Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of maintaining and operating vehicles and defines the standard required to: carry out routine checks and maintenance; store loads securely; drive a range of vehicles safely and defensively; record details of vehicle use and maintenance.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to working under minimal supervision within enterprise guidelines.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare vehicle for use

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the work area are identified and reported to the supervisor.

1.2. Routine checks and maintenance of vehicle are conducted prior to use according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise requirements.

1.3. Faults or malfunctions are identified and reported for repair according to enterprise requirements.

1.4. Loads are secured according to safe operational specifications, OHS, legislative and enterprise requirements.

2. Drive vehicle

2.1. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

2.2. Vehicle is driven in a safe and controlled manner and monitored for performance and efficiency.

2.3. Driving hazards are identified, anticipated and controlled through the application of safe and defensive driving techniques.

2.4. Environmental implications associated with vehicle operation are recognised and positive enterprise environmental procedures applied where relevant.

3. Complete and record vehicle performance

3.1. Shut-down procedures are conducted according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage to vehicle is detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Vehicle is cleaned and decontaminated (where necessary), secured and stored according to enterprise and OHS requirements.

3.4. Vehicle operational reports are maintained to industry standards according to enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• steer, manoeuvre and position vehicles in a smooth and controlled manner in on and off-road conditions
• demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
• obtain relevant licenses and permits
• demonstrate emergency procedures and safe driving techniques
• read and comprehend operator manuals
• effectively communicate faults, malfunctions and workplace hazards
• interpret and apply task instructions, report and maintain operational records
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• components, controls and features of vehicles and their functions
• operating principles and operating methods
• load limits and the principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and vehicle movement
• effects of adverse weather and terrain conditions on the operation of vehicles
• OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice
• Environmental Codes of Practice with regard to the operation of vehicles
• Relevant State/Territory legislation and regulations with regard to licensing, road and traffic requirements.

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 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• carry out routine checks and maintenance
• store loads securely
• drive a range of vehicles safely and defensively
• record details of vehicle use and maintenance.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Vehicles may include:

• utilities
• four wheel drive vehicles
• light trucks.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field