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

Control rail movement by operating semaphore signals and indicators on a double line system 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264336  Control rail movement by operating semaphore signals and indicators on a double line system 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Rail and Pipeline 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  7 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
14606  Control rail movement by operating semaphore signalled double lines and indicators  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10   

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

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Describing the station control layout.
  • Planning rail movement.
  • Operating lever-frame of semaphore signals.
  • Applying station-opening and closing procedures.
  • Operating the semaphore signalling system in degraded mode. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Semaphore signals includes indicators, and the words may be interchanged. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the station control layout. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The station layout is explained in terms of the station diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Physical positions of semaphore signals are identified from the diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The location of semaphore signals is explained in terms of their appearance, purpose and functionality. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan rail movement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rail movement information for a specific train is gathered in terms of approaching train(s). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rail movement running times are calculated in accordance with train running times and scheduled plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application of signals and indicators are planned in accordance with immediate traffic requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Planned movements are communicated and agreed upon with neighbouring stations in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate lever-frame of semaphore signals and indicators. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The lever-frame layout is explained in terms of its operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Layout includes, but is not limited to:
  • Colour coding of levers and order for lever operation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The manner in which the lever-frame interlocks with signals and points is explained in terms of the sequence of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Levers for semaphore signals and indicators are operated and secured in accordance with operating standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Levers for points and locking bars are operated and secured in accordance with operating standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Signal reaction to lever positions is observed and confirmed to be in accordance with the expected outcome. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply station-opening and closing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Neighbouring stations and Operating Centre are informed about station closing in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Points, signals and signal lights are operated for the closing or opening of a station in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stations are signed on or off in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include but are not limited to informing neighbouring stations, gathering train information, securing the interlocking key, inspecting points and station equipment.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Operate the semaphore signalling system in degraded mode. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Authority to pass every defective signal is explained and demonstrated in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Authority to admit a train onto an occupied line is explained and demonstrated in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Procedure for train movement during signal and communication failure is explained in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Procedure for train movement during accidents, derailments or washaways is explained in accordance with standards and operating procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Semaphore signalling and indicators on double lines.
  • POSMOR and related specific company train working rules relevant to semaphore signalling/indicators on double lines.
  • Relevant elements of OHS Act, Act 85 of 1993.
  • Protocol of two-way communications.
  • Layout of yards/stations/section (geographical set-up, critical signals (topography).
  • Abnormal working during failures of signalling/communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the appropriate response in reaction to a semaphore signal/indicator on a double line in which responses display that critical thinking is used for responsible decision making. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a rail operations team to ensure the safe movement of a train using semaphore signals/indicators on double rail lines. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to react appropriately and swiftly to the position of a semaphore signal/indicator. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 14606, "Control rail movement by operating semaphore signalled double lines and indicators", Level 5, 10 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  66669   Further Education and Training Certificate: Rail Operations (Train Control)  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.
     
    NONE 


    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.