So what does it entail?
This article discusses what to expect for Safely Access the Rail Corridor training and how Cloud Assess can improve delivery for training organisations.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is Safely Access the Rail Corridor?
- How does SARC Assessment work?
- SARC Training evaluation criteria
- SARC Training Criteria for Registered Training Organisations
- SARC Course Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Safely Access the Rail Corridor?
Safely Access the Rail Corridor is a nationally accredited safety course offered by specific Registered Training Organisations in Australia for employees and contractors in the country’s rail corridors.
Throughout the course duration, participants learn relevant protection rules, precautions, and procedures to perform their duties safely and effectively. These include:
- Accessing the rail corridor safely
- Accessing the danger zone while minimising risk
- Responding appropriately in an emergency
- Using PPE
After the training, participants earn a Statement of Attainment, and they can apply for a Rail Industry Worker card (RIW card).
How Does SARC Assessment Work?
During SARC assessment, participants undergo a written exam to test their theoretical knowledge of the subject and a practical assessment to evaluate their hands-on skills.
Additionally, the training and assessments replicate or simulate actual workplace operational situations and activities. Students can tackle real-life challenges and demonstrate their theoretical and practical knowledge in these contexts.
SARC Evaluation Criteria
To earn a Statement of Attainment, SARC training participants must satisfy two competence criteria: Performance and knowledge evidence. Let’s delve further into how these two play out.
Performance Evidence
The performance criterion entails demonstrating your knowledge of safety rules and procedures in the rail corridor. To sail through this level, participants should be able to:
- Use standard personal protective equipment in line with the Rail Infrastructure Manager requirements.
- Access the rail corridor safely
- Identify danger zones and safe places
- Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders clearly
- Identify and control job hazards to minimise potential damages and losses
Knowledge Evidence
Participants are also expected to understand the ins and outs of the rail corridor, including:
- Rail danger zones
- The corridor’s safety management systems
- The extent of the rail corridor
- Rules and procedures for working around power sources and other electrical infrastructure in the corridor
- Relevant rail terminologies
Participants also develop above-average language literacy and numeracy skills.
SARC Criteria for Registered Training Organisations
SARC Criteria for Registered Training OrganisationsAs with other vocational education assessments in Australia, training providers that conduct SARC training and evaluation must meet ASQA’s Standards for Registered Training Organizations requirements.
Since training providers can deliver training for multiple rail corridors, they must also comply with the regulatory requirements of the specific rail corridor(s) they want to be authorised for.
For example, Melbourne V Line requires Train Track Safety Awareness (TTSA) while Sydney Metro requires SARC.
The training session must also comply with relevant Australian regulations, including the Rail Safety Act, Work Health Safety Act and Transport-Rail Safety. In addition, training providers must provide all the training materials including eye protection wears, hard hats and visibility vests.
SARC Course Outline
Training providers develop specific SARC course outlines based on applicable rail safety requirements. Here’s a sample SARC outline from Short Courses Australia:
- How to safely access and work in the rail corridor
- Identifying the danger zone
- How to identify and access a safe place
- Identifying the direction of approaching traffic
- Applying minimum sighting distances
- Maintaining situational awareness to identify potential risks
- Identifying and explaining the use of communication tools when working in the rail environment;
- Identifying electrical safety hazards, risks and controls used in the rail corridor;
- Identifying and reporting unsafe situations within the rail environment;
- Undertaking work activities under local track protection rules per safe working rules, procedures and regulatory requirements
Frequently Asked Questions about SARC Training
How much does SARC cost?
Most training providers charge between $200–$250 for SARC training.
What’s the duration of the training?
Safely Access the Rail Corridor is a short training that takes approximately 8 hours.
How long does SARC accreditation last?
It depends. Typically, your Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) doesn’t expire. However, some state rail corridors have specific refresher requirements. For example, VLine requires refresher SARC training every two years.
What is a RISI Card?
A RISI card is the same as a rail industry worker card (RIWC). It is issued to rail safety workers who have undergone the necessary training and are now equipped with the required safety skills for working in specific rail corridors.
Can I take SARC training online?
Yes, you can. Many training providers are shifting to blended learning to deliver SARC training.
Wrapping Up
As Australia’s rail system expands, there would be room for a larger workforce for its rail corridors. This presents many opportunities for training providers who want to deliver Safely Access the Rail Corridor training (SARC).
Rail safety employees and contractors will be looking for training providers that can deliver effective SARC course content conveniently. And this is where Cloud Assess can help you. Our software gives learners hands-on experience, allowing you to create smooth workflows and deliver training content seamlessly.
