Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 

Prepare to lash and unlash cargo and containers 

1.1

Work area and safety zones are prepared and maintained according to national standards, safety codes and site operating procedures

1.2

Work area hazards are identified and corrective action is taken prior to commencing lashing and unlashing operations

1.3

Relevant information and documentation are identified and accessed

1.4

Appropriate personal protective equipment, lashing equipment and fittings are selected

1.5

Work cage and/or working at height (WAH) requirements are identified and appropriate WAH equipment is selected

1.6

Marks, numbers and/or codes are used to identify cargo and containers

1.7

Cargo is sorted and stacked in correct location according to national standards, safety codes and site operating procedures

1.8

Containers are stowed according to stowage plan, and reefer containers are identified and connected according to ship procedures, national standards and safety codes

1.9

Damaged cargo and containers are identified, reported and dealt with according to site operating procedures

1.10

Potential unsafe work practices and/or equipment are reported to appropriate personnel

2 

Implement cargo and container lashing and unlashing procedures 

2.1

Cargo or container lashing and unlashing plan is accessed and read, and potential issues are clarified with supervisor

2.2

Procedures for managing and controlling hazardous situations when carrying out work activities are implemented

2.3

Safety procedures and safety zones are implemented when working with mobile equipment and cranes according to national standards, safety codes and site operating procedures

2.4

Work is conducted according to industry standards, statutory requirements, safety codes, site operating requirements, cargo and container requirements

2.5

Work cage and/or WAH is completed according to national standards, safety codes and site procedures

2.6

Appropriate and effective communication is maintained in work area

2.7

Cargo and container are lashed and unlashed according to site procedures, and cargo and containers are lashed and unlashed according to lashing and unlashing plan

2.8

Correct manual handling techniques are used when lashing and unlashing cargo and containers

2.9

Identified problems, faults and malfunctions are promptly reported and/or rectified according to regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

2.10

Contingency plans are implemented as required

3 

Complete cargo and container lashing and unlashing operations 

3.1

Cargo and container are covered and uncovered safely ensuring appropriate covering and lashing, no injury to persons in work area or damage to cargo, container and equipment

3.2

Lashing equipment and tools are cleared from work area and placed in designated storage areas

3.3

All safety equipment and radios are returned to designated area

3.4

Relevant documentation is completed and filed according to site operating procedures

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

Required knowledge: 

• Australian and international standards, codes and regulations relevant to securing, handling and transporting cargo and containers including:

• Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code
• International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
• IATA Dangerous Goods by Air regulations
• Australian and International Explosives Codes
• Marine Orders

• Cargo and container marking and numbering systems

• Fatigue management techniques

• Focus of operation of work systems, equipment, management and site operating systems for lashing and unlashing cargo and containers

• Problems that may occur when lashing and unlashing cargo and containers, and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve them

• Relevant regulations and legislation:

• export/import/quarantine/bond requirements
• Marine Orders
• relevant Australian standards and certification requirements
• workplace relations regulations
• workers compensation regulations

• Relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) and environmental procedures and regulations

• Relevant workplace procedures and policies relating to lashing and unlashing cargo and containers

Required skills: 

• Apply precautions and required action to eliminate, minimise or control hazards

• Communicate effectively with others when lashing and unlashing cargo and containers

• Identify cargo, containers and goods, coding (ADG and IMDG), markings and where applicable, emergency information panels

• Identify, select and use relevant equipment, processes and procedures when lashing and unlashing cargo and containers

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

• Operate and adapt to differences in cargo and container lashing and unlashing equipment according to standard operating procedures

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and labels relevant to lashing and unlashing cargo and containers

• Receive, acknowledge and send messages with available communications equipment

• Respond appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

• Select and use required:

• personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards
• work cage and/or WAH personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

• Work collaboratively with others when lashing and unlashing cargo and containers

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:

• working by day and night
• working systematically with required attention to detail and without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment
• applying appropriate fatigue management techniques as required
• being aware of own ability and limits to rectify irregularities or faults.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

• range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
• appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Method of assessment 

Practical assessment must occur in an:

• appropriately simulated workplace environment using full size equipment, cargo and containers and/or
• appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

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

• direct observation of the candidate lashing and unlashing cargo and containers
• direct observation of the candidate applying relevant OH&S requirements and work practices.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Work area may include:

• At height
• Controlled or open environments
• Exposed conditions
• In a workbox or work cage
• Limited or restricted spaces

Information and documentation may include:

• Award, enterprise bargaining agreement, other industrial arrangements
• Container lashing and unlashing plan
• Dangerous goods declarations and safety data sheets (SDS)/material safety data sheets
• Emergency procedures
• Equipment manufacturer specifications
• Goods identification numbers and codes
• Manifests, bar codes, container identification/serial number
• Operations manuals, job specifications and induction documentation
• Quality assurance procedures
• Relevant Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for:

• lashing and unlashing cargo and containers
• handling and transporting dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals/substances

• Relevant Australian standards and certification requirements
• Supplier and/or client instructions
• Workplace procedures and policies

Personal protective equipment may include:

• Fall arrest safety harness
• Gloves
• High visibility clothing
• Protective clothing
• Safety glasses
• Safety headwear and footwear

Lashing equipment may include:

• Chains
• Chocks
• Fibre ropes
• Lashing bars
• Racks
• Twistlocks
• Turnbuckles
• Webbing straps and ratchets
• Wire ropes

Cargo and containers may include:

• Dangerous goods
• Freight
• Goods with special requirements
• Temperature controlled goods

Hazardous situations may include:

• Chemicals
• Dangerous or hazardous substances
• Falling objects
• Incorrect manual handling
• Movements of personnel, equipment, goods and materials
• Working at height

Appropriate and effective communication may include:

• Oral, aural, hand signals or signed communications
• Phone
• Radio

Lashing and unlashing cargo and containers must include:

• Identifying lashing points
• Using appropriate fittings and lashing equipment for each lashing point
• Securing cargo to lashing points ensuring correct spread of lashings and that lashings are secured, attached and tensioned
• Securely fastening tensioners
• Maintaining tight stow of cargo
• Releasing fittings, and disconnecting and removing them from cargo

Persons in work area may include:

• Contractors
• Non English speaking ship crew
• Official representatives
• Site visitors
• Workplace personnel