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 

Follow safety requirements 

1.1

Operator and third party safety is observed in accordance with organisational/manufacturer and legislative requirements

1.2

Safe work area controls are implemented in accordance with organisational/waste generator requirements

1.3

Vehicle is positioned on stable ground to ensure vehicle safety and stability for loading in accordance with organisational/manufacturer requirements

1.4

Vehicle controls are checked and operated in accordance with organisational/manufacturer requirements

1.5

Appropriate safety items are selected, used and re-stowed in accordance with organisational/manufacturer requirements

1.6

Defective equipment is reported in accordance with organisational/manufacturer requirements

2 

Load product into vehicle 

2.1

Pit and trap lids/hatches are opened and removed in accordance with organisational/waste generator requirements

2.2

Vehicle is checked for readiness to operate in accordance with organisational/manufacturer requirements

2.3

Provided documentation is used to determine collection location

2.4

Product streams are checked before loading, any incorrect product streams are identified and appropriate action is taken in accordance with organisational requirements

2.5

Product stream is transferred into vehicle tank via hoses in accordance with organisational/manufacturer and legislative requirements

2.6

Blockages and non-compliant product are cleared in accordance with organisational/manufacturer and legislative requirements

2.7

Load volumes are monitored to ensure the gross vehicle mass (GVM) is not exceeded, and where required, excess product is unloaded to an approved point

2.7

Hoses and surrounding areas are cleaned and cleared in accordance with organisational/manufacturer requirements

2.8

Hoses are returned to transit position, pit and trap lids/hatches at waste generators premises are put back in place and secured, and vehicle hatches and vents are closed

2.9

Available load capacity is confirmed and appropriate action is taken in accordance with organisational requirements

3 

Unload product and complete documentation 

3.1

Vehicle is positioned for unloading on level, stable ground to ensure vehicle safety and stability in accordance with site, organisational/manufacturer and legislative requirements

3.2

Waste liquid is discharged via vacuum, pressure or gravity feed in accordance with organisational/manufacturer and legislative requirements

3.3

Tanker is cleaned in accordance with organisational/manufacturer requirements

3.4

Return of equipment used to transit position is ensured

3.5

Documentation for unloaded product is completed in accordance with organisational/manufacturer and legislative requirements

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

Required knowledge: 

• Concepts of vacuum and pressure in relation to collecting liquid waste

• Efficient driving techniques and eco-driving considerations

• Factors involved in trip preparation

• Factors that may cause traffic delays and diversions

• GVM of liquid waste collection vehicle

• Initial spill response procedures

• Relevant dangerous goods (DG) information relating to operating the vehicle

• Relevant state/territory road rules, regulations, permits and licence requirements

• Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental procedures and regulations relating to vehicle operations and proper disposal of liquid waste

• Safe pickup and delivery of product to and from site

• Vehicle loading and unloading procedures

• Workplace driving and operational instructions

Required skills: 

• Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace and customer sites, including modes of behaviour and interaction with others

• Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

• Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist when operating the vehicle

• Complete workplace documentation

• Identify, load and transport product streams in accordance with organisational/manufacturer and legislative requirements

• Implement contingency plans for unexpected events

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

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

• Monitor and anticipate traffic hazards and take appropriate action

• Monitor performance of vehicle and equipment and take appropriate action where required

• Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the vehicle

• Select and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), conforming to organisational, industry and WHS/OHS standards

• Work collaboratively with others

• Work systematically with required attention to detail, without injury to self or others or damage to infrastructure or equipment

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:

• applying techniques for loading and unloading of the vehicle
• applying correct operation of all vehicle functions including in cabin, pump and tank controls whether fixed or remote
• using correct manual handling techniques when operating vehicle and/or product containers
• identifying and using PPE required for the product being loaded/transported
• applying eco-driving techniques when operating the vehicle
• knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational/manufacturer procedures for transporting product in the vehicle
• knowledge of customer requirements when picking up product or delivering product to a product collection facility.

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:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment to meet performance criteria
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operating manuals.

Method of assessment 

Practical assessment must occur in an:

• appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
• appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge.

Practical assessment must:

• occur in three different aspects of the job function in the workplace
• ensure written and verbal understanding of all types of product to identify compatibility.

Use of a simulator is not suitable for final assessment of this unit of competency.

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

Equipment fitted to the vehicle may include:

• emergency information holder
• emergency shutdown controls
• eyewash kit
• fire extinguishers
• first aid kit
• placarding (for dangerous goods)
• portable bunding
• spill kit
• vehicle emergency equipment

Equipment used to load/unload may include:

• couplings e.g. camlocks
• flexible or rigid hoses
• gravity fed lines
• pressure pumps (fitted to vehicle or remotely)
• vacuum pumps (fitted to vehicle or remotely)

Loading and unloading sites may include:

• council sites
• customer site
• depot
• private sites

Personal safety measures may include:

• conflict management techniques
• correct use of safety rails and walkways
• fitness for duty
• gloves suitable for the product/task
• hearing protection
• high visibility clothing
• location of pinch points
• manual handling techniques
• PPE required for the product class being transported
• safety footwear
• three points of contact when accessing/egressing vehicle/body

Eco driving includes:

• braking efficiently
• ensuring transmission control
• not over-revving engine
• observing speed limits
• using auxiliary braking controls
• vehicle sympathy

Factors that may cause traffic delays and diversions include:

• bridge or tunnel damage
• building construction
• emergency situations such as bushfires, flooding, changes to weather
• holiday traffic
• inefficient run planning
• livestock movement
• road closures for utility works such as electricity, water, sewerage or telecommunications
• road damage/road works
• traffic accidents
• vehicle breakdowns

Workplace procedures may include:

• established
• manufacturer
• organisational
• regulatory/codes of practice

Documentation and records may include:

• daily driver run sheet
• environmental documents pertaining to state of operation
• fatigue documentation
• mass/work diary
• vehicle reporting documentation

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

• Relevant state/territory procedures and codes for the vehicle including:

• fatigue management regulations
• licensing rules
• mass management regulations
• permit requirements
• road and traffic rules
• water/sewerage authorities
• WHS/OHS and environmental legislation

Approved unload point may include:

• collection vessel
• intermediate bulk container (IBC)
• other liquid waste tanker