Unit of competency
Modification History
Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to PMASUP236B Operate vehicles in the field
Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare and operate vehicles and related equipment to patrol pipelines or otherwise drive across a variety of terrains.
This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to check their vehicle daily for damage, ensure fuels and lubricant levels are maintained, effect minor repairs, prepare and maintain field equipment, and communicate with their base station.
In a typical scenario an operations technician patrols areas of pipeline or follows pipelines across a variety of terrains looking for problems which require maintenance or reporting, or drives to remote facilities. During the course of their work they must check the vehicle for mechanical soundness before leaving base, ensure it is securely and adequately packed, make certain their communications equipment and contact schedule are in order and generally be prepared for long periods off-road.
Generally the operations technician would be part of a team during field trips, though they may be required to undertake limited trips. At all times they would be liaising and cooperating with their base station.
Operators must have the appropriate class of driver's licence before taking charge of the vehicle.
No other licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Competency Field
Support
Unit Sector
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1 |
Prepare vehicle and secure load |
1.1 |
Conduct vehicle familiarisation checks before starting journey |
1.2 |
Note and rectify any defects, where possible, or report vehicle for further attention/repair |
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1.3 |
Ascertain that all required fuel, water and other supplies required for the journey are available and in useable order |
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1.4 |
Inspect all ancillary equipment and operational accessories to ensure they have been attached or secured in a safe and agreed manner |
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1.5 |
Secure load, including external loads, rear tray, roof racks, and any loads within the vehicle, using appropriate securing equipment |
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2 |
Undertake journey |
2.1 |
Familiarise oneself with the route to ensure that an appropriate route has been determined |
2.2 |
Interpret access manuals and topographical maps in order to obtain required information for journey |
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2.3 |
Obtain relevant authorisations/notifications and accesses before starting the journey |
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2.4 |
Confirm and/or clarify or communicate journey details with relevant company personnel |
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2.5 |
Monitor driving conditions and requirements constantly, to meet any changes in terrain, weather conditions and road conditions and requirements |
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2.6 |
Monitor and maintain fluid levels and air pressures to ensure safe and efficient vehicle operations |
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2.7 |
Monitor vehicle constantly for any malfunctions or factors that may affect vehicle performance |
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2.8 |
Maintain vehicle speeds within all stated limits and road condition limitations to minimise the risk of personal injury, environmental damage and load damage |
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2.9 |
Maintain communication as required with the relevant company personnel to advise of progress and journey status |
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2.10 |
Ensure seatbelts are worn by all personnel while the vehicle is in motion |
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3 |
Operate vehicle |
3.1 |
Apply knowledge of vehicle differences to the driving requirements of 4WD and conventional vehicles |
3.2 |
Adhere to general principles of four wheel driving in negotiating a variety of terrains and driving conditions |
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3.3 |
Use defensive driving techniques |
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3.4 |
Observe additional precautions for night driving |
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3.5 |
Drive to suit road conditions |
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3.6 |
Observe rules prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol and other performance inhibiting substances |
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4 |
Finalise journey |
4.1 |
Communicate and confirm termination of journey with the relevant company personnel |
4.2 |
Visually inspect the vehicle to ensure that vehicle is in good repair and order |
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4.3 |
Unsecure trailer loads and prepare for unloading utilising the agreed uncoupling process |
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4.4 |
Report faults or damage to vehicle to appropriate personnel |
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5 |
Recover vehicle |
5.1 |
Identify and assess options for recovery of an immobilised vehicle |
5.2 |
Select and apply appropriate method of vehicle recovery |
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5.3 |
Operate recovery equipment safely |
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5.4 |
Perform a battery 'jump start' safely |
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5.5 |
Observe safety precautions when rigging cables and chains |
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5.6 |
Change a wheel on a properly jacked vehicle |
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6 |
Maintain vehicle safety |
6.1 |
Observe appropriate speeds for the road conditions |
6.2 |
Observe site-specific vehicle entry restrictions |
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6.3 |
Follow appropriate search and rescue notification procedures |
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6.4 |
Follow appropriate procedures for passing large or heavy vehicles |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range of Conditions
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. |
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Regulatory framework |
The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following:
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence. |
Procedures |
All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures. Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, include one or more of the following:
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Routine problems |
Routine problems must be resolved by applying known solutions. Routine problems are predictable and include one or more of the following:
Known solutions are drawn from one or more of the following:
Non-routine problems must be reported according to according to relevant procedures. |
Vehicles |
Vehicles include one or more of the following:
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Related equipment |
Related equipment includes field operator's kit which includes one or more of the following:
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Unit Mapping Information
Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to PMASUP236B Operate vehicles in the field
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=9fc2cf53-e570-4e9f-ad6a-b228ffdb6875