AS 7453 Recruitment and Selection of Rail Traffic Drivers

The objective of this Standard is to:

• provide a consistent approach to the Recruitment and Selection of Rail Traffic Drivers within the Australian railway industry;
• support a focus harmonization of national rail skills; and
• help improve rail industry safety, reduce costs, and increase productivity and efficiency.

The review of this standard has aligned it with current methodologies, requiring only minimal amendments. Key changes include:

1. Emphasises systematic risk evaluation with a detailed list of criteria for assessments.
2. Stresses the importance of regular reviews to identify and implement improvements.
3. Specifies the requirements for record retention and compliance with statutory obligations.
4. Mandates full medical exams to ensure comprehensive health assessments.

This product…

1. provides a consistent approach to the recruitment and selection of Rail Traffic Drivers (RTDs) within the Australian railway industry;
2. supports harmonization of national rail skills; and
3. helps improve rail industry safety, reduce costs, and increase productivity and efficiency.

This product…

• advocates rigorous medical and psychological assessments;
• provides a consistent national approach to recruiting and selecting RTDs; and
• provides consistent recruitment and selection criteria facilitate the interchangeability of RTDs between different rail operators and networks.

To effectively implement this product within your organisation, follow these key steps to ensure a thorough and fair selection process.

• Developing selection criteria:
  • Conduct a job analysis to determine the knowledge, skills, and attributes required for the RTD role.
  • Use the results to establish selection criteria and assessment activities.
• Assessment process:
  • Plan a comprehensive assessment process that includes initial candidate screening and detailed assessment activities.
  • Ensure assessments are valid, reliable, and unbiased.
• Preparing applicants:
  • Provide applicants with detailed instructions and preparation time before assessments.
• Audit and continuous improvement:
  • Regularly review and audit the recruitment and selection process to identify and implement improvements.
• Qualifications for assessment:
  • Ensure that individuals designing, administering, and analyzing assessment results have the necessary qualifications and expertise.