Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers operating mobile load shifting equipment, including moving and placing loads.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the general operation of mobile load shifting equipment, including planning the work, moving and placing loads, and shutting down and securing equipment after operation where knowledge of codes and signals is not required. The unit applies to moving loads in workshops and/or on site.

This may include but is not limited to factories, wharfs, ships, warehouses, manufacturing plants, building sites, road construction, demolition sites, quarries and mine sites.

If hand tools are required, Unit MEM08001B (Use hand tools) should also be selected.

Awareness of licensing requirements - licenses may be required for mobile load shifting equipment in some jurisdictions.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 4 

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. Prepare to shift loads

1.1. Work area is inspected to identify hazards, and appropriate prevention/control measures are implemented to avoid hazards.

1.2. Routine pre-operational checks are undertaken in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and regulatory safety requirements.

1.3. Attachments and/or equipment are inspected.

2. Check controls and equipment

2.1. Pre-operational and post start-up equipment checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and/or operating manual.

2.2. Defects and damage are reported according to site procedures.

3. Shift loads

3.1. The most appropriate load shifting device is selected to suit load and shifting requirements.

3.2. Load shifting device is operated within design specifications and safe working load in accordance with standard operating procedures.

3.3. Load is lifted, ensuring balance, vision of operation and protection of load.

3.4. The safe and efficient path of movement is selected and used.

3.5. Path of movement is checked and monitored for obstacles and hazards and safely are maintained.

4. Place loads

4.1. Loads are placed ensuring safety, stability, protection of material and avoidance of hazards on site.

5. Shut down equipment and secure site

5.1. Machinery is parked avoiding equipment hazards.

5.2. Shut-down is conducted in accordance with manufacturers' specification to isolate vehicles.

5.3. Post-operational check is completed in accordance with operational procedures.

5.4. Machinery is parked in accordance with standard operating procedures, avoiding site hazards.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• interpreting and following routine information on standard operating procedures. May include simple drawings, tables and figures, written documents
• performing routine safety, basic service and maintenance procedures
• calculating load masses and safe working loads
• selecting appropriate load shifting device
• following oral instructions
• safely operating load shifting devices and shifting loads
• working with others
• interpreting communication signals and instructions
• determining load masses and equipment requirements
• determining mass of irregular shaped loads
• demonstrating emergency operating procedures
• communicating faults, malfunctions and workplace hazards, reports and maintenance of operational records

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• pre-operational checks
• design specifications of load shifting device
• load chart
• licensing requirements
• load protection
• safe load placement
• operational environment
• appropriate permits
• hazards and control measures associated with load shifting and equipment
• use and application of personal protective equipment
• safe work practices and procedures
• workplace communication procedures
• manufacturers' specifications

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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to operate load sifting equipment to move and place loads.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with using load sifting equipment to move and place loads or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

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.

Pre-operational checks 

Battery, water, fuel, hazards warning lights, fluid or gas leaks, braking, movement of booms, visual checks of tyres, emergency devise/alarms, log books, operating motions, evidence of damage, excessive wear and tear, as determined by manufacturers' specifications and standard operating procedures

Attachments and /or equipment 

Hooks, electromagnetic hook, buckets, slings, tag lines, buckets, trench, excavating, rock breakers, shackles, lifting lugs, fork arms

Post start-up 

• Hazards warning systems, attachments, movements and control functions are smooth
• Operating and emergency controls and safety devices are located, identified and tested
• Communication signals are confirmed
• Defects and damage are reported

Load shifting device 

Front end loaders/back hoes, ride on forklifts and pallet trucks, bobcats, vehicle loading crane

Safe working load 

Weight of load is assessed to ensure compliance with equipment load plate specifications

Standard operating procedures 

Industry standards, production schedules, material safety data sheets, work notes and plans, product labels, manufacturers' specifications, operator manuals, enterprise policies and procedures, supervisors' oral and written instructions, current State/Territory occupational health and safety legislation, standards and codes of practice

Obstacles and hazards 

• Overhead cables, personnel, obstacles (fixed and moveable), trenches, pits, uneven terrain, trees, underground services
• Exposure to chemicals, dangerous or hazardous substances
• Movements of equipment, goods, materials and vehicular traffic

Shut-down 

• Post-operational equipment checks, motion locks and brakes are applied
• Lifting equipment is checked
• Defective equipment is identified, segregated and reported to supervisor
• Equipment is correctly stowed

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Materials handling