position. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Comply with POSMOR and related instructions to perform safe movement on rail within double lines. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Comply with POSMOR and related instructions to perform safe movement on rail within double lines. (Principles of save movement on rail) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. POSMOR are complied with to perform safe movement on rail within semaphore signals/indicators/boards on double lines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Related train working rules are complied with to perform safe movement on rail within semaphore signals/indicators/boards on double lines. 

    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 is 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 
    Plan and execute rail movements in abnormal circumstances according to company-specific rules. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Plan and execute rail movements in abnormal circumstances according to company-specific train working rules, relevant to semaphore signalled double lines, e.g. written/oral/hand signal authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Authority to pass every defective signal is explained or applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Authority to admit a train onto an occupied line is explained or applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Procedure for train movement during communication failure is explained or applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Procedure for train movement during accidents, derailments or wash aways is explained or applied. 


    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 semaphore signalling/indicators on double lines for the purpose of safe movements.
    2. POSMOR and related specific company train working rules relevant to semaphore signalling/indicators on double lines.
    3. Relevant elements of OHS Act, Act 85 of 1993.
    4. Protocol of two-way communications to facilitate safe movement on rail.
    5. Layout of yards/stations/section (geographical set-up, critical signals (topography).
    6. Principles and theory of abnormal working during failures of signalling/communication. 


    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

    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 movement)
    [position and reaction to the signal(s)] 

    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. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to communicate verbally under normal and abnormal circumstances. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology

    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) 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 264336, which is "{Control rail movement by operating semaphore signals and indicators on a double line system}", Level 4, 7 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

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

    Definition: Semaphore signals are fixed signals. Semaphore signals have arms for day signalling and distinctive coloured lights for night and can control shunting and train movements.
    Definition: Indicators comprise of two-way, one-way points indicators and ground indicators.
    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: A safety bar is a safety mechanism for protection before a home signal may be operated.
    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.
    POSMOR: Principles of Safe Movement on Rail (POSMOR) includes the following:
  • a defined track for movement,
  • a defined track must be clear,
  • 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 semaphore 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.