Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recover damaged or broken-down vehicles in motorsport events in a safe and timely manner without causing further damage to the vehicle.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit in some jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant regulatory authority.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to individuals who perform vehicle recovery operations in motorsport events, including practice sessions. This can include carrying out pre-operational checks on recovery vehicles and equipment, driving a recovery vehicle carrying/towing a load, operating ancillary equipment, and completing documentation.

Persons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable legislation and relevant regulations covering the operation of the tow truck and related equipment.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess situation and plan recovery

1.1. Assess the equipment requirements and techniques to carry out the recovery

1.2. Confirm availability of recovery vehicle and associated equipment and personnel to carry out the job

1.3. Identify potential hazards at the recovery site and during the recovery operation and take appropriate precautions and strategies to manage and control the risks involved

1.4. Identify the type of vehicle to be towed and determine critical aspects of vehicle design that could impact recovery operations

1.5. Plan the recovery operation with consideration for security and safety of persons, vehicles and property

2. Set up and secure the recovery situation

2.1. Set up and secure the recovery situation in accordance with the established action plan

2.2. Deploy safety equipment, barriers and warning signs in accordance with operating procedures and regulatory requirements

2.3. Manage spectators and other personnel in the vicinity of the towing situation in accordance with safety procedures and security requirements

2.4. Manoeuvre vehicle to be recovered into position using appropriate equipment and standard operating procedures

2.5. Prepare the vehicle for recovery without causing damage to any component or system, as far as possible

3. Recover vehicle

3.1. Use personal protective equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

3.2. Operate recovery equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications, safe working practices and regulatory requirements

3.3. Identify attachment points and check the weight of the vehicle being recovered to ensure that they are consistent with established guidelines, regulatory requirements and the permissible safe working loads for the recovery vehicle and its associated equipment

3.4. Secure the recovered vehicle using appropriate winches, ropes and cables in accordance with relevant load restraint regulations and standard operating procedures

3.5. Safely convey and unload the recovered vehicle to the designated location

4. Clean up and complete reports

4.1. Clear the recovery area and its near vicinity of debris and clean up any spills

4.2. Complete recovery vehicle log in accordance with organisational requirements and regulations

4.3. Complete incident report and official forms related to recovery operations

5. Check and maintain equipment

5.1. Check recovery vehicle and equipment for operational effectiveness in accordance with manufacturer specifications and standard operating procedures

5.2. Carry out routine servicing and lubrication checks of the recovery vehicle and its equipment in accordance with the maintenance and service schedule

5.3. Identify and tag faulty equipment or components that may affect the safe operation of the vehicle and report to the appropriate personnel for rectification

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Required skills include:

• technical skills to the level required to operate recovery vehicle and associated tools and equipment
• communication skills to the level required to understand and relay technical information and instructions, and to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities
• literacy skills to the level required to read and interpret instructions, procedures, regulations, signs, charts, maps and labels, relevant to recovery operations
• numeracy skills to the level required to calculate loads, assess tolerances and apply accurate measurements
• problem-solving skills to the level required to modify activities and take appropriate initiatives depending on differing recovery contexts, risk situations and environments
• team skills to the level required to ensure completion of tasks in a safe and timely manner

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge includes:

• procedures for recovery type, preparation of vehicles, recovery procedure and worksite clean-up requirements
• recovery vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use
• recovery vehicle handling procedures, both with and without a tow or load
• procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency when operating a recovery vehicle, including the use of portable fire extinguishers
• pre-operational checks carried out on a recovery vehicle and its equipment and related action that should be taken
• communication procedures, including reporting lines within the motorsport environment
• range of potential workplace hazards, risks and emergency situations
• basic principles of risk management
• applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice, including OHS and environmental regulations, relevant to recovering vehicles in a motorsport event
• organisational policies and procedures, including safety requirements, hazard identification, risk assessment and emergency response procedures, related to recovering vehicles in a motorsport event

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 

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

• observe safety procedures and requirements
• communicate effectively with others involved in or affected by the work
• select methods and techniques appropriate to the circumstances
• complete preparatory activities in a systematic manner
• complete vehicle recovery procedures safely and without damage to vehicle or equipment
• complete area clean-up
• complete log book and reporting requirements.

