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 for operations

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

1.2. Obtain, interpret and clarify information , work requirements and details 

1.3. Access and apply safety information and procedures  when planning light vehicle  operations

1.4. Select appropriate types of equipment and/or ancillary attachments  according to job specifications to maximise efficiency and effectiveness

1.5. Identify, address and report potential hazards and risks 

1.6. Select appropriate personal protective equipment for planned work activities

1.7. Identify, address and report environmental issues

2. Operate a light vehicle

2.1. Carry out pre -start , start -up , park -up  and shutdown  procedures

2.2. Operate light vehicle with or without ancillary attachments

2.3. Operate equipment within recommended speed, engine capability and limitations

2.4. Use vehicle lights and indicators  in accordance with traffic regulations

2.5. Identify and respond appropriately to hazardous and/or emergency driving situations

2.6. Complete light vehicle operations according to work plan

3. Carry out operator maintenance

3.1. Conduct visual inspections  to identify faults

3.2. Conduct routine operational servicing  and housekeeping activities

3.3. Carry out minor maintenance and repairs

3.4. Report defective or irregular performance to relevant authorities

3.5. Maintain and update vehicle records in accordance with workplace procedures

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 a light vehicle:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• match ancillary equipment with appropriate tasks
• communicate effectively with others to coordinate light vehicle operations
• diagnose vehicle instrumentation readings and vehicle faults
• maintain vehicle records
• plan and organise work tasks
• resolve maintenance and repair issues
• interpret plans, reports, maps, schedules and specifications

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 a light vehicle:

• basic mine geological and survey data
• types of communication systems and equipment
• driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques
• equipment and trailer characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• fatigue management techniques
• light vehicle maintenance requirements/procedures
• loading/offloading procedures
• map reading and road navigation techniques
• relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant state/territory road traffic authority

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 a light vehicle
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operation of a light vehicle
• working with others to undertake and complete the operation of light vehicles that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of the operation of light vehicles 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 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 operation of light vehicles

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
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
• relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
• relevant state/territory OHS legislation
• relevant state/territory permit regulations and requirements
• relevant state/territory road rules
• Employment and Workplace Relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Information  may include:

• geological and survey data
• work plans
• manufacturer's instructions

Work requirements and details  may include:

• achievement targets
• coordination requirements/issues
• equipment defects
• handover details
• hazards and potential hazards
• nature and scope of work
• route
• shift briefings
• site lighting arrangements
• vehicle identification
• work orders
• working conditions

Safety information and procedures  may include:

• use of seat belts
• security of door
• conditions of brakes and braking system (air pressure)
• load characteristics
• vehicle speed
• fluid levels

Light vehicles  may include:

• vehicles up to 4.5 tonne GVM
• vehicles carrying up to 12 passengers
• single or multiple drive

Ancillary attachments  may include:

• vehicle loading cranes
• tailgate loaders
• sprayers

Hazards and risks  may include:

• abandoned equipment
• adjoining pit walls
• adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods, fires)
• animals and objects on road
• chemicals
• contaminants
• equipment
• faulty brakes
• faulty steering mechanism on vehicle
• fences
• fire in vehicle
• flooded sections of road
• foggy conditions
• holes
• leaking fuel
• materials
• oil on road
• over-hanging rocks
• parked vehicles on the road
• pedestrians crossing the road
• pot holes
• unsafe ground
• unstable faces
• vehicles
• wet and iced roads
• windy sections of road
• worksite hazards

Pre-start , start-up and shutdown checks  may include:

• air filter restriction indicator
• cab (horn, lights, air conditioner)
• computer systems
• display instrumentation and gauges
• engine and stop engine lights
• fluid levels (windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel)
• visual and audio warning devices and lights
• vehicle handling procedures may include:

• accelerating and braking
• managing engine performance
• operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators using air brakes
• positioning and stopping a vehicle
• reversing a vehicle
• starting a vehicle
• steering and manoeuvring a vehicle
• using defensive driving techniques

Shutdown procedures  may include:

• safety mechanisms operational (horn, operating lights)
• vehicle is left secured

Indicators  may include:

• brake air pressure
• brake oil temperature
• computer indicators
• engine oil pressure
• fuel filter
• oil temperature
• parking brake
• retarder
• service meter
• speedometer/odometer
• steering filters
• tachometer
• torque converter
• transmission filter
• voltmeter
• water temperature

Visual inspection  may include:

• cab condition (no rags in air conditioner vent, dirt around brake and accelerator pedals, seat condition, all gear secured)
• cab mounts
• damage to equipment
• engine oil to be checked before starting engine
• fire suppression unit (pins in position in triggers)
• grease lines
• isolation and lock-out
• light positioning and cleanliness
• no combustible material around exhaust
• oil leaks (engine, hydraulic hoses, ground) fuel leaks (engine, on ground), water leaks (radiator, hoses)
• personal proximity
• portable fire extinguisher (bracket, gauge, hose, ease of access)
• radiator top up tank
• tyres and rim condition
• vehicle number
• wheel nuts and studs
• windows (clean, emergency exit tag in place)

Routine operational servicing  may include:

• checking fluid levels
• filter changing
• greasing
• keeping cab clean
• tightening loose fittings
• cleaning
• degreasing
• forced air
• steam cleaning
• vacuum