Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to coordinate recovery of a four wheel drive vehicle using advanced techniques and equipment such as a recovery or snatch strap, winch and jack in difficult terrain conditions.

Driving must be carried out according to the licensing, certification requirements of the relevant State or Territory authority.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to those who drive 4WD vehicles in difficult terrain for work or recreational purposes. It applies to those working autonomously as four wheel drive adventure guides or program managers and may include those working for private four wheel drive schools or clubs who are responsible for planning, organising and implementing four wheel drive programs in difficult terrain.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

Prerequisite units 

• SISODRV302A Drive and recover a 4WD vehicle

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. Assess situation.

1.1. Survey site and identify hazards, assess risk and define danger zones according to operating variables .

1.2. Select a suitable recovery strategy and apply risk management strategies  according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Access rated recovery equipment  suitable to selected recovery method and apply strategies to ensure safe use according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

1.4. Apply strategies to reduce environmental impact during recovery.

2. Use a recovery or snatch strap.

2.1. Determine specific hazards associated with use of recovery or snatch straps.

2.2. Identify recovery points and prepare vehicle for recovery.

2.3. Coordinate recovery of a vehicle on a steep incline using recovery or snatch straps.

2.4. Complete post-recovery vehicle and equipment checks.

3. Use a winch to recover a four wheel drive vehicle.

3.1. Identify specific hazards associated with winch recoveries.

3.2. Prepare vehicles for a winch recovery after identification of recovery points.

3.3. Establish safe ground anchor points in different terrain conditions .

3.4. Use pulley blocks to give a mechanical advantage and change the direction of the winch.

3.5. Use a tree trunk protector when using a tree as an anchor point.

3.6. Operate winch to recover vehicle.

4. Use jacks to prepare vehicle for recovery.

4.1. Identify specific hazards associated with the use of jacks .

4.2. Demonstrate safe positioning of jacks..

4.3. Apply safe operating procedures  when using a jack to lift a vehicle according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

5. Maintain vehicle recovery equipment.

5.1. Apply maintenance procedures  for recovery equipment.

5.2. Document equipment and vehicle maintenance according to organisational policies and procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• problem-solving skills to:

• determine appropriate recovery method according to the situation
• anticipate and mitigate potential hazards and risks

• planning and organising skills to:

• assess the situation and identify appropriate recovery method
• prepare recovery equipment for use

• self management skills to take responsibility for the recovery of a four wheel drive vehicle using appropriate methods.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe recovery of four wheel drive vehicles in difficult terrain
• four wheel drive vehicle recovery techniques used in difficult terrain, including issues to consider when defining danger zones to enable safe conduct of all activities
• use of recovery or snatch straps, winches and jacks to enable safe selection and use of equipment
• hazards and risks associated with each recovery method and methods of mitigating these risks
• terrain and weather features and how these may impact on recovery
• maintenance procedures used for recovery equipment.

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 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• conducts assessment of recovery site and determines potential hazards, risks and environmental conditions that impact on the chosen recovery method
• selects and uses rated recovery equipment to enable recovery of four wheel drive vehicle, including a pulley or snatch block in difficult terrain utilising ground anchor points for both hard and soft ground
• applies regular maintenance of recovery equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure coordination of vehicle recoveries using recovery or snatch straps, winches and jacks in difficult terrain types to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a four wheel drive vehicle with low range
• a suitable outdoor environment with difficult terrain
• maintenance, repair and recovery equipment
• legislation and organisational policies and procedures that impact on the conduct of four wheel drive recoveries.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of four wheel drive vehicle recovery in difficult terrain using recovery or snatch straps, winches and jacks
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of recovery methods used in difficult terrain
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISODRV404A Drive a 4WD vehicle in difficult terrain.

Guidance information for assessment 

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.

Operating variables  may include:

• type of recovery equipment used
• possibility of cable or rope failure
• direction of recovery
• potential for vehicle roll or fall
• effect of suction on cable or winch capacity.

Risk management strategies  may include:

• defining danger zone
• using equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations
• using rated equipment where practicable.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• use and maintenance of recovery equipment
• communication protocols
• land management and minimal impact codes
• vehicle and equipment documentation
• code of ethics.

Recovery equipment  may include:

• steel cables
• shovel
• ropes
• chains
• tree trunk protectors
• winch
• winch extension ropes and slings
• jacks
• shackles
• snatch straps.

Different terrain conditions  may include:

• hard ground
• soft sand
• mud
• snow
• difficult terrain.

Jacks  may include:

• Bottle jack
• Hi-lift jack
• Bull bags.

Safe operating procedures  may include:

• personal safety and vehicle stability
• awareness of soft footing.

Maintenance procedures  may include:

• cleaning
• cable rolling
• greasing and oiling.

Unit sector 

Outdoor Recreation

Co-requisite units 

Competency field