An Electrical Separation Joint (ESJ) provides separation of abutting track circuits without the use of IRJs. The ESJ consists of an Air Cored Inductor connected to the rails at the end of the track circuit.

A unit of competency has multiple elements of competency.

Each element of competency describes what a person should be able to do to achieve the unit of competency.

ERTMS is an acronym for the European Rail Traffic Management System. ERTMS is a cross-border interoperability and signalling procurement initiative backed by the European Union. ERTMS promises to create a single Europe-wide standard for train control and command systems. It is being closely observed by rail authorities around the world as ERTMS promises to improve on many facets of today's signalling systems.

See also ETCS.

European Train Control System. This a subset of the ERTMS system, specifically the function which controls train movements.

See also ERTMS

An evidence guide provides advice to inform and to support appropriate assessment of the unit of competence. The guide contains an overview of the assessment requirements followed by identification of specific aspects of evidence that will need to be addressed in determining competence. The evidence guide is an integral part of the unit of competence and should be read and interpreted in conjunction with the other components of competency.

Usually a ring-bound folder or electronic database which stores the candidate's evidence.

Some standards for evidence portfolios are:

• Clearly labelled with candidate's details
• All evidence should be verified (as a true copy; is the candidate's work, etc) 
• should be indexed and cross-referenced to the performance criteria for easier location

May also include:

• training records
• employment history (job titles, duties)
• workplace experience (projects and types of equipment)
• rail episodes

A requirement of much equipment in railways is the need to be "fail safe". This requirement means that the equipment design should allow the equipment to revert to the most safe condition should any of the following occur:

• an internal fault
• a malfunction from internal or external factors
• vandalism
• poor maintenance

The objective of this is to ensure the safety of rail passengers, staff and equipment.

Refer to "Right Side Failure" and "Wrong Side Failure" in this glossary.

A final product and/or process that candidates complete is an excellent way to prove competency. However, it is not always easy to do. Here are some things you can use to help you gather evidence.

• portfolio of evidence,
• a structured interview,
• a third party report, or
• a sample of a finished product.

These are flat pieces of metal used to spread the load over a joint. Fish plates are often bolted into position (i.e. on either side of a rail joint) but may also be welded into place (i.e. to support a crack or weakness in a piece of metal).

Effective workplace performance requires not only isolated technical skills, but the knowledge and attitudes to apply those skills in routine and non-routine situations. People are considered to be competent when they are able to apply their knowledge and skills to successfully complete work activities in a range of situations and environments.

The five dimensions of competency are:

Task skills
Undertaking the specific task/s required to complete a work activity to the required standard. This means being able to perform the individual actions as well as the whole task.

Task management skills
Managing a number of different tasks to complete a whole work activity. This means working efficiently to meet deadlines, handle a sequence of interrelated tasks, and progress smoothly between tasks.

Contingency management skills
Responding to problems and irregularities when undertaking a work activity, such as:

• breakdowns
• changes in routine
• unexpected or atypical results or outcomes
• difficult or dissatisfied clients

Job/role environment skills
Dealing with the responsibilities and expectations of the work environment when undertaking a work activity, such as:

• working with others
• interacting with clients and suppliers
• complying with standard operating procedures
• observing enterprise policy and procedures

Transfer skills
This dimension is often addressed — but not mandated — which is having the capacity to transfer skills and knowledge to other contexts.