Release 

Comment 

Release 1 

New unit of competency.

Elements 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria 

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicle

1.1 Job requirements are determined according to workplace instructions

1.2 Technical information for testing batteries and equipment safe operating procedures are accessed and interpreted from vehicle or machinery and battery manufacturer specifications

1.3 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed

1.4 Tools, equipment and materials  are selected and checked for serviceability

2. Test battery and determine serviceability

2.1 Battery is inspected and tested according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures, and safety and environmental requirements 

2.2 Battery cables, terminals and case are visually inspected to determine faults or damage

2.3 Electrolyte levels are checked and topped up as required

2.4 Battery and terminals are cleaned using correct equipment and battery cleaning materials

2.5 Battery voltage and load are checked to determine if battery requires charging, jump-starting or replacement

3. Charge battery

3.1 Technical information for charging is interpreted from vehicle or machinery and battery manufacturer specifications

3.2 Tools and equipment for charging battery are identified, selected and prepared according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

3.3 Electrolyte levels are checked and topped up as required

3.4 Battery charge rate is determined  and battery charger is connected to battery according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

3.5 Battery is charged according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

3.6 Battery charger is turned off and disconnected, and electrolyte levels are rechecked, according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements as required

4. Carry out jump-start procedures

4.1 Jump-start is carried out according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements, and without causing damage to vehicle or machinery

4.2 Battery voltage is identified and confirmed as being appropriate to jump-start procedures and vehicle or machinery

4.3 Leads are connected and disconnected in correct sequence and polarity according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

5. Remove and replace battery

5.1 Appropriate power source memory back-up device is connected to ensure no loss of power to accessories as required

5.2 Battery terminals are disconnected according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

5.3 Battery is removed from vehicle according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

5.4 Replacement battery is chosen  appropriate to electrical and physical specifications and measurements of vehicle or machinery

5.5 Battery is replaced and secured according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

5.6 Battery terminals are reconnected and tightened according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

5.7 Post-replacement testingis carried out to confirm battery charging system is operating to manufacturer specifications, any reported problems are resolved, and no other problems are present

6. Complete work processes

6.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vehicle, vessel or machinery is presented ready for use

6.2 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recycled material is collected

6.3 Tools and equipment are checked and stored and any faulty electrical equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures

6.4 Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures

Skills 

Description 

Learning skills to:

• locate appropriate sources of information efficiently.

Reading skills to:

• interpret safety data sheets (SDS), and safe operating procedures in manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
• interpret text, symbols and wiring diagrams in manufacturer specifications, and workplace instructions and procedures.

Writing skills to:

• legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation.

Oral communication skills to:

• clarify instructions
• report inspection findings and make recommendations.

Numeracy skills to:

• identify, interpret and match components and requirements to manufacturer specifications, including:

• battery types
• battery identification numbers and specifications
• cold cranking amp (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC) battery rating requirements

• use mathematical formulas and operations to calculate correct charge rate and charging period for the type and capacity of battery.

Planning and organising skills to:

• plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed within workplace timeframes.

Technology skills to:

• use specialised tools and equipment relating to testing, charging and replacing batteries and jump-starting vehicles correctly and safely, including battery chargers, hydrometers and jumper leads.

Tools, equipment and materials  must include:

• load testing devices
• hydrometers
• multimeters
• jumper leads
• battery chargers
• battery cleaning materials.

Safety and environmental requirements  must include:

• work h ealth and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for:

• safely operating:

• battery testing equipment
• battery charging equipment

• selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses
• identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with:

• battery, vehicle and machinery movement before carrying out work
• wearing jewellery while working around high current wiring systems

• environmental requirements, including procedures for:

• following SDS to trap, store and dispose of toxic and corrosive substances
• disposing of or recycling batteries.

Determining battery charge rate  must include:

• calculating correct charge rate
• calculating charging period for type and capacity of battery.

Choosing replacement battery  must include:

• determining battery specifications to suit vehicle or machinery manufacturer specifications, including correct:

• voltage
• CCA and RC ratings.

Release 

Comment 

Release 1 

New unit of competency.