Trainee Train Assistant: Komatipoort - Transnet

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 organization 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 assist with locomotive brake tests.
• Couple locomotive
• Sign on duty
• Despatch locomotive
• 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
• Performs the pre–trip preparation of the Locomotives and the whole Train prior the departure to adhere to roadworthiness and train working rules and safety standards.
• Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of guard personnel. I.Mount telemeters where necessary II.Complete vehicle list and vacuum form III.Mount train indicators IV. Examine train. V.Do brake test in conjunction with the 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 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 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 behavioural 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 PRE-REQUISITE:

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

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING:

• Be prepared to successfully undergo Train Assistant duties (theoretical and practical) so as to be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant
• 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)