Context of , and specific resources for assessment 

• The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that reflects as far as possible the actual working environment.
• Assessment is to occur using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
• Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements, including specified Australian standards.
• Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
• The following resources should be made available:

• access to relevant recovery vehicle and equipment
• access to suitable motorsport events
• applicable personal protection and safety equipment and resources
• copies of safe work practices and standard operating procedures.

Method of assessment 

• Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.
• Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of Required Skills and Knowledge.
• Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on Required Skills and Knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.
• Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
• Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
• Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other functional units which together form part of the holistic work role.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Motorsports 

Motorsports may include:

• automobile (car, truck and cart), motorcycle and powerboat events
• competitions and practice sessions
• circuit, track, speedway, rally, road and off-road events
• club, state/territory, national and international events

Potential hazards 

Potential hazards at the recovery location may include:

• other vehicular traffic
• live electrical wires
• contaminated blood at scene
• weather conditions
• spilt or leaking oil or fuel (slippery surfaces)
• unsafe or damaged equipment
• unsafe procedures in the use of recovery equipment
• fire
• unsafe manual lifting procedures
• sharp edges

Recovery vehicle 

Recovery vehicle may include:

• tow truck
• tilt tray
• trailer
• dolly wheels
• low loader

Safe work practices 

Safe work practices may include:

• use of flashing lights on vehicles
• deployment of safety equipment (e.g. warning signs or witch's hats)
• strategic positioning of recovery vehicle
• use of appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing
• checking equipment and isolating, rectifying or reporting any defective equipment
• following correct procedures in the event of spilt or leaking fuel or oil
• using correct portable firefighting equipment
• use of reflective raincoats and vests
• correct manual lifting strategies

Tools and equipment 

Tools and equipment may include:

• hand tools
• chains, slings and ropes
• safety equipment
• towing bar
• jack
• shovel, broom and spill kit
• remote lights, signs, torch and work light
• air lines and fittings
• reduction blocks
• communication equipment

Communication skills 

Communication skills to manage the reactions of participants to decisions may include:

• addressing people politely
• clarifying the relevant rule or regulation
• presenting information in logical order
• refraining from swearing, arguing or fighting
• remaining patient
• refraining from interrupting
• speaking clearly
• using language that is not patronising but at a suitable level
• using body language and voice in an assertive but not aggressive manner
• using non-discriminatory language
• using effective listening and speaking skills
• verifying what has been said or done and why it has been said or done

Information /documents 

Sources of information/documents may include:

• hardcopy and electronic media
• verbal, written and graphical information
• safe work procedures related to vehicle recovery and equipment operation
• regulatory/legislative requirements pertaining to operating a recovery vehicle
• National Competition Rules (NCR) and event supplementary regulations
• motorsport organisation manuals, codes of conduct, policies and procedures
• controlling body rules, category rules and supplementary regulations
• event policies and procedures relating to work areas, authorities and lines of communication
• task instructions, including briefings, worksheets, checklists and plans

OHS requirements 

OHS requirements are to be in accordance with applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:

• personal protective equipment and clothing
• safety equipment
• first aid equipment
• hazard and risk control
• elimination of hazardous materials and substances
• manual handling, including shifting, lifting and carrying
• emergency procedures

Legislative requirements 

Legislative requirements are to be in accordance with applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice, and may include:

• relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence/permit requirements pertaining to the recovery vehicle operations
• award and enterprise agreements
• industrial relations
• confidentiality and privacy
• OHS
• the environment
• equal opportunity
• anti-discrimination
• relevant industry codes of practice
• duty of care

Environmental requirements 

Environmental requirements may include but are not limited to:

• waste management
• noise
• habitat, flora and fauna protection
• clean-up management

Organisational policies and procedures 

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

• OHS, sustainability, environment, equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policies and procedures
• industry codes of practice
• safe work procedures
• communication, reporting and recording procedures

Unit sector 

Motorsport officiating

Co-requisite units 

Competency field