Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

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. 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.

Application of the unit 

Generally the operations technician would be part of a team during field trips, though he/she may be required to undertake limited trips during which they would be expected to be capable of demonstrating competence in all parts of this unit. At all times they would be liaising and cooperating with their base station.

The operations technician will:

• check their vehicle daily for damage
• ensure fuels and lubricant levels are maintained
• effect minor repairs
• communicate with their base station

This unit has no prerequisites. However operators will have the appropriate class of driver's licence before taking charge of the vehicle.

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 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

1.3. Ascertain that all required fuel, water and other supplies required for the journey are available and in useable order

1.4. Inspect all ancillary equipment and operational accessories to ensure they have been attached or secured in a safe and agreed manner

1.5. Secure load including external loads, rear tray, roof racks, and any loads within the vehicle, using appropriate securing equipment.

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

2.3. Obtain relevant authorisations/notifications and accesses before starting the journey

2.4. Confirm and/or clarify or communicate journey details with relevant company personnel

2.5. Monitor driving conditions and requirements constantly, to meet any changes in terrain, weather conditions and road conditions and requirements

2.6. Monitor and maintain fluid levels and air pressures to ensure safe and efficient vehicle operations

2.7. Monitor vehicle constantly for any malfunctions or factors that may affect vehicle performance

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

2.9. Maintain communication as required with the relevant company personnel to advise of progress and journey status.

2.10. Ensure seatbelts are worn by all personnel while the vehicle is in motion.

3. Operate vehicle

3.1. Apply knowledge of vehicle differences to the driving requirements of four wheel drive and conventional vehicles

3.2. Adhere to general principles of four wheel driving in negotiating a variety of terrains and driving conditions

3.3. Use defensive driving techniques

3.4. Observe additional precautions for night driving

3.5. Drive to suit road conditions

3.6. Observe rules prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol and other performance inhibiting substances.

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

4.3. Unsecure trailer loads and prepare for unloading utilising the agreed uncoupling process

4.4. Report faults or damage to vehicle to appropriate personnel.

5. Recover vehicle

5.1. Identify and assess options for recovery of an immobilised vehicle

5.2. Operate recovery equipment safely

5.3. Perform a battery 'jump start' safely

5.4. Observe safety precautions when rigging cables and chains

5.5. Demonstrate various methods of vehicle recovery

5.6. Change a wheel on a properly jacked vehicle.

6. Maintain vehicle safety

6.1. Observe appropriate speeds for the road conditions

6.2. Ensure all personnel use a seat belt

6.3. Observe site specific vehicle entry restrictions

6.4. Follow appropriate search and rescue notification procedures

6.5. Follow appropriate procedures for passing large or heavy vehicles.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills 

Competence includes the ability to distinguish between causes of vehicle problems/alarms/fault indications such as:

• instrument failure/malfunction
• electrical failure/malfunction
• mechanical failure/malfunction.

Required knowledge 

The knowledge referred to in the Evidence Guide for this unit includes:

• local/company vehicle rules and regulations
• hazards and risks of off-road travel
• requirements for reporting and recording vehicle movements
• communications arrangements (backup methods need to be considered)
• site or area response plan to detail
• procedures to be followed when an incident is reported
• actions to be followed when a traveller is recorded as overdue
• responsibilities for monitoring vehicle journeys and determining immediate and follow-up actions under the system.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Assessment for this unit of competency will be on an off-road vehicle. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations, which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this unit of competency (eg Elements 1, 3 and 4). Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios, role plays and 3D virtual reality interactive systems. In the case of evacuation training or training for competencies practised in life threatening situations, simulation may be used for the bulk of the training.

This unit of competency requires an application of the knowledge contained in off-road vehicle operation and the equipment integral to its use, to the level needed to maintain control and recognise and resolve problems. This can be assessed through questioning and the use of what-if scenarios both on the plant (during demonstration of normal operations and walk-throughs of abnormal operations) and off the plant.

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

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a disaster.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

• early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems are recognised
• the range of possible causes can be identified and analysed and the most likely cause determined
• appropriate action is taken to ensure a timely return to full performance
• obvious problems in related plant areas are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to their solution.

These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what ifs as the stimulus with a walk through forming part of the response. These assessment activities should include a range of problems, including new, unusual and improbable situations, which may have been generated from the past incident history of the vehicle, incidents on similar vehicles around the world, hazard analysis activities and similar sources.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment will require access to an operating well over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Method of assessment 

In all organisations it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units. Consider co-assessment with:

• PMASUP241B Maintain pipeline easements
• PMASUP242B Monitor pipeline civil works
• PMASUP343B Monitor and maintain pipeline cathodic protection systems
• PMASUP344B Monitor and control repairs and modifications on operational pipe
• PMAOPS230B Monitor, operate and maintain pipeline stations and equipment.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment process and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Codes of practice / standards 

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context 

This unit of competency includes all such vehicles and equipment which form part of the field operator's kit. For your organisation this may include (select relevant items):

• 4wd vehicles, eg utility, troop carrier or station wagon
• trucks
• communications equipment, ie 2 way radio, mobile or satellite phone, GPS
• recovery equipment, ie snatch straps, slings, chains and shackles
• trailers.

Typical problems for your operations may include:

• overheating (coolant, exhaust, driveline)
• low oil pressure
• electrical discharge/overcharge
• tyre punctures
• load shifts.

Health , safety and environment  (HSE )

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State 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.

Unit sector 

Support/generic

Competency field 

Co-requisite units