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 heavy on-track maintenance machine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253975  Operate a heavy on-track maintenance machine 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  17 
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 
The person credited with this Unit Standard will be able to follow pre-start and start up procedures and conduct a safety meeting with crew. The learner will also be able to accelerate, decelerate and apply the appropriate braking systems as and when required. Learners will also be able to pack and un-pack the various components and zero measuring equipment according to contract specifications. The learners will also be able to set the machine controls to suit job requirements and to monitor quality as an ongoing process.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Conducting pre-start-up procedures.
  • Conducting start-up and post start-up procedures.
  • Track travelling the machine.
  • Setting machine out for work.
  • Working the machine.
  • Preparing machine for travelling.
  • Stabling the machine.
  • Conducting end of day procedures. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will be assumed competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    A heavy on-track maintenance machine will include but is not limited to ballast regulator, ballast cleaning machine, overhead maintenance vehicle, continuous action tamper, ballast stabilizer, spoil wagons, flash butt welder, geometry machine, track construction machine, rail profiling machine, reciprocating ballast tamping machine, construction tilt wagon and desec turnout replacement machine. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Conduct pre-start-up procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of following pre-start-up procedures is explained in terms of reliability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pre-start-up checklist is followed so that all items are attended to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-start-up checklist requirements are complied with in accordance with organisational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct start-up and post start-up procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety meeting is conducted according to organisational policies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Start-up procedures are followed in accordance with manufactures instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operating gauges are checked in terms of equipment performance. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Track-travel the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Travel mode is engaged in accordance with manufactures instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Brakes are released by operating the controls. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Brakes include but are not limited to park brake, emergency brake, service brake.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Machine is pulled off smoothly in the right direction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Brakes are tested by applying the service brake. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Machine is accelerated and decelerated in order to comply with track conditions and rail regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Stop the machine in normal conditions by applying the brakes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedure for emergency stops is explained with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Set out machine for work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for selecting the work mode before setting out the machine for work is explained in terms of functional sequence of events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various components are un-parked in order to activate machine readiness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Various components may include but are not limited to measuring trolleys, lift and lining units, absolute measuring base, coupling cutter bars, tamping units, bogies, ploughs, vibration units, pantographs, track skid and drop-off mechanism, squaring device, threading device, cherry picker, conveyer systems, satellites, construction tilt wagon, counter weight, safety pins and desec turnout replacement machine.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Working requirements are selected in terms of the specified job to be done. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Work the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Measuring equipment is zeroed in accordance with contract specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Machine controls are set in accordance with track conditions and job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Production specifications are complied with in order to meet contractual obligations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Quality is monitored continuously to meet required track standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety measures are met in accordance with workplace safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Any defects which occur are logged for after shift action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Prepare machine for travelling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various components are parked to get the machine ready for safe travel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consequences of not preparing the machine for travelling are explained in terms of safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Client and crew are communicated with before travelling commences. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Stable the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Brakes are applied by operating the controls. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Machine is parked according to safe working practices and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Conduct end of day procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Administration documentation is completed according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Any incidents are reported according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    After shift maintenance is carried out in order to have machine ready for next shift. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    After shift maintenance includes cleaning, repairs, services, setting up machine, refuelling, inspect safety pins, counter weights and safe loading of desec turnout replacement machine.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing this unit standard must do one level higher and one years practical experience.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Mechanical knowledge.
  • Electrical knowledge.
  • Hydraulics' Knowledge.
  • Track geometry.
  • Pneumatics.
  • Trains working and railway regulations. 
    		•

    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 operation and functions of the heavy on-track maintenance machine. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in the process of operating the heavy on-track maintenance machine in a safe manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information pertaining to the operating of the heavy on-track maintenance machine and its safety. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with clients and crew when commencing travel information and with all role players when reporting issues regarding the heavy on-track machine. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where the incorrect operating of the machine can have a negative impact on the job at hand and the safety of stakeholders. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48940   National Certificate: Construction: Plant Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  49795   National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. Aveng (Africa) Limited 


    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.