Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competence to undertake service or repair of light or heavy vehicles, motorcycles, outdoor power equipment or their components in a manner that ensures the protection of the environment.

Application of the unit 

Work involves activities of a mechanical or mechanical specialist workplace or business, including service, removal, repair or fitting of mechanical components for light vehicles, heavy vehicles motorcycles and outdoor power equipment.

This unit is applicable to many mechanical qualifications at both Certificate II and III level.

Work requires individuals to demonstrate judgement and problem-solving skills in managing own work activities and contributing to a productive team environment.

Work is carried out in accordance with award provisions.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Implement environment regulations 

1.1. Reasons for ethical environmental practice in an automotive mechanical workplace or business are identified

1.2. Environmental responsibilities of staff in an automotive mechanical workplace or business are identified

1.3. Penalties for individual breaches of legislation are identified

1.4. Waste is minimised, waste material, including sludge, solids and other wastes are sorted and stored in bins for recycling or disposal

1.5. Packaging on goods received is sorted and reused or disposed of to recycling

2. Monitor and avoid hazards to stormwater 

2.1. No waste water or contaminants are allowed to enter stormwater systems

2.2. Surface cleaning, engine degreasing and preparation is undertaken in an impervious paved area and does not contaminate stormwater

2.3. Parts and components containing environmentally hazardous material are stored under cover in a sealed and bunded or drained treatment area

2.4. Liquid wastes are drained into storage or recycling containers

2.5. Parts washing is undertaken in an approved parts washer that does not cause contamination of stormwater or ground

2.6. Spill kit is located and used as needed to prevent stormwater contamination

2.7. Drip trays are used under vehicles when chance of spillage or leakage is present

2.8. Spills are cleaned up immediately and workplace is kept clean to prevent unintentional stormwater pollution

2.9. Hands are cleaned over drains connected to an oil/water separator or drums for collecting liquid waste

2.10. Spills are cleaned up immediately and workplace is kept clean to prevent unintentional stormwater pollution

3. Monitor and avoid hazards to air quality 

3.1. Vehicle exhausts and emissions are minimised and not permitted to collect in the workplace

3.2. Hazards of airborne particles are monitored, minimised and contained

3.3. Hazards of gases are monitored, minimised and contained

3.4. Welding is conducting in a well-ventilated area

4. Monitor and avoid noise hazards 

4.1. Noise generating activities are minimised and carried out within approved operating hours

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to environmental procedures from legislation, regulations and workplace or business practices in an automotive mechanical workplace or business
• communicate ideas and information to enable work undertaken is in accordance with environmental best practice, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and documenting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation of equipment and material and the selection of worksite to avoid environmental contamination, backtracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to minimise wastage, optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and estimate material for work
• use planning, checking and inspection techniques to avoid environmental contamination and wastage
• use workplace technology related to environmental protection equipment

Required knowledge 

• aspects of environmental legislation and its implications to work being undertaken
• characteristics and potential environmental impact of products used in automotive mechanical workplace or business
• philosophy of prevention, reduce, reuse, recycle
• procedures for documenting machinery faults and material defects
• action to be undertaken in case of significant environmental threat in the workplace or business
• documenting procedures for significant environmental damage occurring in the workplace

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 

• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
• Implement environmental regulations and best practice
• Identify materials used in an automotive workplace or business and assess their environmental impact
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

• minimise risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage and wastage of goods, equipment and products
• maintain production output and product quality

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace context and environment
• Use of a spill kit
• Conduct operator maintenance on tooling and equipment to ensure environmental efficiency

Context of , and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines

The following resources should be made available:

• an automotive mechanical workplace or business with a range of vehicles or mechanical components
• spill kits, recycling drums, vacuum cleaners/brooms/mop and bucket, quick break degreasing agents, undercover bunded or drained areas liquid, sludge and solid wastes

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace contexts

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge

Assessment should be conducted over time and should be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competence

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other functional units which together form part of the holistic work role

Guidance information for assessment 

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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Automotive mechanical workplace or business 

Mechanical workplace or business undertaking either general or specialist mechanical repairs to; light or heavy vehicles or their mechanical components, motorcycles or outdoor power equipment. Specialised mechanical repairs can include transmissions, steering and suspension, brakes, engine reconditioning, diesel fuelled plant, exhausts and radiators

OH &S 

OH&S requirements include OH&S legislation, material safety data sheets, hazardous substances and dangerous goods code and safe operating procedures

Work requirements 

• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, OH&S regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
• Competence may be demonstrated in workplaces involved in the service, repair, overhaul, replacement or fitting of vehicles parts and components

Tooling and equipment 

Tooling and equipment are to include recycling bins and drums, bunded or drained wash bays and preparation areas, parts washers, spill kits, quick break degreasing compounds, cleaning equipment, oil drip trays, waste management systems and waste water systems

Materials 

Materials may include material safety data sheets

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information /documents 

Sources of information/documents may include:

• environmental legislation, regulations and advice
• workplace procedures relating to the use of tooling and equipment
• work instructions, including job sheets
• workplace procedures relating to documenting and communication of environmental issues
• manufacturer/component supplier specifications and operational procedures
• site environmental policy

Unit sector 

Technical

Co-requisite units 

Competency field