This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a container side lifter (swing lifter, side loader) in accordance with relevant state/territory authority requirements and regulations.

It includes loading a container from the ground onto a vehicle, unloading a container from vehicle to ground, and transferring a container from one vehicle to another.

It also includes maintaining systematic and efficient control of all functions, managing side lifter condition and performance, and effectively managing hazardous situations while operating a container side lifter.

Operation of a container side lifter is performed with limited supervision, and with duty of care responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Check a container side lifter and ancillary equipment 

1.1

Job hazards are identified and required action is taken to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

1.2

Load lifting capacity for side lifter and ancillary equipment, as required, is identified in terms of maximum rated capacity

1.3

Pre-operational checks and inspections are conducted on side lifter, lifting assemblies, specialist lifting equipment, and ancillary equipment, as required, to ensure serviceability and suitability for task and readiness for operation

2 

Ensure site safety 

2.1

Ground conditions are checked to ensure stability

2.2

Site safety is managed in accordance with workplace policy and procedures

2.3

Exclusion zones are identified and implemented

3 

Load loaded container from the ground onto side lifter vehicle 

3.1

Container weight is checked to ensure it is within specified maximum lifting capacity of side lifter vehicle

3.2

Side lifter is positioned, lifter engine is started, and side lifter readiness for lift, including deployment of stabiliser legs, is completed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements

3.3

Lifting equipment is attached to container, checked, and adjusted as required, in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements

3.4

Pre-lift physical check is performed to ensure side lifter is capable of lifting container safely

3.5

Container is lifted and placed onto side lifter twist locks in accordance with manufacturer and organisational requirements

3.6

Loaded container is secured and vehicle is made ready for on-road travel, in accordance with regulatory requirements, manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

4 

Unload loaded container from side lifter vehicle onto the ground 

4.1

Container weight is checked to ensure it is within side lifter vehicle specified maximum lifting capacity

4.2

Side lifter is positioned, lifter engine is started, and side lifter is made ready for lift, ensuring that deployment of stabiliser legs is completed in accordance with manufacturer specifications/organisational requirements

4.3

Load securing devices are unlocked or removed and lifting equipment is attached to container, checked and adjusted as required, in accordance with manufacturer specifications and/or organisational requirements

4.4

Pre-lift physical check is performed to ensure side lifter is capable of lifting container safely

4.5

Container is lifted and placed on ground, in accordance with organisational requirements, allowing access to the container doors and surroundings

4.6

Lifting equipment is removed from container and side lifter vehicle is made ready for on-road travel, in accordance with manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements

5 

Transfer loaded container from one vehicle to another 

5.1

Receiving vehicle and container are checked to ensure they are compatible and that receiving vehicle load capacity is adequate for intended load

5.2

All vehicles are positioning in accordance with intended transfer requirements

5.3

Lifter engine is started and side lifter is made ready for lift

5.4

Load securing devices are unlocked or removed and lifting equipment is attached to container, checked, and adjusted as required, in accordance with manufacturer specifications and/or organisational requirements

5.5

Pre-lift physical check is performed to ensure side lifter is capable of lifting container safely

5.6

Container is transferred to receiving vehicle in accordance with manufacturer and organisational requirements

5.7

Lifting equipment is removed from container and both vehicles are made ready for on-road travel, in accordance with regulatory requirements and manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

5.8

Loaded container is secured in accordance with regulatory requirements and manufacturer specifications

5.9

Documentation is completed in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• conducting a pre-operational check including:

• checking and replenishing fluids and carrying out lubrication processes during work activities
• visually checking vehicle and ancillary equipment
• checking operation of vehicle lights and indicators
• checking all levers and operational gauges on ancillary equipment

• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• implementing contingency plans
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring performance of vehicle, its trailers and its equipment and taking appropriate action as required
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• relocating a container from one vehicle to another with container at ≥60% capacity
• relocating a container using a side lifter from ground to vehicle with container at ≥60% capacity
• relocating a container using a side lifter from vehicle to ground with container at ≥60% capacity
• servicing vehicle and its equipment in terms of maintenance schedule and standard operating procedures
• working collaboratively with others
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• efficient driving techniques
• engine power management and safe driving strategies
• pre-operational checks carried out on side lifter and ancillary equipment
• relevant national heavy vehicle legislation and regulatory requirements
• relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations
• relevant personal protective equipment for side lifter operations
• relevant state/territory road traffic authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements
• side lifter vehicle handling procedures
• workplace driving and operational instructions.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment of the task to operate a container side lifter must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, national Load Restraint Guide codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

A simulator is not suitable for final assessment of this unit of competency.