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: 

Apply road knowledge principles 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230404  Apply road knowledge principles 
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  52 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner will be able to convey freight or passengers by rail using the correct train handling techniques and applying road knowledge principles to ensure the safety of rail employees and the public at large and contributing to the safe movement on rail and the welfare of South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • FETC NQF Level 4 or at least Mathematics and/or Science at NQF Level 4.
  • Unit Standard: Sign on and off for locomotive crew.
  • Unit Standard: Apply first aid protocols.
  • Unit Standard: Identify, report and react to hazardous material sub-standard conditions.
  • Unit Standard: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a workplace and its effects on a business sub-sector, own organization and a specific workplace.
  • Unit Standard: Compile Trains.
  • Unit Standard: Standard Operate a train equipped with a vacuum brake system.
  • Unit Standard: Operate and regulate the safe movement of locomotive(s).
  • Unit Standard: Shunt rail vehicles.
  • Unit Standard: Operate a train equipped with a pneumatic controlled air brake system and/or.
  • Unit Standard: Operate under high voltage equipment.
  • Unit Standard: Devise strategies for a healthy lifestyle.
  • One of the following Locomotive Unit Standards:
    > 230419: Operate electric locomotive series 6E including all upgrades
    > 230409: Operate electric locomotive series 10E including all upgrades
    > 230416: Operate electric locomotive 7E 25 kV alternating current and all upgrades
    > 230408: Operate electric locomotive type 9E 50 kv alternating current including all upgrades
    > 230407: Operate diesel electric locomotive class GM/GE including all upgrades 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because performance must be carried out:
  • In different weather conditions.
  • During day and night time.
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/siding/(may or may not include overhead traction).
  • Different gradients, rail road and environmental conditions.
  • Within a specified operational time span.
  • Under hazardous and abnormal conditions.

    This unit standard is inclusive of the following types of locomotives:
  • Steam.
  • Diesel hydraulic.
  • Diesel electric.
  • Electrical.
  • Electric/diesel (class 38) (direct current).
  • Motor coaches.

    This unit standard is inclusive of any freight/passenger train.

    This unit standard is further inclusive of and serves as prerequisite to the following specific trains and/or additional brake systems:
  • Abnormal loads.
  • Name trains.
  • Lux rail.
  • Special explosive trains.
  • High speed trains.
  • Test trains.
  • Air brake systems (100 truck/wagons).
  • Graduated release.
  • Electronic controlled pneumatic brakes and distributed power.
  • Passenger and or freight trains.
  • Motorised rail maintenance and inspection vehicles.
  • The following brake systems.
    > Vacuum brakes.
    > Air brakes (direct release).

    This unit standard is exclusive of:
  • Automated centrally controlled monorail systems.

    The efficiency brake test must be conducted as soon as practicable in accordance with company specific procedures related to the operational conditions. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply gradient knowledge to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Apply gradient knowledge to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train in order to comply with the topographic and environmental conditions to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to correctly identify and react to gradients is demonstrated in accordance with company specific train handling techniques and methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of undulating gradients is explained and the ability to react upon is demonstrated in accordance with company specific train handling techniques and methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to identify, react and planning-ahead of train handling to different gradients is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply signal-layout knowledge to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Apply signal-layout knowledge to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train in order to comply with the operational and environmental conditions to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to correctly identify and react to signals is demonstrated in accordance with company specific train handling techniques and methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of consecutive curves in a sequence is explained and the ability to react upon is demonstrated in accordance with company specific train handling techniques and methods, and train brake system principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to identify and react to trackside indicators is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and interpret curves and plan train handling principles in advance to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to identify curves and demonstrate an understanding thereof by regulating the acceleration and deceleration of a train in order to comply with the operational and environmental conditions to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to identify and react to trackside indicators is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply train/trajectory speed knowledge to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Apply train/trajectory speed knowledge to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train in order to comply with the topographic and environmental conditions to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to correctly identify and react to trackside indicators regarding speed limits is demonstrated in accordance with company specific train handling techniques and methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of the topographic and environmental conditions on permissible speed is explained and the ability to react upon is demonstrated in accordance with company specific train handling techniques and methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to identify and react to different signals is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to identify and react to temporary trackside indicators is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Identify different point sets to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Identify different point sets to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train in order to comply with the relevant point's limitations to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to identify points and in advance regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train in order to comply with the relevant point's limitations to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to implement the correct actions during an points related occurrence to bring the train to a halt, secure and protect the train, notify or communicate the identified problems to the train control centre is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Understanding of Local Operating Instructions relating to the specific points is demonstrated by effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Methods of assessment:

    > Written tests/drawing of trajectory may be requested.
    > Oral/on-the-job.
    > In situ (on-the-job) observations.
    > Simulation.
    > Role-play/structured classroom discussions and oral tests.

    These methods must be selected carefully based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, the written method could be used to assess knowledge; or on-the-job demonstration could be used to assess practical competence).

    The assessment must integrate a number of different methods (no less than three of those detailed above) in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.
  • The following tools may be used to supplement the above minimum assessment methods:

    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:

    > Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
    > Relevant certificates or awards.
    > Previous assessment records (in accordance with validation regulations relevant to the specific unit standard).
    > Journal (Logbook).
  • Assessment mechanisms:

    > An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA for Transport and Logistics Operations.

    > Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA for Transport and Logistics Operations.

    > Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA for Transport and Logistics Operations.

    > Moderation of assessment will be done by the ETQA for Transport and Logistics Operations as prescribed.

    > Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be trained, qualified and certified or re-certified (in accordance with validation regulations relevant to the specific unit standard) in this specific unit standard and registered as an assessor with the ETQA for Transport and Logistics Operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    A learner can understand and explain:
  • Safety rules and regulations related to train control systems.
  • Safe work procedures.
  • Existing communication and reporting lines.
  • Diagnostic and analytical evaluation methods to interpret audible and visual indications from locomotive gauges, indicators, and environmental conditions.
  • Basic maintenance techniques to rectify sub-standard conditions.
  • Communication protocols related to the designations, descriptions and company terminology.
  • Safety rules and regulations related to brake systems.
  • Diagnostic and analytical evaluation techniques.
  • Manufacturer's and company's specific train handling techniques and/or methods.
  • Small scale charts depicting track layout. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Learner and societal development:

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to assess risks and take the corrective action to reduce/remove risks within the rail and surrounding environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving:

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to identify hazards within the rail environment (main line, sidings, sheds, etc.) in accordance with company specific procedures, take remedial action to reduce/eliminate hazards and take the necessary corrective action to rectify sub-standard conditions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and self-management:

    Learner has acquired the generic ability to:
  • Do a diagnostic analysis by means of visual and audible indicators to identify defects according to company specific procedures.
  • Implement company procedures to deal with abnormal conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation:

    A learner has acquired the generic ability to evaluate information from visual and/or audible indicators and environmental conditions whilst handling his train. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
  • Learners have acquired the generic ability to utilise and respond to communication systems and the use of active sentences to impart clear and concise information to another party.
  • A learner can communicate effectively by using visual and/or audible language skills in oral and/or written form (when authority must be obtained from another source). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    A learner can apply the principles related to pneumatic/mechanical/electrical systems in relation to train systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter relatedness of systems:

    A learner can understand how one system has an effect on another (vacuum and air brake systems). 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
  • Values:

    In addition the following values should be demonstrated:

    > Time consciousness.
    > Safety consciousness.
    > Self respect.
    > Honesty.
    > Sobriety.
    > Self discipline.
  • Supplementary information:

    > Under motion: in this unit standard refers to the whole train moving at a constant speed which is lower or equal to the prescribed speed for the mainline/yard/siding/station in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures.

    > Sub-standard: in this unit standard refers to any condition that deviates from company specific standards and instructions.

    > POSMOR: in this unit standard refers to Principles of Safe Movement on Rail.

    > Signal lay-out: in this unit standard refers to the position of the signal, distance between signals, visibility of signals, type of signals.

    > Gradient knowledge: in this unit standard refers to where a gradient start and where it ends, how steep, up or down or undulating. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57407   National Diploma: Train Driving (Mainline Operations)  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    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.