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: 

Operate, and regulate the safe movement of locomotive/s 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230418  Operate, and regulate the safe movement of locomotive/s 
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 4  NQF Level 04  10 
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 
Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to operate and regulate the safe movement of a locomotive in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications whilst complying with company specific procedures. 

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
  • Standard: Sign on and off for locomotive crew.
  • Standard: Apply first aid protocols.
  • Standard: Identify, report and react to hazardous material sub-standard conditions.
  • 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.
  • Standard: Compile Trains.
  • Standard: Operate a train equipped with a vacuum brake system.

    All relevant Basic Locomotive Unit Standards. 
    		•

    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.
  • By complying to hand signalling, radio communication and company specific train control systems.
  • Under hazardous conditions e.g. rail, road, pedestrian and livestock.
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/siding/shed/workshop (may or may not include overhead traction); and
  • Within a specified operational time span.

    This unit standard is inclusive of the following types of locomotives:
  • Diesel hydraulic.
  • Diesel electric.
  • Electrical.
  • Motor coaches.
  • Electric diesel.
  • Steam.
  • Motorised rail maintenance and inspection vehicles.

    This unit standard excludes:
  • Automated centrally controlled monorail systems.

    This unit standard is inclusive of the following:
  • Power test.
  • Brake test.
  • Efficiency brake test.

    Abnormal conditions include:
  • Emergency brake procedures.
  • Accidents/incidents reporting.
  • Fire fighting.
  • Company specific protection procedures. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Assess surroundings, environmental conditions and authorised instructions to determine if safe movement of a locomotive can be conducted in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to collate, analyse and evaluate visual information from the locomotive gauges is demonstrated in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to apply yard/depot/road knowledge under varying environmental conditions is demonstrated in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to assess the environmental surroundings and conditions in planning the safe movement of a locomotive is demonstrated in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to identify and react to relevant road crossing indicators and/or hazards is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to assess the immediate surroundings and react to pedestrians, livestock or any natural occurrence affecting the structure gauge is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The ability to identify and react to inclement weather is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The ability to apply and react to the relevant operational systems and indications when planning the safe movement of a locomotive is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The correct brake application is applied in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The ability to determine the reaction time for the brake application to be effective is demonstrated in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Determine, whilst moving, on a continuous basis from visual and audible indicators whether the electro/mechanical components of the locomotive operate within normal parameters in accordance with company specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to identify electro mechanical problems arising within the locomotive consist using critical and analytical processes is demonstrated in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to identify cause(s) of defects and implement corrective action to rectify these defects is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to implement the correct actions during an 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. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply the principles of POSMOR and/or company train working rules to evaluate and analyse instructions received from train control systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principles of POSMOR to evaluate and analyse instructions received from train control systems is correctly applied in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The company train working rules and/or company operational instructions is correctly adhered to in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to identify and communicate any conditions that makes the train control system and/or instruction illegal or hazardous to the train control centre is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Effective application of communication protocols is demonstrated and utilise to communicate with persons/departments (active sentences are used and the accepted company terminology and descriptions are complied with to ensure that the information imparted to a listener has only one meaning and one intended outcome). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Operate a locomotive consist and apply train handling principles to maintain safe speed and direction in accordance with the prescribed route, running time/time table and company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to apply the correct train handling principles to maintain a safe speed is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to apply depot/yard/road knowledge in accordance with the prescribed route is explained and demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct application of the running time and/or time tables for the prescribed route is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Locomotive/s is are operated and controlled in accordance with the manufacturer's/company operating instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Dangers of damage that can arise if locomotive/s is/are operated outside the operating instructions are correctly explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Basic company specific and locomotive manufacturer's emergency procedures applied in the event of sub-standard condition arising by means of stabling and protecting a locomotive are correctly explained and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures to activate the emergency procedure/teams to rectify sub-standard conditions are correctly explained and demonstrated in accordance with company. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Methods of assessment
  • Written tests/case studies.
  • 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 
    Learners can understand and explain:
  • Company specific rules, instructions regarding the preparation procedures of locomotives.
  • Safety rules and regulations related to operating systems.
  • Safe work procedures.
  • Existing communication and reporting lines.
  • Diagnostic and analytical evaluation methods to interpret audible and visual indications from locomotive gauges and/indicators.
  • Basic maintenance techniques to rectify sub-standard conditions.
  • Purpose and function of auxiliary equipment.
  • Manufacturer's operating instructions.
  • Communication protocols related to the designations, descriptions and company terminology.
  • Road knowledge. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    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.
  • 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 ORGANISING 
    Self organisation and self management

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to organise and collate train equipment and relevant documentation and work to a structured work sequence to test and confirm that locomotives are fit for service or service worthy. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication

    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. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Information evaluation and the use of science and technology

    Learners have acquired the generic ability to:
  • Interpret information from gauges and warning systems to assess the correct operation of the locomotive.
  • Evaluate company procedures related to the working environment to ensure all work performed adheres to company standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter relatedness of systems

    The learner has knowledge of testing, communication systems as well as the generic ability to identify hazardous and sub-standard conditions, which would have an impact on the safe movement of locomotive/s. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    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.

    The learner gained the understanding of the use of communication protocol to impart clear and concise information. 

    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

    Control systems
  • Refers to hand signals, radio communication and company specific train control systems.

    Infrastructure
  • Refers to the signalling, high-voltage electrical equipment, permanent way and communication installations and associated structures/fixtures necessary to operate a railway.

    Traffic (definition)
  • Is any pedestrians, rail vehicles, live stock, road vehicles, which could impair/endanger the movement of the locomotive. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61849   Further Education and Training Certificate: Train Driving  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Core  57407   National Diploma: Train Driving (Mainline Operations)  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  65589   Further Education and Training Certificate: High Speed Inter-City Commuter Railway Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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. RICHARDS BAY COAL TEMINAL COMPANY LIMITED (Legacy) 


    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.