Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

2

PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted.

1

PUA00 V8.1

First release in TGA.

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to operate an over-snow vehicle safely, including the systematic, safe and efficient control of all vehicle functions and the effective management of hazardous conditions.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required 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. Undertake personal safety preparation 

1.1 Personal protective clothing and equipment  is selected and checked according to organisational procedures , to ensure it is operational prior to departure

1.2 Personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to dealing with the hazard is selected, worn/fitted and used in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

1.3 Water and food requirements are identified and stowed on the vehicle

1.4 En-route rest and shelter areas  are identified

1.5 Survival technique /strategies  are implemented in accordance with organisational policies and guidelines

2. Prepare over-snow vehicle for operation 

2.1 Start -up checks  are completed in accordance with operational standards 

2.2 Engine is started in accordance with manufacturer's specifications 

2.3 Instruments and gauges  are checked to ensure all are operational

2.4 Pre-use checks of over-snow trailer are completed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures

3. Operate over-snow vehicle 

3.1 Over -snow vehicle  is prepared for and safely operated in, terrain suitable to the vehicle

3.2 Passengers are briefed on safety and objective of the trip

3.3 Vehicle movement is controlled  in response to external conditions to ensure personal safety

3.4 Vehicle is operated in accordance with relevant regulations  and organisational policies and procedures

3.5 Low risk manoeuvring techniques are used to minimise the likelihood of injury, damage to equipment or property and in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.6 Recovery of vehicle techniques  are used that minimise the likelihood of injury to personnel and equipment, in accordance with agency policies and procedures

4. Navigate to destination and monitor terrain 

4.1 Most efficient route of travel is taken by monitoring factors likely to cause delays or route deviations

4.2 Potential access restrictions  which may limit thoroughfare are identified and arrangements are made to gain access, in accordance with organisational policies, practices and regulatory requirements

4.3 Environmental conditions  are consistently monitored and acted upon to enable safe operation and to ensure no injury to personnel or damage to property and equipment

5. Clean, maintain and stow vehicle 

5.1 Vehicle and equipment are cleaned, maintained, assembled and stowed according to organisational procedures/manufacturers' requirements

5.2 Vehicle and equipment records are updated in accordance with organisational procedures

5.3 Faulty equipment is identified, recorded and reported  for repair according to organisational policies and procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

communicate effectively with passengers,specifically in relation to situational awareness, safety and operational requirements

implement low risk techniques

monitor and anticipate terrain hazards

Required Knowledge 

ancillary equipment

automotive systems

environmental legislation

equipment and accessories

local area

organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)

over-snow vehicle requirements and regulations

vehicle inspection procedures

vehicle operating procedures

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 this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• drive and ride an over-snow vehicle
• maintain personal safety
• be aware of safety and terrain conditions

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a simulated operational situation under varying conditions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a simulated operational situation under varying conditions.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• relevant environment
• relevant over-snow vehicle

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Personal protective clothing and equipment  may include:

• flares
• food and water
• full/open face helmet
• goggles
• hearing protectors
• personal locator beacon/EPIRB
• radios
• tent
• thermal under clothing
• water proof gloves
• water proof boots
• water proof shell

Organisational procedures  may include:

• Australian Standards
• equipment manufacturer's specifications and procedures
• industry practices
• maintenance schedules
• occupational health and safety requirements
• regulatory requirements

Rest and shelter areas  may include:

• camping areas
• geographical formations
• huts and structures

Survival techniques/strategies  may be applied in:

• blizzard
• extreme cold
• lose of bearing
• mechanical breakdown
• white out

Start-up checks  may include:

• coolant
• equipment stowage
• fuel
• oil
• physical check or scan of gauges
• visual inspection of vehicle

Operational standards  may include:

• Australian Standards
• industry standards
• international standards
• manufacturer's procedures
• state/territory standards

Manufacturer's specifications  may include:

• engagement procedures
• engine characteristics
• fuel capacity for range
• gross vehicle mass
• gross vehicle weight
• horsepower rating
• radius of turning circle
• safety procedures
• systems warning functions
• vehicle clearances

Instruments and gauges  may include:

• brake warning lights
• electrical charging
• heated hand grips
• oil pressure
• tachometer
• speedometer
• systems indicators (high beam, turn signals and parking brakes)
• temperature
• warning lights

Over-snow vehicles  include:

• purpose built vehicles for snow

Movement is controlled  by:

• acceleration and deceleration
• passengers
• riding positions
• steering control
• weight distribution

Relevant regulations  may include:

• environmental regulations
• environmental protection regulations
• organisational policies and procedures
• possession of appropriate licence/endorsement
• traffic regulations

Recovery of vehicle techniques  may include:

• creeks
• drainage ditches
• gullies
• mechanical breakdown
• soft snow
• water
• water courses

Potential access restrictions  may include:

• agency and regulatory requirements
• cultural heritage sites
• environmental areas
• european heritage sites
• hazardous areas
• military areas
• other areas requiring permission and/or authorisation to enter
• seasonal factors
• wilderness areas

Environmental conditions  may include:

• effect of weather
• hard surfaces
• ice
• marginal snow
• rocks
• snow
• snow bridges
• water/melting ice

Recording and reporting procedures  may include:

• card systems
• computer databases
• maintenance schedules
• organisational procedures
• record sheets or books
• verbal