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 operation of light vehicles  underground

1.2. Plan and prepare work according to site procedures and relevant compliance documentation

1.3. Receive, interpret and clarify shift change over details

1.4. Select appropriate type of equipment according to job specifications and to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of work activities

1.5. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards 

1.6. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.7. Inspect and assess site conditions to determine if scaling is required and take action according to site requirements

1.8. Conduct equipment pre -start checks  to ensure equipment is ready for operation

1.9. Identify, address and report environmental issues 

1.10. Communicate with other personnel using approved underground communication methods

1.11. Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel, plant and equipment

2. Drive light vehicle

2.1. Carry out start -up procedures 

2.2. Operate equipment within recommended speed, engine capability, limitations and capacity of equipment 

2.3. Monitor equipment performance utilising appropriate indicators  to aid efficient operations

2.4. Manoeuvre equipment to maximise efficiency and ensure safety of other equipment and personnel

2.5. Assess road conditions and site conditions to determine appropriate driving techniques

2.6. Follow mine procedures for giving way to pedestrians and other vehicles

2.7. Complete work according to agreed work plan and outcomes

2.8. Carry out shut down /parking procedures 

3. Carry out operator maintenance

3.1. Conduct visual inspections and fault finding 

3.2. Conduct routine operational servicing  to ensure peak performance of equipment

3.3. Adhere to site underground breakdown procedures

4. Conduct housekeeping activities

4.1. Clean  equipment

4.2. Clean and store attachments and other ancillary equipment

4.3. Complete all required records and documentation accurately and promptly

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

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to operate light vehicle underground:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• apply diagnostic techniques
• use driving techniques in dark and enclosed conditions
• operate, maintain and clean equipment
• maintain records
• read plans and documents
• report defects
• follow safe work practices
• select and use personal protective equipment
• trouble shoot
• use communications equipment

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to operate light vehicle underground:

• emergency procedures
• equipment processes, technical capability and limitations
• equipment safety requirements
• geological and technical data
• hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills
• isolation procedures
• mine operational system
• operational procedures and checks

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 the operation of light vehicle underground
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operation of light vehicle underground
• working with others to undertake the operation of light vehicle underground that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely operation of light vehicle underground 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.
• 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.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular work sites may differ due to site circumstances.
• 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
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake the operation of light vehicle underground

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.

Relevant compliance documentation 

may include:

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

Light vehicles  are:

• defined as being of less than 4.5 tonne GVW

Light vehicles  may include:

• 4WD
• car/sedan
• small truck
• utility
• other authorised vehicle

Potential risks and hazards  may include:

• abandoned equipment
• adjoining pit walls
• adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods, fires)
• chemicals
• contaminants
• equipment
• fences
• holes
• materials
• over-hanging rocks
• personnel
• pot holes
• unsafe ground
• unstable faces
• vehicles

Pre-start checks  may include:

• air filter restriction indicator
• cab (horn, lights, air conditioner)
• computer systems
• display instrumentation and gauges (indicators, gauges, laser levels)
• engine and stop engine lights (orange and red)
• fluid levels (windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel)
• visual and audio warning devices and lights

Environmental issues  may include:

• drainage
• dust
• emissions
• flora and fauna
• hazardous chemicals
• heritage legislation
• noise
• runoff
• spills
• water quality

Start-up procedures  may include:

• correct location of equipment
• safety mechanisms operational (horn, operating lights)

Capacity of equipment  may include:

• duration of operation
• efficient and safe operating speed
• operating limitations
• type of activities performed
• weight and/or load limitations

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

Shut down and parking procedures  may include:

• vehicle is left in designated parking areas
• vehicle is left secured
• vehicle engine is not left running

Visual inspection and fault finding  may include:

• cab condition
• cab mounts
• damage to equipment
• danger/out of service tags
• engine oil
• fire suppression unit
• grease lines
• 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
• 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 methods  may include:

• degreasing
• forced air
• steam cleaning
• vacuum
• water