Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate specialised load shifting equipment in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant regulatory requirements, including planning work for the current working conditions; using controls and equipment operating systems to manage movement of the unit and accessory operations; locating load and identifying load characteristics; moving materials and loads; monitoring and operating controls; and stopping, parking and securing equipment after operation. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Work must be carried out in accordance with codes, regulations, licence and/or permit and workplace requirements relevant to operation of the specialised load shifting equipment concerned.

Safety checks and equipment tests are performed under limited supervision.

Work involves the application of regulatory requirements and workplace procedures to the operation of specialised load shifting equipment in the stevedoring, transport, warehousing, distribution and/or storage industries.

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 Plan work for the current working conditions 

1.1 Traffic flow and work area conditions are constantly assessed and anticipated to allow safe operation to ensure no injury to people, or damage to equipment, loads or facilities

1.2 Characteristics of the load are taken into account to ensure that, where applicable, appropriate attachments are used to transport the load

1.3 Any occurrences in the work area that may affect the safety and efficiency of operations are reported to the appropriate personnel

2 Use controls and equipment operating systems to manage movement of the unit and accessory operations 

2.1 Equipment is prepared and any appropriate attachment fitted

2.2 Gear and operational levers are checked to ensure that they are in the neutral position prior to inserting ignition key and starting engine

2.3 Engine is started in accordance with manufacturers guidelines to bring the engine to speed

2.4 Instruments and gauges are monitored during start-up and operations to ensure that operation is within manufacturers specifications and enterprise safety requirements

2.5 Engine power is managed for efficiency of equipment movement and economy of equipment operations

2.6 Equipment operations are conducted within the manufacturer's specified torque range

2.7 Any faults or damage to equipment are immediately reported to the appropriate personnel

3 Locate load and identify load characteristics 

3.1 Load is located and identified according to instructions

3.2 Loading and unloading plans are followed to ensure efficiency and safety of operations

3.3 Characteristics of the load are taken into account to ensure that appropriate loading and unloading procedures are followed

3.4 Hazardous goods are identified and relevant procedures are taken into account when planning and conducting the work

3.5 Load weight and dimensions are within the capacity of the equipment

4 Move materials and loads 

4.1 Equipment is manoeuvred and positioned using smooth and controlled movements

4.2 Manoeuvres are within the limits of the equipment and in line with manufacturers specifications

4.3 Materials are moved ensuring no injury to personnel or damage to equipment or goods

5 Monitor and operate controls 

5.1 Equipment controls are monitored and operated in accordance with manufacturers operating instructions

5.2 Control systems are understood and acted upon in accordance with statutory authority regulations, manufacturers guidelines and site operating procedures

5.3 Control faults are identified and reported in accordance with manufacturers instructions and workplace guidelines

6 Stop , park and secure equipment 

6.1 Equipment is brought to a controlled halt within manufacturers guidelines

6.2 Equipment is parked without injury to personnel or damage to equipment, loads or facilities in accordance with company procedures

6.3 Equipment is secured on a flat, even surface and not close to doorways, aisles, access-ways or blind corners and in accordance with securing procedures for the appropriate equipment

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge :

• Regulations relevant to the operation of specialised load shifting equipment, including, where relevant, the ADG Code and relevant bond, quarantine or other legislative requirements

• Relevant OH&S and environmental protection procedures and guidelines

• Workplace procedures and policies for the operation of the specialised load shifting equipment

• Focus of operation of work systems, equipment, management and site operating systems for the operation of the specialised load shifting equipment

• The purpose, characteristics, capabilities, requirements and limitations of the specialised load shifting equipment

• Conveyed materials' potential for toxicity, reactiveness, material grade, type and purpose including information from relevant material safety data sheets and ADG Code documentation (where applicable)

• Problems that may occur when operating specialised load shifting equipment and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve the problems

• Operational safety requirements and precautions for the specialised load shifting equipment concerned

• Documentation and record requirements

• Housekeeping standards procedures required in the workplace

• Site layout and obstacles

• Relevant permit and licence requirements

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when operating specialised load shifting equipment

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to work activities

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to the operation of specialised load shifting equipment

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others when operating specialised load shifting equipment

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

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may arise when operating specialised load shifting equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Implement contingency plans for unexpected events when operating specialised load shifting equipment

• Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the operation of specialised load shifting equipment

• 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

• Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

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

• Select and use relevant gear and accessories when operating specialised load shifting 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

• Monitor performance of specialised load shifting equipment and take appropriate action where required

• Service equipment in terms of maintenance schedule and standard operating procedures

• Check and replenish fluids and carry out lubrication processes in the course of work activities

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.

Work may be conducted:

• in a range of work environments
• by day or night

Customers may be:

• internal or external

Workplaces may comprise:

• large, medium or small worksites

Work may be conducted in:

• limited or restricted spaces
• holds on ships
• exposed conditions
• controlled or open environments
• even or uneven surfaces
• wet or dry surfaces

Equipment may include:

• reach stackers
• straddle trucks
• excavators
• front-end loaders (over 10 tonne)
• bulldozers (both in transport and shipping terminals and in the holds of ships)
• straddle carriers

Requirements for work may include:

• site restrictions and procedures
• use of safety and personal protective equipment
• communications equipment
• specialised lifting and/or handling equipment
• additional gear and equipment
• noise restrictions
• hours of operations
• authorities and permits

Hazards in the work area may include exposure to:

• chemicals and fumes
• dangerous or hazardous substances
• stationary and moving machinery, goods, materials and vehicular traffic
• contamination of, or from, materials being handled
• service lines
• spills, leakages and ruptures
• dust/vapours
• faulty gear/equipment/tools

Consultative processes may involve:

• workplace personnel including supervisors and managers
• equipment manufacturers and suppliers
• site visitors and contractors
• union representatives, industrial relations and OH&S specialists
• other professional or technical staff

Communication in the work area may include:

• phone
• fax
• email
• internet
• electronic data interchange (EDI)
• RF communications
• bar code readers
• oral, aural or signed communications

Personal protective equipment may include:

• gloves
• safety headwear and footwear
• safety glasses
• two-way radios
• respirators and fume masks
• protective clothing
• 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

Information/documents may include:

• workplace procedures and policies for the operation of the specialised load shifting equipment concerned
• goods identification numbers and codes
• manifests, picking slips, merchandise transfers, stock requisitions and bar codes
• manufacturers specifications for equipment/tools
• equipment identification labels, bar codes and serial numbers
• supplier and/or client instructions
• relevant OH&S requirements and policies
• relevant Australian standards and certification requirements
• material safety data sheets where applicable
• codes of practice including the National Standards for Manual Handling and the Industry Safety Code
• relevant legislation, regulations and related documentation including the ADG Code
• award, enterprise bargaining agreement and other industrial arrangements
• quality assurance procedures
• emergency procedures

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

• relevant codes, regulations and licence/permit requirements pertaining to the operation of the specialised load shifting equipment concerned including the ADG Code (where applicable)
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
• relevant Australian standards and certification requirements
• licence, patent or copyright arrangements
• water and road use and licence arrangements
• export/import/quarantine/bond requirements
• workplace relations regulations including equal opportunity, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action legislation
• workers compensation regulations

Competency Field 

D - Load Handling