Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

3

PSP12V1

Unit descriptor edited.

2

PSP04V4.2.

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

PSP04V4.1

Primary release.

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 range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Validate weighbridge operations 

1.1. Weighbridge, computer and recording systems are checked for operational status .

1.2. Weighbridge accuracy is validated in accordance with relevant legislation , codes and regulations , organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions.

1.3. Inspection and testing records are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements, organisational policy and industry guidelines.

1.4. Faults and discrepancies in weighbridge operation  are identified and corrective action initiated according to organisational procedures.

1.5. Environmental factors likely to affect weighing accuracy  are identified and corrected.

2. Weigh vehicles 

2.1. Vehicles  likely to exceed weighbridge capacity and dimensions are directed away from weighbridge.

2.2. Weighbridge is correctly set to zero before commencing a weighing.

2.3. Vehicles are directed onto weighbridge platform and weight is determined in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures .

2.4. Vehicle weight, vehicle registration and load description are entered into organisational recording system.

2.5. Areas of dispute  are resolved or forwarded for further action according to organisational procedures.

3. Conduct axle or end-and-end measurements 

3.1. Assess suitability of weighbridge and approach for axle or end-and-end measurements.

3.2. Axle or end-and-end measurements are completed in accordance with statutory requirements.

4. Complete weighbridge operations 

4.1. Complete and issue weighbridge ticket in accordance with statutory requirements and organisational procedures.

4.2. Incomplete weighbridge tickets are cancelled in accordance with statutory requirements.

4.3. Weighbridge systems, including equipment, computer and recording arrangements, are secured and made ready for next shift.

4.4. Record of operations is maintained and filed according to workplace procedures and statutory requirements.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to communicate effectively with others when conducting weighbridge operations
• literacy skills to:

• read and interpret operational instructions, procedures and information relating to weighbridge operations
• complete documentation

• numeracy skills to undertake required measurements
• organisational and planning skills to:

• follow operational instructions and prioritise work
• set up and maintain weighbridge equipment
• identify, select and use weighbridge equipment
• monitor performance of weighbridge equipment

• technology skills to operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol
• teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others when conducting weighbridge operations
• interpersonal skills to adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others
• initiative and enterprise skills to apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the conduct of weighbridge operations
• planning and organising skills to monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule
• problem-solving skills to:

• modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• operate and adapt to differences in equipment according to standard operating procedures
• promptly report or rectify identified problems, errors or malfunctions that may occur when conducting weighbridge operations

• self-management skills to:

• work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment
• select and use required personal protective equipment according to industry and OHS standards

Required knowledge 

• regulations relevant to the operation of weighbridges, including national measurement legislation
• relevant OHS and environmental protection procedures and guidelines
• workplace policies and procedures for weighbridge operations
• problems that may occur when conducting weighbridge operations and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve the problems
• equipment applications, capacities, configurations, safety hazards and control mechanisms
• records and documentation requirements for weighbridge operations
• classification procedures
• despatch procedures
• calculation method in both metric and imperial systems for determining net mass, and end-and-end and axle measurements of a vehicle
• correct weighing procedures, including statutory and workplace requirements
• emergency response procedures
• site layout
• procedures for completing axle or end-and-end measurements

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 

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to consistently maintain and operate a weighbridge in accordance with legislative requirements.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• prepare a weighbridge for operation
• weigh loaded and unloaded vehicles
• determine the net weight from gross and tare measurements
• complete axle and end-and-end measurements
• complete statutory documents

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

Access may be required to:

• weighbridge
• computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system
• public weighbridge licence conditions
• national measurement legislation

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures, trader obligations and remedial actions
• review of weighbridge tickets prepared by the candidate
• feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to conduct weighbridge operations in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment 

Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These can be sourced from the National Measurement Institute.

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.

Operational status  may include:

• weighbridge indicator being on zero with no load on the platform
• platform being clean
• area under platform being clean and without accumulation of water or debris
• remote indicator, summing indicator and printer indications coinciding with primary indicator(s)

Relevant legislation , codes and regulations  may include:

• national measurement legislation
• relevant codes and regulations pertaining to weighbridge operations
• traffic Acts and road transport mass and loading regulations
• Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) codes and regulations pertaining to storing and handling dangerous goods and hazardous materials
• relevant state or territory OHS legislation
• relevant state or territory environmental protection legislation
• relevant Australian and international standards and certification requirements
• workplace relations regulations, including anti-discrimination, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action legislation
• workers compensation regulations

Faults and discrepancies in weighbridge operation  may include:

• weighbridge cannot be zeroed with no load on the load receptor
• remote indicator, summing indicator or printing device continues to indicate a weight when the primary indicator is outside its weighing range
• indications varying, depending on where the vehicle is placed on the platform
• indications on the weighbridge not corresponding to another weighbridge in close proximity when weighing the same vehicle

Environmental factors likely to affect weighing accuracy  may include:

• wind, rain and snow
• debris from vehicles being deposited on the platform when moving onto the weighbridge
• application of vehicle brakes or air suspension when conducting axle and end-and-end measurements
• electrical or radio interference
• movement of external fixtures against weighbridge platform.

Vehicles  may include:

• trucks
• cars
• articulated road vehicles
• heavy machinery
• trailers
• wagons

Organisational procedures  may include:

• weighbridge operation manuals
• manufacturer specifications and instructions for the operation of weighbridge equipment
• Australian and international standards, criteria and certification requirements
• codes of practice, including the National Standards for Manual Handling and the industry safety code
• relevant regulations, including the ADG code
• OHS procedures
• quality assurance procedures

Areas of dispute  may include:

• overloaded vehicle
• over-dimension vehicle
• uncoupling trailers, etc. to complete weighing
• end-and-end measurements
• axle measurements
• refusal to issue a mass ticket when legislative requirements are not met