This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to load and unload vehicles carrying special loads, in accordance with relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority licence and permit requirements and regulations, as well as specific code, regulatory and permit requirements.

It includes loading and unloading special loads onto and from a vehicle, securing and protecting vehicle and load, and completing all required documentation.

Work is performed under some supervision generally 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 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 workplace procedures for hazardous and dangerous cargo

1.3

Vehicle is loaded in accordance with vehicle loading regulations and workplace safety requirements

1.4

Lifting aids and appliances are selected and used to aid loading procedures in accordance 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 balance of remaining load

1.6

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

2 

Secure and protect vehicle and load 

2.1

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

2.2

Load is protected in accordance with legal and workplace safety requirements

2.3

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

2.4

Loaded vehicle is inspected and checked for security to travel

3 

Complete documentation 

3.1

Documentation is completed and proofread in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

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

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 precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• applying techniques for load security
• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• estimating size, shape and special requirements of loads
• identifying and correctly using equipment required to load and unload various types of special loads
• identifying and interpreting containers and goods coding, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code markings and emergency information panels
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• loading and unloading a load safely
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• selecting and using required personal protective equipment and conforming to industry and work health safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) standards
• using manual handling techniques safely
• working collaboratively with others
• 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:

• characteristics of various types of special loads
• containers and goods coding, IMDG Code markings and emergency information panels, including their meaning and implications for loading and unloading processes
• housekeeping standards and procedures
• methods for securing various types of special loads
• national Load Restraint Guide (LRG)
• relevant state/territory mass and loading regulations for various types of special loads, including current Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code and Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail
• risks and hazards when loading and unloading various types of special loads, and related precautions to control the risk
• site layout and obstacles
• WHS/OHS procedures and guidelines for lifting and moving loads
• workplace procedures and policies for loading and unloading vehicles designed to carry special loads.

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 LRG, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.