Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to unload and load a wheeled or tracked mobile crane from and onto a float, including inspecting the worksite, unloading and loading crane from and onto float and securing the crane prior to travel. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Work must be carried out in compliance with the licence/permit requirements and regulations of the relevant state/territory authorities pertaining to mobile crane operations.

Work is performed under general supervision, with some accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes. It involves the application of routine principles and procedures to the loading and unloading of a tracked crane prior to lift in a variety of operational contexts.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

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

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Inspect site 

1.1 Site access and exit routes are identified

1.2 Site hazards are identified

1.3 Loading and unloading area is selected based on assessment of work site requirements, physical conditions, proximity to job and safety of operations

2 Unload /load crane from /onto float 

2.1 Vehicle is inspected and checked prior to unloading

2.2 Pre-operational checks are conducted in accordance with manufacturers instructions and workplace requirements

2.3 Float is positioned on site in designated loading/unloading area noting ground conditions and potential site hazards

2.4 Lashings, chains, stabilisers and chocks are safely removed and correctly stowed and secured in designated areas

2.5 Loading ramps are secured

2.6 Crane is driven on/off float ensuring no injury to personnel or damage to equipment and site

2.7 Crane is stabilised, shut down and secured

3 Secure crane for travel 

3.1 Weight and dimensions of crane are established and compared to carrying capacity of vehicle

3.2 Crane is correctly positioned on float

3.3 Crane is secured using appropriate securing equipment and shackled to anchorage points in accordance with workplace/float securing system and manufacturers specifications

3.4 Securing equipment is tightened to ensure security during travel

3.5 Ramps are loaded and secured

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge :

• Relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements pertaining to mobile crane operation

• Application of relevant agreements, codes of practice or other legislative requirements

• Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

• Mobile crane applications, capacities, configurations, safety hazards and control mechanisms

• Identification and correct use of equipment, processes and procedures related to the loading and unloading of wheeled or tracked cranes

• Focus of operation of work systems and equipment

• Operational procedures for crane crews

• Procedures for prioritising and multi-tasking work

• Wheeled or tracked mobile crane applications, capacities, configurations, safety hazards and control mechanisms

• Workplace procedures for the planning of mobile crane jobs and the setting up of work areas

• Workplace procedures for the loading and unloading of wheeled or tracked cranes

• Guidelines relating to the safe use of machinery and equipment

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when loading and unloading wheeled or tracked cranes

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the loading and unloading of wheeled or tracked cranes

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to the loading and unloading of wheeled or tracked cranes

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others when loading and unloading wheeled or tracked cranes

• Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems that may occur during the loading and unloading of wheeled or tracked cranes in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that could occur during the loading and unloading of wheeled or tracked cranes

• Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

• Plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

• Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

• Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

• Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

• Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

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

• The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

• the underpinning knowledge and skills
• relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

• Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

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.

Operations may be conducted:

• day or night
• in a variety of weather conditions

Environment may include:

• movement of equipment, goods, materials and vehicular traffic

Customers may be:

• internal or external

Mobile crane may include:

• any wheeled or tracked unit

Mobile crane may be involved in work in a range of industry sectors including:

• construction and demolition
• manufacturing
• waterfront
• mining
• primary industry
• utilities (electricity, gas, water)
• arboricultural
• swimming pool
• quarrying

Hazards may include:

• power lines
• noise, light, energy sources
• overhead service lines
• surrounding buildings, structures, facilities
• underground services
• obstructions
• uneven or unstable ground and recently filled trenches
• stationary and moving machinery and equipment
• hazardous or dangerous materials
• traffic hazards and congestion
• other vehicles and personnel

Hazard management is:

• consistent with the principle of hierarchy of control with elimination, substitution, isolation and engineering control measures being selected before safe working practices and personal protective equipment

Consultative processes may involve:

• other employees and supervisors
• management
• union representatives
• clients
• industrial relations and OH&S specialists
• other professional or technical staff

Requirements for access and/or lift may include:

• site restrictions and procedures
• authorities and permits
• hours of operation
• induction processes
• slings, chains, nets, brackets and other specialised lifting equipment
• noise restrictions
• personal protective equipment
• support trucks
• additional gear and equipment
• communications equipment

Personal protective equipment may include:

• gloves
• safety headwear and footwear
• sunscreen, sunglasses and safety glasses
• two-way radios
• high visibility clothing

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• organisational procedures
• established procedures

Documentation/records may include:

• site plans
• Safe Working Load (SWL) and Working Load Limit (WLL)
• operations manuals including load charts and crane and rigging manuals
• induction documentation
• competency standards and training materials
• job specifications and procedures
• manufacturers specifications
• workplace operating procedures and policies
• supplier and/or client instructions
• communications technology equipment, oral, aural or signed communications
• personal and work area work procedures and practices
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including:

• workplace agreements and awards
• occupational health&safety procedures
• standards and certification requirements
• quality assurance procedures
• emergency procedures

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

• relevant state/territory regulations and licence/permit requirements pertaining to mobile cranes
• relevant state/territory road rules
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

Competency Field 

B - Equipment Checking and Maintenance