Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit specifies the outcomes required to perform slinging techniques, including the selection and inspection of lifting gear and/or the directing of the crane operator in the movement of the load when the load is out of view of the crane/ operator for licensing purposes.

Application of the unit 

This unit covers the scope of work to demonstrate competency in the application of slinging techniques, selection and inspection of lifting gear and/or the directing of the crane/ operator in the movement of the load.

This unit is based upon the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

This unit in its current form meets state and territory licensing requirements. Any alteration will result in a unit which is not acceptable to regulators for the purpose of licensing.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

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. Plan job.

1.1. Site information  is obtained and related to the task.

1.2. Hazard  s and potential hazards associated with the slinging and directing of loads are identified.

1.3. Hazard control measures  consistent with appropriate standards  are identified to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

1.4. The weight, dimensions and centre of gravity of the load are identified and assessed.

1.5. Suitable lifting/slinging points on the load are identified.

1.6. Appropriate lifting equipment  needs are assessed.

1.7. Appropriate communication methods  are assessed with crane / operators and other appropriate personnel .

1.8. Manufacturer's specifications/information is obtained for special loads where necessary.

2. Select and inspect equipment.

2.1. Lifting equipment appropriate to the task is selected.

2.2. Lifting equipment is inspected for serviceability.

2.3. Damaged or excessively worn lifting equipment is identified, labelled and rejected.

2.4. Appropriate communication methods for the crane/operator and appropriate personnel are selected.

2.5. Appropriate communication equipment  is selected and its serviceability is checked.

2.6. Appropriate personal protective equipment  (PPE) is selected and checked.

3. Prepare site and equipment.

3.1. Hazard prevention/control measures are applied consistent with appropriate standards to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

3.2. Appropriate slinging method is selected.

3.3. Lifting equipment is prepared and assembled where appropriate.

3.4. Load destination is prepared.

4. Perform task.

4.1. Lifting equipment is attached and secured to the lifting hook using appropriate techniques.

4.2. Lifting hook is positioned over the load centre of gravity.

4.3. Lifting equipment is attached and secured to the load in an appropriate manner.

4.4. Tag line is attached and secured where appropriate.

4.5. Test lift is conducted to ensure security of load.

4.6. Load is moved maintaining stability and control at all times.

4.7. Appropriate communication methods and communication signals  are applied to safely coordinate the load movement both within sight and out-of-sight of crane operator.

4.8. The load is landed to ensure that it is stable and secure from movement.

4.9. Lifting equipment is removed or disconnected from load and prepared for next task or storage.

5. Shut down job and clean up.

5.1. Unserviceable lifting equipment inspected and rejected.

5.2. Defective equipment  is isolated and tagged.

5.3. Lifting equipment is stored in accordance with procedures and appropriate standards.

5.4. Hazard prevention/control measures are removed where appropriate.

5.5. Excess materials from the work area are removed (where applicable).

5.6. Defects are reported and recorded according to procedures and appropriate action is taken.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Required skills for this unit are:

• communication techniques in the workplace including whistles, hand signals and use of fixed channel two-way radios
• communication skills at a level sufficient to communicate with other site personnel
• calculate rated capacity of lifting equipment
• apply different methods for making temporary connections to loads using fibre and synthetic ropes
• ability to interpret rated capacity and working load limit tags
• hazard identification and control
• slinging techniques
• selection and inspection of lifting equipment
• directing crane operators in the moving of loads in a safe manner, using a slewing crane
• inspection and care of a wide range of lifting equipment to appropriate Australian Standards and/or manufacturer's specifications.

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge for this unit is:

• appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement of loads
• basic knowledge of types of cranes and their functions
• Commonwealth, state or territory OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of techniques for undertaking dogging activities
• load stability and safety factors in line with manufacturer's specifications
• types of lifting equipment and slinging techniques for use, and their limitations and performance in a wide range of conditions (including but not limited to slings, beams, accessories, clamps, work-boxes, bins and pallets)
• understanding of the hierarchy of control.

