Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the operation of side by side utility vehicles and defines the standard required to: conduct pre and post operational checks; operate side by side utility vehicles in a safe, efficient and controlled manner; perform minor maintenance and fault finding.

Application of the unit 

This unit relates to operating of side by side utility vehicles which are used for general transport, carrying loads, towing small trailers and mustering stock.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare side by side utility vehicle for use

1.1. Appropriate personnel protective equipment is used and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

1.2. Conduct routine pre-operational checks.

1.3. Replace and/or report damaged or worn components.

1.4. Identify and report potential Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards.

1.5. Secure loads and ensure weight does not exceed limits.

1.6. Attach equipment and loads that do not exceed the weight limitations or change the dynamic stability of the vehicle.

1.7. Appropriate licenses for operation of vehicles are obtained where required.

2. Operate side by side utility vehicle

2.1. Operate machinery and equipment in a safe, efficient and controlled manner.

2.2. Operate side by side utility vehicles in accordance with task requirements, conditions and manufacturers operating guidelines.

2.3. Assess and minimise potential risks to self, others and the environment.

2.4. Ensure that the vehicles seat belts and other safety features are functional and used.

2.5. Environmental implications associated with side by side utility vehicle operation are recognized and positive enterprise environmental procedures applied where relevant.

3. Complete work

3.1. Follow shut down procedures.

3.2. Complete operational records.

3.3. Carry out routine operator servicing.

3.4. Identify and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• conduct pre-operational checks
• operate machinery in a safe, efficient and controlled manner
• perform operator maintenance tasks
• attach and uncouple associated equipment
• recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols
• interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions
• record information accurately or verbally report information
• use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• safe riding techniques including hilly terrain and crossing waterways
• transporting the side by side utility vehicles
• manufacturer's specifications and/or workplace requirements for pre-start checks, machinery operation techniques, load carrying operator level servicing and shutdown emergency procedures
• basic diagnostic techniques
• components and controls, features and functions.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

In order to confer competency, evidence must prove that the candidate is able to:

• conduct pre and post operational checks;
• operate side by side utility vehicles in a safe, efficient and controlled manner;
• perform minor maintenance and fault finding; and
• give due respect to:

• performance criteria;
• application of knowledge and skills;
• human exposure to health and safety hazards;
• environmental impacts; and
• animal welfare.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

The variables for this unit may include:

• side by side utility vehicles used in agricultural, horticultural or conservation land management contexts.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field