Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the outcomes required to drive log trucks to or from a forestry harvesting site, facilitate log loading and unloading, and deliver logs to their intended destination according to organisational procedures and regulations.

General workplace legislative and regulatory requirements apply to this unit. Specific licences and certification may be required, subject to enterprise requirements.

Application of the unit  

The unit involves transporting forestry logs using trucks in a variety of work settings, including forest environments, landings, log dumps, saw mills, wood chip mills, veneer mills, board/plywood mills and other settings, such as farms and agriculture.

The skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance are to be used within the scope of the person’s job and authority.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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.

1. Prepare to transport logs

1.1. Appropriate work/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) , environmental  and organisational policies and procedures  relevant to transporting forestry logs using trucks are identified and followed

1.2 Logging sites and logs to be transported are identified from schedules, work orders  or harvesting site personnel

1.3. Coupe map is located and examined for truck access areas

1.4.Work order and/or schedules are reviewed and clarified with appropriate personnel,  as required

1.5.  Truck, ancillary equipment, accessories  and/or configuration  requirements relevant to work order and load build  are located and availability is confirmed

1.6. Transportation documentation  required to comply with legislation related to driving hours, load limits and dimensions is received and checked

2. Establish route for log truck

2.1. Route is selected and its suitability to enter and exit coupe is confirmed with appropriate personnel to ensure minimal environmental impact and site protection

2.2. Transport routes are communicated  and confirmed with appropriate personnel to ensure the most efficient, safe, secure and legal movement of forestry logs

2.3. Information on height, width and load limits of road infrastructure ,  environmental constraints  and other restrictions  are adhered to, where necessary

2.4. Time required to transport logs is estimated and confirmed with relevant personnel accounting for fatigue management legislation and guidelines

3. Facilitate log truck loading

3.1. Access is identified and manoeuvring approach established with worksite personnel for loading areas

3.2. Truck and/or configuration are positioned to avoid site and equipment hazards and to maximise load safety and security while loading

3.3. Log positioning equipment  is placed and checked for planned loading, and is reset if necessary

3.4. Safe loading procedures are agreed to with relevant worksite personnel and monitored to ensure load meets transport regulatory requirements

3.5. Communication between driver and machine operators is established and maintained to determine safe location when loading logs

3.6. Load is checked and feedback provided to loader operator, as required, to ensure safe transport

4. Secure logs prior to transport

4.1. Load is secured with sufficient number and type of securing devices  as per loading guidelines and transport regulatory requirements

4.2. Logs are re-tensioned as required

4.3. Overhang warning devices  and signage are fitted to load to comply with transport regulatory requirements

5. Transport logs

5.1. Logs are transported following planned or modified route with consideration for road surfaces, conditions and fatigue management legislation and guidelines

5.2. Condition of roads and tracks is monitored, and unexpected ground, water, vegetation or other environmental conditions  are reported to appropriate personnel

5.3. Truck is operated and driven to manufacturer specifications and legislative requirements using primary and subsidiary controls  as appropriate to conditions

5.4. Truck gauges and warning devices  are monitored through observation of performance to detect operating faults

5.5. Operating faults are identified, recorded and reported , and responded to as necessary according to organisational requirements to ensure equipment is safely operated within manufacturer specifications and safety regulations

5.6. Periodic load safety checks are conducted and load is re-tensioned  according to statutory requirements and road conditions

5.7. Communication methods  with other drivers and road users are established and operated during log transport to inform location of truck and possible hazards

5.8. Communication channels are kept open in line with organisational arrangements to ensure location is known at all times so that timely emergency assistance can be provided if required

6. Complete log transport operations for unloading

6.1. Site procedures for unloading are established with appropriate personnel and site inductions are completed

6.2. Truck is directed to and manoeuvred into planned position for unloading

6.3. Truck is parked in designated area as instructed by appropriate personnel to avoid site and equipment hazards

6.4. Truck and trailer are shut down and truck is secured according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements

6.5. Load is inspected for log movement and provision is made to support logs that cannot be controlled when released

6.6. Safe location and safe unloading zones are identified and adhered to when removing logs according to site unloading procedures

6.7. Securing devices for load restraint are released in correct sequence for truck, trailer and/or load configuration

6.8. Log shifting process and truck operations, including faults, are recorded and reported to appropriate personnel

6.9. Workplace records and documentation are completed and maintained according to workplace procedures

6.10. Truck and trailer are made safe for return journey to coupe

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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely transport forestry logs using trucks according to organisational requirements.

