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 a train equipped with a vacuum brake system 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230402  Operate a train equipped with a vacuum brake system 
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  12 
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 operate a train equipped with a vacuum brake system to facilitate the safe movement on rail in accordance with company specific procedures and operational requirements. 

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 and regulate the safe movement of locomotive(s)
  • One of the following Locomotive Unit Standards: TD06; TD09; TD10; TD13; TD14; TD15 
    		•

    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/shed/workshop (might or might not include high voltage overhead traction).
  • Different gradients, road and environmental conditions.
  • Within a specific time span.
  • Under hazardous conditions.

    This unit standard is inclusive of the following types of locomotives:
  • Diesel electric.
  • Motorized rail and inspection vehicles.
  • Steam.
  • Motor coaches.
  • 5E, 6E, 7E, 8E, 9E(first series), 10E.
  • Electric/diesel (class 38)(direct current).

    This unit standard is exclusive of the following types of locomotives:
  • Monorail traction vehicles.
  • 7E1.
  • 11E.
  • 9E (last series).
  • 6M.
  • 8M. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and explain the purpose and function of the brake equipment on locomotive(s) and wagons fitted with a vacuum brake system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and function of the brake equipment on locomotive(s) fitted with a vacuum brake system is identified and explained in accordance with company specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose and function of the brake equipment on wagons fitted with a vacuum brake system is identified and explained in accordance with company specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Set up and test locomotive(s) and wagons fitted with a vacuum brake system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Locomotive(s) and wagons fitted with a vacuum brake system is correctly set up for the operation of the train in accordance with company specific instructions, procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Locomotive(s) and wagons fitted with a vacuum brake system is correctly tested for the operation of the train in accordance with company specific instructions, procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sub-standard conditions and the resultant dangers are explained and corrective actions identified in accordance with company specific safety instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply vacuum brake principles to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Apply vacuum brake principles to regulate the acceleration and deceleration of a train in order to apply the topographic and environmental conditions to ensure the effective control of speed in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable, company specific instructions, procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to utilise the visual indicators to maintain the speed of the train in accordance with the prescribed route, running time and/or timetable is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to apply road knowledge and vacuum brake principles by means of visual indicators in order to safely regulate the speed of the train on varying track conditions is demonstrated in accordance with company specific instructions, procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor and react to visual indicators on the locomotive to ensure the vacuum brake system of the train operates within normal parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to collate, analyze and evaluate information emanating from visual indicators is demonstrated to ensure the train operates within the normal parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to effect remedial actions in the event of a vacuum brake failure to regulate the safe movement of a train in accordance with company specific instructions, procedures and manufacturer's specifications is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant role players are advised of sub-standard conditions and temporary actions taken to rectify sub-standard conditions in accordance with company specific instructions. 


    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 carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, the written method could be used to assess knowledge or on-the-job demonstration for 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.
  • 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 ETQA for Transport and Logistics Operations.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the 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 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 the vacuum air brake systems.
  • Diagnostic fault finding techniques.
  • Functions of the visual indicators.
  • Train handling techniques related to the vacuum train brake system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving and information evaluation
  • Learners have acquired the generic ability to interpret and analyse information from the visual indicators and implement remedial action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork
  • Learner has acquired the generic ability to effectively impart precise information to a department/ fellow employees in the execution of their duties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self organisation and - management
  • Learner has acquired the generic ability to operate a vacuum train brake system to regulate the train safely and adhere to the specified time tables, running times, special notices or instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learner has acquired the generic ability to interpret and determine whether the vacuum brake system is operating or not operating within normal parameters. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter relatedness of systems
  • Learners have acquired the generic ability to understand how one system has the effect on the other( vacuum and/ air 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:

    Brake test will include company specific brake tests as defined in the company specific instructions and procedures and manufacturers specifications.
  • Operate: In this unit standard refers to the preparation, operation, pre-trip and train brake testing of the specific brake system.
  • Sub-standard: In this unit standard refers to any condition that deviates from company specific standards and instructions.

    Where learners have been assessed and been found competent to operate a train equipped with a vacuum train brake system, each learner will be issued with a certificate. The certificate will further state the operation area/company for which the certificate has been issued. 
    		•

    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 
    Elective  61849   Further Education and Training Certificate: Train Driving  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. African Rail And Traction Services 
    2. DQ Staffing Solutions 
    3. PRASA T/A Metrorail KwaZulu Natal 
    4. R and H Rail (Pty) Ltd 
    5. School of Rail: Esselenpark 
    6. Traxtion Sheltam (Pty) Ltd 


    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.