Trainee Train Assistant - Transnet Freight Rail

Position Purpose

Assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient driving/handling of all different types of trains/locomotives (airbrake, vacuum, high speed, heavy haul and passengers) to ensure that the customer's freight/cargo reaches its destination in good condition, on time, in order to enable the organisation to satisfy the customer needs.

Position Outputs

Sign on duty at the designated workplace and be allocated duties to be performed for the duration of the shift.

• Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
• Obtain and place equipment on the locomotive.
• Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
• Clean working area.
• Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed and assist with locomotive brake tests.
• Couple locomotive.
• Sign on duty.
• Despatch locomotives.

Prepare locomotives

• Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
• Obtain and place equipment on the locomotive.
• Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
• Clean working area.
• Assist with starting up of locomotives as prescribed.
• Assist with locomotive brake tests.

Prepare communication equipment.

• Obtain radios/handsets/walkie-talkie/telemeters when applicable.
• Check the functionality of communication equipment.

Perform the pre–trip preparation of the Locomotives and the whole Train prior to departure to adhere to roadworthiness and train working rules and safety standards.

• Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of guard personnel.
• Mount telemeters where necessary.
• Complete the vehicle list and vacuum form.
• Mount train indicators.
• Examine train.
• Do brake test in conjunction with train driver.

Execute shunting activities in sidings and en route according to directives to enhance safe working procedures.

• Obtain works order.
• Perform shunting/placing/removing of trucks as per works order.
• Update vehicle list.
• Place and clear load/empty trucks at the siding.

Assist the train driver en route to ensure the safe movement of the train from a required point to the destination, without delays or damage to locomotives, wagons, infrastructure track and other equipment, to ensure predictable service.

• Verbally compare signal positions and display with the train driver.
• Observe proceeding trains and patrol locomotives.
• Reset locomotive trip-outs.
• Observe the safe running of the train.
• Protect train during incidents.
• Assist Train Driver during emergency circumstances.

Comply with safety standards and laid down instructions to ensure that he is well-motivated and competent.

Provide accurate feedback timeously to the Train Driver regarding any incidents and deviations along the route.

Assist in performing various administration duties.

Complete the Train journal and submit it to the Section Manager at sign–off after every shift to ensure timeous and accurate processing of monthly salary.

Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioural risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months.
• Physical hearing, vision, and mental fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related safety behavioral risk assessments).
• The operator shall not allow employees younger than 21 years of age to undertake Train driver or train control duties (SANS 3000, par 6.2.6.8).

The following minimum Trainee prerequisite:

1. The candidate should be a minimum of 1.6m tall.
2. Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS standards)).
3. Ability to carry heavy objects.

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING:

1. Be prepared to successfully undergo Train Assistant duties (theoretical and practical) so as to be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant.
2. Be willing, prepared and capable of obtaining a Train Assistant duties certificate (theoretical and practical) successfully and be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioural risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months.
• Physical, hearing, vision, and mental fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related Safety Behavioural Risk Assessment).

Competencies

KNOWLEDGE:

• Various communications systems.
• Depot layout.
• Locomotive classes.
• Locomotive equipment.
• Route/road.
• Sections/stations and sidings.
• Signing on duty procedures.
• Train working rules.
• Trip report.
• Yard and siding layout.
• Knowledge of general TFR policies.
• Shunting procedures.
• Locomotive classes and their hauling capacities, constraints on the particular territory.
• Health and Safety Act 85.
• First Aid.
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).
• SANS 3004 (Human Factors).
• HC Policies and procedures.
• Train service/ITP.
• Training workings.
• Substance Abuse policy and procedures.