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: 

Explain the topographical concepts of a trajectory within the rail environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260920  Explain the topographical concepts of a trajectory within the rail environment 
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  10 
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 learners 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 locomotives and/or trains on a confined rail network, in compliance with legislative requirements, codes and practices.

This unit standard will recognise the essential knowledge and skills required to operate and regulate the movement of a locomotive and or train in compliance with the essential road knowledge principles to contribute to the safe movement on rail.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain railroad gradients.
  • Explain signal-layout on a trajectory.
  • Explain trajectory curves and related risks with regard to train handling.
  • Explain the relationship between train and trajectory speed in terms of the effective control thereof.
  • Explain point-sets. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain railroad gradients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The nine different gradients are explained in terms of topographic layout. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of the nine different gradients on the acceleration and deceleration of a train is explained with reference to company specific train handling techniques and methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Planning of train handling with regards to the nine different gradients is explained in accordance with train dynamic and train handling principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain signal-layout on a trajectory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The positioning of signals on a trajectory and related difficulties in observance thereof is explained in accordance with train handling techniques and company operational instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact due to the positioning of signals on the planning ahead of train handling is explained in accordance with company operational instructions and train dynamic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Signals and combinations thereof is explained in accordance with company operational instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain trajectory curves and related risks with regards to train handling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Trajectory curves are described in accordance with topographical layouts of a trajectory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Curve trackside speed-indicators are explained in accordance with company operational instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Risks related to train handling techniques to engage curves are explained in terms of train dynamic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The impact of consecutive curves in a sequence on train handling is explained in terms of train dynamic principles and related risks. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the relationship between train and trajectory speed in terms of the effective control thereof. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Trackside indicators regarding speed limits are explained in terms of a prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of the topographic and environmental conditions on permissible speed is explained in accordance with train handling techniques and company operational instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The control of trajectory speed is explained in terms of a prescribed route, running time and/or timetable and company procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain point-sets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Point-sets are explained in terms of their application and differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of different point-sets on acceleration and deceleration of a train is explained in accordance with train handling and train dynamic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The related risks with regards to different point-sets are explained in accordance with company operational instructions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against the unit standard (including through RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or one with an appropriate memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • 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, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation should include both internal and external moderation where applicable. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Safety rules and regulations related to train control systems.
  • Communication protocols related to the designations, descriptions and company terminology.
  • Safety rules and regulations related to brake systems.
  • Diagnostic and analytical evaluation techniques.
  • Manufacturer's and company's specific train handling techniques and/or methods.
  • Small scale charts depicting track layout. 
    		•

    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.
  • Learners can identify hazards within the rail environment (main line, sidings, sheds, etc.) in accordance with company specific procedures, take remedial action to reduce/eliminate hazards and take the necessary corrective action to rectify sub-standard conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Learners can interpret information from gauges and warning systems to assess the correct operation of the locomotive; and evaluate company procedures related to the working environment to ensure all work performed adheres to company standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Learners can relate railroad topographical features to train handling dynamic. 
    		•

    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.
  • The learner has knowledge of testing, communication systems as well as the generic ability to identify hazardous and sub-standard conditions, which would have an impact on the safe movement of the locomotive/s. 
    		•

    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
    Core  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 
    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 
    Elective  66709   National Certificate: Rail Operations (Functional Yard Operations)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  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 


    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.