Unit of competency details

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

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

1.2. Work instructions, plans, operational details are obtained, confirmed and applied to the work activity

1.3. The loading/unloading site is made safe and isolated from general traffic flow by appropriate barriers

2. Load the plant

2.1. The dimensions and capacity of the float or trailer  to safely carry the plant item is confirmed

2.2. Tools and loading equipment selected to carry out tasks are consistent with the requirements of the job, checked for serviceability and any faults are rectified or reported prior to commencement

2.3. Preparation of the plant  for transportation are confirmed as having been completed

2.4. Loading aids, including ramps and bridging materials, are placed and secured in accordance with the trailer or float specifications

2.5. Loading procedure is agreed to by operator and/or guide before loading commences

2.6. The plant item is moved onto the trailer or float and halted at the designated position

3. Unload the plant

3.1. Unloading procedure is agreed to by operator and/or guide agreed before unloading commences

3.2. Unloading aids, including ramps, are placed and secured in accordance with the trailer or float specifications

3.3. Securing devices are slackened and removed in a sequence which optimises safety

3.4. The plant item is moved off the trailer or float and halted at the designated position

3.5. Stow loading aids including ramps and bridging materials and securing devices for further use

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 load and unload plant:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for loading and unloading plant
• apply operational safety requirements
• safely drive mobile plant
• access interpret and apply technical information
• calculate volume, weights
• maintain equipment records
• apply fault finding techniques
• comply with environmental requirements
• dispose of environmentally sensitive 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 load and unload plant:

• site and equipment safety requirements
• understanding of required hand signals
• techniques and processes for preparing plant for transportation
• basic motion and restraint theory related to heavy plant on floats or trailers
• basic centre of gravity and balance theory related to heavy plant on floats or trailers
• types, operation, uses and imitations of load securing equipment
• site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities
• materials safety data sheet
• levelling techniques
• JSA's/safe work method statement

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 loading and unloading plant
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of loading and unloading plant
• working with others to undertake and complete the loading and unloading plant that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of loading and unloading plant that safely, effectively and efficiently meets 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 English speaking 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 loading and unloading plant

Guidance information for assessment 

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

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
• graphical instructions, signage, work schedules/plans/specifications, load tables, tie-down instructions and charts and materials safety data sheet (MSDS)
• safe work procedures related to the loading and unloading of plant items from floats or trailers
• regulatory/legislative requirements pertaining to the loading and unloading of plant items from floats or trailers
• quality requirements including those relating to dimensions, tolerances, standards of work and material standards as detailed in the project drawings, specifications and project documentation to meet client satisfaction
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Safety requirements  may include:

• State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan. This may include protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
• personal protective equipment prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices
• safe operating procedures that include but not be limited to recognising and preventing hazards associated with underground and overhead services, other machines, securing devices under strain, centre of gravity and balance requirements, personnel, restricted access barriers, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public
• safe parking practices that include but not be limited to ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/ machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement
• emergency procedures that include but may not be limited to emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation

The float or trailer  may include:

• of generic construction or purpose designed for a particular item or range of plant
• normally have self loading aids although some may require an established drive on/off ramp

Plant  may include:

• loaded and unloaded may be wheeled or tracked