19283 version 2

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Perform freight train inspection

Level / 3
Credits / 10

PurposeThis unit standard is for people whose role is the inspection of freight trains, and the certification of those trains as complying with the law and the requirements of the Rail Licence.

People credited with this unit standard are able to ensure: the integrity of freight train loads; operation of the air brake system; rail vehicles are in a serviceable condition; the freight train is segregated; and freight train inspection documentation is complete.

Subfield / Rail Transport
Domain / Rail Operations
Status / Registered
Status date / 20 November 2009
Date version published / 20 November 2009
Planned review date / 31 December 2014
Entry information / Prerequisite: Unit 19281, Perform core stationary shunting duties,or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Accreditation / Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and industry.
Standard setting body (SSB) / Competenz
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference / 0013

This AMAP can be accessed at

Special notes

1Assessment against this unit standard is to be carried out within the context of an organisation operating under a current, valid Rail Licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the Railways Act 2005. The organisation’s operating rules, codes, and instructions, referred to in this unit standard, are those the organisation has in place to meet the requirements of the Rail Licence.

2Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

3Definitions

Freight train in the context of this unit standard refers to one or more locomotives hauling nine or more rail service vehicles.

Organisational procedures refer to documents that include: worksite rules, codes, and practices; equipment operating instructions; documented quality management systems; and health and safety requirements.

Rail vehicle refers to any flanged wheeled vehicle which uses the railway line.

Elements and performance criteria

Element 1

Ensure the integrity of freight train loads.

Performance criteria

1.1Load dimensions are checked in accordance with load type and organisational procedures.

Rangeheight, width, length.

1.2Load is secured in accordance with load type and organisational procedures.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – chains, doors, tarpaulins, loose dunnage.

1.3Procedures for dealing with overloaded and out of balance rail wagons are described in accordance with organisational procedures.

Element 2

Ensure operation of the air brake system.

Performance criteria

2.1Air brake system inspection is in accordance with organisational procedures.

Rangeterminal, intermediate.

2.2The procedure for locating air brake leakage is performed in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3Procedures for reporting faults in the air brake system are described in accordance with organisational procedures.

Element 3

Ensure rail vehicles are in a serviceable condition.

Performance criteria

3.1Rail vehicle serviceability is consistent with organisational procedures.

Rangemay include but is not limited to – drawgear, air lines, brake blocks, suspension, wheels/tyres, handbrakes, end-of-train signals.

3.2Defective rail vehicles are repaired or removed from the train in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3Procedures for effecting repairs to removed rail vehicles are described in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4Locomotive driver is advised of any change to the train consist.

Element 4

Ensure the freight train is segregated.

Performance criteria

4.1Load segregation is in accordance with load description and legal requirements.

4.2Load segregation is consistent with organisational procedures.

4.3Locomotive driver is advised of any change to the train consist.

Element 5

Ensure freight train inspection documentation is complete.

Performance criteria

5.1Train inspection documentation is consistent with legal requirements and organisational procedures.

Please note

Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.

Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.

Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.

Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.

Comments on this unit standard

Please contact Competenz you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.

 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018