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 

Successful assessment of this unit meets the competency requirement of the National Standard for licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

State/Territory OHS regulators have mandated the use of Assessment Instruments and Instructions for Assessment of this unit which have been endorsed by the national body responsible for OHS matters.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

• comply with Commonwealth, state or territory OHS legislation, standards relevant to safe dogging and crane operations.
• communicate and work safely with others in the work area.
• apply Hazard prevention and control measures consistent with appropriate standards.
• apply to move loads in conjunction with cranes including, the reading of tags, slinging, loading, directing and landing loads with a slewing mobile crane with a telescopic boom and a winch, in and out of sight of the crane/ operator, moving four loads of varying shapes, sizes and weights.
• use fibre and/or synthetic rope as tag lines, and connecting to loads using clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline and single sheetbend.
• conduct pre and post operational checks of the lifting equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Assessment of the safe and effective application of knowledge and skill to workplace tasks (performance) must be undertaken using the national OHS endorsed Assessment Instrument
• Assessment of performance must be undertaken either in the workplace or in a realistically simulated workplace setting
• Assessors must ensure that the assessment in the workplace is organised through a workplace supervisor to ensure that all the required equipment and materials and a suitable working area is made available to suit the assessment and the workplace
• Assessment must occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
• Assessment is to comply with the requirements of any relevant Standards or operating procedures for dogging activities
• Applicants must have access to:

• personal protective equipment (PPE) for the purpose of the performance assessment.
• four different loads as prescribed in the endorsed assessment instrument
• lifting and associated equipment
• suitable slewing crane
• communication equipment (eg. fixed channel, two-way radios) as applicable.

Method of assessment 

Assessment must be conducted using the national OHS endorsed Assessment Instrument. This Instrument provides instruction on the application of the assessment.

Assessment may be in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency.

The use of 'simulators'  in the assessment of this unit of competency is not acceptable .

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Guidance information for assessment 

Further information about endorsed Assessment Instruments may be obtained from state/territory OHS regulators.

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.

Site information may include but not be limited to 

• local conditions such as access and egress
• work method statements.

Hazards  may include but not limited to:

• ground stability (eg. ground condition, recently filled trenches, slopes)
• overhead hazards (e.g. power lines, service pipes, trees, buildings, etc)
• insufficient lighting
• traffic (e.g. pedestrians, vehicles, plant)
• weather (e.g. wind, lightning, storms)
• other specific hazards (e.g. trip hazards, heights, radio interference, etc).

Hazard prevention /control measures 

The systematic process of eliminating or reducing the risk to personnel and property through the application of controls.

It includes the application of the hierarchy of controls, including:

1. elimination.

2. substitution.

3. isolation.

4. engineered control measures.

5. safe work practices.

6. personal protective equipment.

Appropriate standard  s may include:

• codes of practice
• legislation
• Australian Standards
• manufacturer's specifications
• industry standards.

Lifting Equipment  may include but not limited to:

• fibre ropes
• wire ropes
• chain
• wire and synthetic slings
• shackles
• eyebolts
• beam clamps
• plate clamps
• spreader beams
• lifting beams
• pallet forks and cages
• concrete kibbles
• personnel boxes.

Communication Methods  may include but are not limited to:

• written instructions
• signage,
• hand signals
• listening
• questioning to confirm understanding
• appropriate worksite protocol.

Cranes  may include but not limited to:

• tower cranes (including self erecting)
• portal boom cranes
• vehicle loading cranes
• slewing mobile cranes
• non-slewing cranes
• derrick cranes.

Appropriate personnel  may include but are not limited to:

• supervisors
• colleagues
• managers who are authorised to take responsibility for the workplace or operations.

Communication Equipment  may include but not limited to:

• fixed channel two-way radios
• whistles
• bells.

Personal protective equipment  (PPE) may include but not limited to:

• hard hat
• safety boots
• gloves
• high visibility clothing
• reflective vest
• relevant breathing, hearing, sight, skin and sun protection.

Load destination  may include but not limited to:

• ground
• loading platforms
• suspended floors
• vehicles.

Communication signals  may include but not limited to:

• stop - hand
• stop - whistle
• hoist up - hand
• hoist up - whistle
• hoist down - hand
• hoist down - whistle
• luff boom down - hand
• luff boom down - whistle
• luff boom up - hand
• luff boom up - whistle
• telescope out - hand
• telescope out - whistle
• telescope in - hand
• telescope in - whistle
• slew left - hand
• slew left - whistle
• slew right - hand
• slew right - whistle.

Defective Equipment  may include but not limited to:

• excessive wear
• damage
• stretched
• broken wires
• cut/damaged fibres.

Unit sector 

Construction

Co-requisite units 

Nil

Functional area