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, and satisfy, all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:

• following appropriate WHS/OHS, environmental and organisational policies and procedures relevant to transporting forestry logs using trucks
• planning forestry log movement in line with organisational requirements
• observing and facilitating loading and unloading log truck to organisational requirements
• securing forestry logs prior to transport according to legislative and organisational requirements
• following legal requirements as well as organisational policies and procedures relevant to transporting forestry logs
• completing documentation required by workplace personnel to complete the movement of forestry logs.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Competency is to be assessed in the workplace
• Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety and environmental constraints
• Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
• Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
• The following resources should be made available:
• workplace location
• materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
• specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment 

• Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
• Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
• Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and at least one other type of evidence i.e. third party report and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
• Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the required knowledge
• Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
• Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
• Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
• Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
• Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
• Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

RANGE STATEMENT

Work/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements :

are to be in accordance with applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:

• personal protective equipment and clothing
• safety equipment
• first-aid equipment
• fire-fighting equipment
• fatigue management
• hazard and risk control
• elimination of hazardous materials and substances
• safe forest practices, including required actions relating to forest fire
• manual handling, including shifting, lifting and carrying
• chain of responsibility

Environmental requirements  may include:

• legislation
• organisational policies and procedures
• energy efficiency
• workplace practices

Organisational requirements  may include:

• legal
• organisational and site guidelines
• policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
• quality assurance
• procedural manuals
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• WHS/OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
• ethical standards
• recording and reporting requirements
• equipment use, maintenance and storage requirements
• environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and reuse guidelines)

Work orders  may include:

• instructions for equipment allocation and usage, location and intended activity to designated personnel
• supervisors
• suppliers
• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• schedulers

Truck  may include:

• rigid or articulated log trucks

the following:

• semi-trailers
• jinkers
• quad-dogs
• B doubles
• two-bay skeletal trucks

Ancillary equipment  may include:

• safety fittings
• load restraint devices
• head boards
• cab guards

Accessories  may include:

• tools
• records
• first aid kits
• fire extinguishers
• binders
• chains
• personal protective equipment

Configuration  is to include:

• a truck and trailer combination

Load build :

is to include positioning of logs on truck so as to avoid:

• uneven weight distribution
• instability or uncontrolled collapse of the load during loading or unloading

must also take into account:

• requirements for trailer rigidity
• turning clearance
• overhang
• projection above stanchions
• crowning
• weight distribution on truck and trailer axles
• contact with bolsters, stanchions and other logs

Transportation documentation may include: 

• transport permits
• gazette notices
• information booklets
• maps

Communication  may include:

• verbal and non-verbal language
• active listening
• questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
• use of positive, confident and cooperative language
• use of language and concepts appropriate to individual social and cultural differences
• control of tone of voice
• body language

Road infrastructure  may include:

• sealed or unsealed roads
• established tracks

Environmental constraints  may include:

• soil type
• access
• slope
• weather conditions

Other restrictions  may include:

• load height
• weight
• overhang

Log positioning equipment  may include:

• bolsters
• slippers
• stanchions
• chocks

Securing devices may include: 

• dogs and chains
• binders/straps
• webbing
• lashings and winches
• auto-tensioning devices

Overhang warning devices may include: 

• flags
• lights
• reflectors
• signs

Environmental conditions  may include:

• soil and water protection
• ground hazards and obstacles
• wind and dust
• fog and rain

Primary controls  may include:

• power
• brakes
• steering
• speed
• position
• load reaction
• gear selection

Subsidiary controls  may include:

• differential lock
• centre tyre inflation (CTI) power dividers

Gauges and warning devices may include: 

• alarms
• lights
• buzzers

Records and reports :

may include:

• scheduling and coordination outcomes
• log movement
• despatch outcomes
• storage locations
• quality outcomes
• hazards
• incidents
• equipment malfunctions

may be:

• manual
• work diary
• computer-based system
• other appropriate organisational communication system

Re-tensioning  is to include:

• re-tightening of the chains, binders and other load restraint devices

Communication methods may include: 

• two-way radio
• hands-free mobile phones