Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to move materials mechanically using automated equipment such as automatic guided vehicles, tow motors, high level order pickers, conveyor systems, and mechanised pallet movers. This includes selecting appropriate mechanical moving equipment (where relevant), moving materials/goods in accordance with operational requirements, checking condition of materials/goods and completing all required documentation. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant OH&S regulations concerning the movement of materials mechanically using automated equipment.

Work is performed under limited or minimum supervision. It involves the application of the basic principles and routine procedures for the safe movement of materials mechanically using automated equipment.

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 Select load moving equipment 

1.1 The mechanised handling equipment, the route to be taken and procedures to be used are selected appropriate to the characteristics of the goods

1.2 Dangerous goods and hazardous materials are identified and handled in accordance with codes of practice, OH&S requirements and workplace procedures

2 Move goods 

2.1 Goods are moved using the selected materials handling equipment in accordance with occupational health and safety regulations, manufacturers instructions and company procedures

2.2 Problems in the movement of goods and materials using the automated equipment are identified and are reported in accordance with workplace procedures

3 Check goods and complete documentation 

3.1 Moved goods are inspected for possible damage during transit/movement and appropriate action is taken

3.2 All required documentation is completed for the tracking of the moved goods in accordance with company requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge :

• Regulations relevant to the use of automated equipment to move materials mechanically

• Relevant OH&S and environmental protection procedures and guidelines

• Workplace procedures and policies for the use of automated equipment to move materials mechanically

• Focus of operation of work systems, equipment, management and site operating systems for the use of automated equipment to move materials mechanically

• The purpose, characteristics, capabilities, requirements and limitations of the automated materials moving equipment

• Problems that may occur during the use of automated equipment to move materials mechanically and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve the problems

• Risks when using automated equipment to move materials and related precautions to control the risks

• Documentation and record requirements

• Housekeeping standards procedures required in the workplace

• Site layout and obstacles

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when using automated equipment to move materials mechanically

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the use of automated equipment to move materials mechanically

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to the use of automated equipment to move materials mechanically

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others when using automated equipment to move materials mechanically

• 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 using automated equipment to move materials mechanically in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Implement contingency plans for unplanned events

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

• 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

• Monitor performance of automated equipment and take appropriate action where required

• Ensure servicing of automated equipment in terms of maintenance schedule and standard operating procedures

• Check and replenish fluids (where applicable) 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.

The operations may be conducted:

• in a range of work environments
• by day or night
• in a range of typical weather conditions

Customers may be:

• internal or external

Workplaces may comprise:

• large, medium or small worksites

Work may be conducted in:

• restricted spaces
• exposed conditions
• controlled or open environments

Mechanised equipment may include a range of goods and materials handling equipment such as:

• automatic guided vehicle
• tow motors
• high level order picker
• conveyor system
• mechanised pallet mover

Personal protective equipment may include:

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

Hazards in the work area may include exposure to:

• chemicals
• dangerous or hazardous substances
• movements of equipment, goods and materials
• moving and rotating equipment and vehicles

Personnel in the work area may include:

• workplace personnel
• site visitors
• contractors
• official representatives

Communication in the work area may include:

• phone
• electronic data interchange
• fax
• email
• internet
• radio
• oral, aural or signed communications

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:

• goods identification numbers and codes
• manifests, bar codes, goods and container identification
• manufacturers instructions concerning the use and servicing of automated mechanical equipment
• workplace procedures and policies
• supplier and/or client instructions
• material safety data sheets
• codes of practice including the National Standards for Manual Handling and the Industry Safety Code
• relevant legislation, regulations and related documentation
• award, enterprise bargaining agreement, other industrial arrangements
• standards and certification requirements
• quality assurance procedures
• emergency procedures

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
• workplace relations regulations
• workers compensation regulations
• ADG Code and regulations

Competency Field 

D - Load Handling