This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to load and unload goods and cargo in accordance with relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority regulations/permit requirements.

It includes loading and unloading goods and cargo, securing and protecting a load and completing all required documentation.

Work is performed under general supervision within a team environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Load and unload goods/cargo 

1.1

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

1.2

Job hazards are identified and required action is taken to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

1.3

Dangerous or hazardous goods are identified and handled in accordance with the current Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code and other relevant regulations/permit requirements

1.4

Load is packed/unpacked to make safe and effective use of available spaces

1.5

Goods/cargo are loaded in accordance with relevant mass and loading regulations and workplace procedures

1.6

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

1.7

Unloading activities are conducted in a safe and efficient manner taking into account suitable locations, stowage, safe use of equipment and balance of remaining load

1.8

Goods requiring special handling and/or documentation are identified and workplace procedures are followed

1.9

Relocated material is restacked appropriate for transport method, safe height, weight loading, size and crushability of goods

2 

Secure and protect load 

2.1

Load distribution is checked to ensure it is even, legal and within safe working capacity

2.2

Load is checked to ensure dangerous goods and hazardous substances are appropriately segregated in accordance with current ADG Code

2.3

Load is secured using correct load restraint and protection equipment for different loads, carrying and storage conditions

2.4

Load is protected in accordance with legal and workplace safety requirements

3 

Complete documentation 

3.1

Load is inspected and checked for security to travel, in accordance with relevant regulations/permit requirements and current ADG Code, as required

3.2

All required goods documentation is completed in accordance with workplace requirements including current ADG Code, as required

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• completing relevant documentation
• estimating load size, shape and special requirements and taking appropriate action
• identifying containers and goods coding, Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) and International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code markings and emergency information panels, and taking appropriate action
• implementing contingency plans
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating and adapting to differences in cargo and equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information, signs and labels
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and work health safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) standards
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• chain of responsibility workplace procedures
• housekeeping workplace procedures
• national load restraint guidelines
• problems that may arise when loading and unloading goods and cargo and actions that should be taken to prevent or solve these problems
• relevant Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for handling and transporting dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• relevant Australian Standards and regulations including state/territory mass and loading regulations
• risks when loading and unloading goods/cargo and related precautions to control risk
• safe work methods for securing load
• security awareness requirements when loading and unloading vehicles and in particular recognising, isolating and reporting suspicious cargo and goods
• site layout and obstacles
• WHS/OHS procedures and guidelines concerning the lifting and movement of loads
• workplace procedures and policies for loading and unloading goods/cargo.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, national Load Restraint Guide (LRG), codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.