Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the operation of elevating work platforms in the resources and infrastructure industries. It includes setting up, operating, shutdown and stowage of a boom type elevating work platform. The work described in this unit generally relates to the National Occupational Health and Safety Certifications Standards for Users and Operators of Industrial Equipment (NOHSC: 1006).

Application of the unit 

This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:

• Civil construction
• Coal mining
• Drilling
• Extractive industries
• Metalliferous mining

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. Plan and prepare for operations

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to the work activity

1.2. Access and interpret work requirements  and safety information and procedures 

1.3. Select plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks that are consistent with the work requirements check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults prior to commencement

1.4. Perform pre -operational checks  according to manufacturer's specifications and/or authorised site procedures

1.5. Coordinate activities with others at the site prior to commencement of, and during, the work activity

1.6. Identify and control site hazards 

2. Conduct work activities from elevated platform

2.1. Stabilise elevating work platform  and select attachments according to site conditions, manufacturer's specifications and site procedures

2.2. Place tools and equipment into bucket/platform in line with job requirements

2.3. Use approved safety devices to ensure safety of personnel and surrounding site in accordance with site procedures and legislative requirements

2.4. Act on or report monitoring systems and alarms in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site procedures

2.5. Recognise and respond to hazardous and emergency situations  in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site procedures

2.6. Complete work in accordance with agreed work plan, site procedures and regulations

3. Carry out operator maintenance

3.1. Carry out work platform inspections and fault finding in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site requirements

3.2. Carry out routine operational servicing, lubrication and housekeeping tasks in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site authorised procedures and practices

3.3. Carry out minor operator maintenance  to manufacturer's instructions and site requirements

4. Clean up

4.1. Clear work area and reuse, recycle or dispose of materials in accordance with legislation/regulations/code of practice and job specifications

4.2. Clean plant, tools and equipment checked, maintain and store in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and standard work practices

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to operate an elevating work platform:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for elevating work platforms
• apply operational safety requirements
• identify hazards and potential hazards
• apply hand-eye coordination to control functions
• access, interpret and apply technical information relating to the planning and operation of an elevated work platform to perform work requirements
• maintain equipment records
• use relevant hand tools
• apply environmental constraints and procedures
• dispose of environmentally sensitive oils, fluids and materials

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to operate elevating work platforms:

• the appropriate National Certification Standards
• site and equipment safety requirements
• equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• elevating work platform operational procedures
• basic geological and survey data related to elevating work platforms
• site environmental requirements and constraints related to elevating work platforms

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 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for operating elevating work platforms
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of operating elevating work platforms
• working with others to undertake and complete the operation of elevating work platforms that meet all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of operating elevated work platforms that safely, effectively and efficiently meet the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment should sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non Englishspeaking background may have second language issues.
• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistent achievement of required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete the operation of elevating work platforms

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Compliance documentation  may include:

• legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work requirements  may include:

• shift briefings
• handover details
• work orders
• equipment to be used
• nature and scope of tasks
• load details
• achievement targets
• working conditions
• site lighting arrangements
• defects on equipment
• hazards and potential hazards
• coordination requirements

Safety information and procedures  may include:

• legislation and regulations
• relevant Australian standards
• management plans
• OHS policy
• code of practice
• manufacturer's instructions
• safe working or job procedures (or equivalents)

Pre-operational checks  may include:

• selection of stable base
• avoidance of obstacles and hazards
• identification of load
• inspection and certification of equipment
• management of permits and tags

Site hazards  may include:

• power lines
• facilities
• trees
• other equipment
• overhead service lines
• dangerous materials
• bridges
• underground services
• surrounding buildings
• recently filled trenches
• obstructions
• structures
• weather

Elevating work platform  may be titled locally:

• EWP
• cherry pickers
• skyworkers
• scissor lift
• trailer-mounted lifts
• sky-cranes
• boom lift

Note: the definition of equipment to be covered by this unit will need to be made by the site in accordance with appropriate legislative and regulatory requirements, which may vary with industry sector and with jurisdiction.

Specific safety requirements  may include:

• control and safety of raising and lowering booms
• slewing and telescoping
• deployment of outriggers
• stabilisers
• preparation of safety harnesses and blocking

Emergency situations  may include:

• loss of power
• failure of controls
• equipment fires

Minor operator maintenance  procedures are those:

• established and authorised for the site

Note: depending on the site requirements, there may be circumstances in which operators do not perform these functions.

Unit sector 

Load Handling

Competency field 

Co-requisite units