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: 

Comply with employer requirements to perform railway duties 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256199  Comply with employer requirements to perform railway duties 
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 3  NQF Level 03  4 
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 
This unit standard will be useful for people starting on a learning pathway in the rail transport industry (train driving), and contributes towards the specialist skills and knowledge they require for specific roles within rail transport. It is intended to describe key skills and knowledge requirements for those Drivers who operate in defined working environments, in compliance with legislative requirements, codes and practices.

This unit standard will recognise the essential knowledge and skills required to take responsibility for own duty shift in a rail operations environment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of general physical and mental fitness for duty.
  • Sign on and sign off for duty.
  • Receive and/or inspect the train and/or locomotive equipment.
  • Collect, inspect and return or book-in train and personal equipment.
  • Complete end of shift reports. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communications at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of general physical and mental fitness for duty. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effects of intoxicating liquors and/or drugs can be explained in terms of the detrimental effect on personal performance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The possible effects associated with prescribed medication are identified in line with site specific policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    General physical and mental fitness for duty are explained with reference to the safe execution of duties and the dangers to self, co-workers and the public. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Provisions for safe working practices and personal and general consequences of non-compliance are described in terms of the company specific substance abuse policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Sign-on and sign-off for duty. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Sign-on and sign-off means meeting all physical, mental and administrative requirements for duty. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Duty requirements are interpreted from the train and/or shift roster. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedure to sign on and off for duty is explained in terms of company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The train and/or shift documentation for the duty shift is checked for completeness, in accordance with site specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Route knowledge is verified in the road knowledge logbook according to regulations and site specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pre-duty procedures are explained in terms of company specific policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Receive and/or inspect the train and/or locomotive equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The train and/or locomotive equipment required is identified from the train and/or shift roster and obtained in accordance with company specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The train and/or locomotive equipment obtained is inspected for relevance and completeness in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Train and/or locomotive communication equipment is tested for functionality, in the prescribed sequence, in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The acceptance of the relevant train and/or locomotive equipment is carried out in terms of company specific procedures and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Collect, inspect and return or book-in train and personal equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal equipment is checked and ensured to be operational and fit-for-purpose in accordance with company specific instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal equipment includes but is not limited to:
  • Suntan lotion; goggles; boots; gloves; ear protection handset, detonators, rule books, training materials, journals, keys.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of defective personal protective equipment is explained in terms of risks to own safety and the safety of others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personal equipment is placed and/or stored in the locomotive according to company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Control procedures for the return of train and locomotive equipment is explained in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Train, locomotive and/or personal equipment is checked, stored and secured, or returned as required on completion of the shift and/or journey, in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Defective equipment is reported or handed to the appropriate personal, as required. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete end of shift reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All relevant train and/or shift documentation is completed and submitted at the signing on and off centre in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation includes but is not limited to:
  • Shift and/or train journal.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Defect reports relevant to the shift and/or journey are completed and submitted at the signing on and off centre in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defects include defects on:
  • Locomotives, trains, infrastructure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reports on train and/or shift incidents and/or abnormalities are submitted in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of not reporting defects and/or sub-standard conditions is explained in terms of risks to own safety and the safety of others. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation Options:
  • Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA.
  • 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 a relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation Option:
  • The moderation requirements of the relevant ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The process is designed for the proactive identification of problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The process is designed to promote and enhance effective team work for safe operation in a rail environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: Core to the standard - organisation and responsible approach to work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: Information on policies, procedures and safe operation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: Involved in evaluation of trips/shift and report writing. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: Use of equipment ot promote safe operation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: Awareness of all the factors that impact on safe operation. 
    		•

    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 
    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure that evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • Methods of assessment should include:
    > 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). 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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 
    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 


    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.