Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Load and unload vehicle 

1.1

Load characteristics are identified and taken into account when determining appropriate loading and unloading procedures

1.2

Hazardous cargo is identified and handled in accordance with required procedures for hazardous and dangerous cargo

1.3

Vehicle is loaded demonstrating compliance with vehicle loading regulations and workplace safety requirements

1.4

Lifting aids and appliances are selected and used to aid loading procedures in compliance with workplace procedures and safety legislation

1.5

Vehicle is unloaded or partially unloaded in a safe and efficient manner taking into account suitable locations, stowage, safe use of equipment and the balance of the remaining load

1.6

Ancillary equipment is operated in accordance with company procedures and manufacturers instructions during loading and unloading operations

2

Secure and protect vehicle and load 

2.1

The vehicle load is secured using the correct load restraint and protection equipment for different loads, vehicles and carriage conditions

2.2

The load is protected in accordance with legal and workplace safety requirements

2.3

The distribution of the load is checked to ensure that it is even, legal and within the safe working capacity of the vehicle

3

Complete documentation 

3.1

The loaded vehicle is inspected and checked for security to travel

3.2

All required transportation documentation for the cargo is completed in accordance with workplace requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge :

Relevant state/territory mass and loading regulations and regulations pertaining to the various types of special loads, including Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) and Australian Explosives Code where applicable

OH&S procedures and guidelines concerning the lifting and movement of loads

Characteristics of various types of special loads

Risks and hazards when loading and unloading various types of special loads and related precautions to control the risk

Workplace procedures and policies for the loading and unloading of vehicles designed to carry special loads

Containers and goods coding, IMDG markings and where applicable emergency information panels, including their meaning and implications for loading and unloading processes

Housekeeping standards procedures required in the workplace

Methods of securing various types of special loads

Site layout and obstacles

Required skills :

Communicate effectively with others when loading and unloading special loads

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the loading and unloading of special loads

Identify and interpret containers and goods coding, IMDG markings and where applicable emergency information panels

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the loading and unloading of special loads

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Estimate the size, shape and special requirements of loads

Work collaboratively with others when loading and unloading special loads

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

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems that may occur when loading and unloading special loads in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may arise when loading and unloading special loads

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the loading and unloading of special loads

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

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

Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

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

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

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

Identify and correctly use equipment required to load and unload the various types of special loads

Safely use manual handling techniques and to operate manually

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 competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

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

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

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

relevant and appropriate materials and/or equipment, and/or

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

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.

Type of vehicle may include all vehicles designed to carry special loads, for example:

concrete agitator

livestock transporter

armoured car

tanker

refigerated vehicle

waste vehicle

fresh produce vehicle

car carrier

container carrier

recovery vehicle

vehicles carrying dangerous goods or explosives

Loading and unloading operations may be conducted:

in a range of work environments and weather conditions

by day or night

Customers may be:

internal or external

Workplaces may comprise:

large, medium or small worksites

Work may be conducted in:

restricted spaces

exposed conditions

controlled or open environments

Loads to be shifted may be:

irregularly shaped

packaged or unpackaged

labelled or unlabelled

palleted or unpalleted

Hazards in the work area may include exposure to:

chemicals

dangerous or hazardous substances

movements of equipment, goods and materials

Personnel in the work area may include:

workplace personnel

site visitors

contractors

official representatives

Communication in the work area may include:

phone

electronic data interchange

fax

email

internet

radio

oral, aural or signed communications

Loading operations may be carried out:

manually

with the aid of lifting equipment and/or appliances

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Personal protective equipment may include:

gloves

safety headwear and footwear

safety glasses

two-way radios

high visibility clothing

Information/documents may include:

goods identification numbers and codes, including ADG and IMDG markings and HAZCHEM signs

manifests, bar codes, goods and container identification

manufacturers specifications for equipment/tools

workplace procedures and policies

Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for the handling and transport of dangerous goods and hazardous substances

supplier and/or client instructions

material safety data sheets

codes of practice including the National Standards for Manual Handling and the Industry Safety Code

National Load Restraint Guide

Australian Truck Drivers Manual

award, enterprise bargaining agreement, other industrial arrangements

relevant standards and certification requirements

quality assurance procedures

emergency procedures

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

state/territory mass and loading regulations

Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for the handling and transport of dangerous goods and hazardous substances, including:

Australian and International Dangerous Goods Codes

Australian Marine Orders and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

IATA Dangerous Goods by Air regulations

Australian and International Explosives Codes

Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Substances

state/territory legislation covering the safe handling of infectious substances

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation