Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a boom type elevating work platform, including inspecting and testing the elevating work platform, assessing job requirements and work, planning work and setting up for lift, carrying out the elevation, implementing planned hazard control and strategies, and packing up the work platform after operations. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Work must be carried out in compliance with the licence/permit requirements and regulations of the relevant state/territory authorities pertaining to boom type elevating work platform operations.

Work is performed with limited or minimum supervision, and with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes. It involves the application of routine principles and procedures to the operation of a boom type elevating work platform in a variety of operational contexts.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Inspect and test elevating work platform 

1.1 Work platform is visually inspected prior to operation for any evidence of damage, structural weakness or interference according to pre-operational safety check procedures

1.2 Routine pre-operational equipment checks are carried out in accordance with available checklists

1.3 Work platform log book is checked, service requirements are noted and maintenance personnel advised of any requirements

1.4 Elevating work platform is started in accordance with manufacturers guidelines and start-up procedures for operations and any abnormal noise or movement reported to an authorised person for corrective action

1.5 Start-up checks are conducted according to manufacturers specifications and company procedures to ensure work platform and equipment are operating correctly

1.6 Faults are corrected or are reported to an authorised person for corrective action according to company procedures

1.7 The operating and emergency controls are checked for correct operation in accordance with manufacturers specifications including use of the emergency decent device

1.8 Boom is lowered under simulated emergency conditions to check for operational effectiveness

1.9 Gear and accessories are checked and damaged or worn gear is segregated and reported to an authorised person for testing/repair/destruction

1.10 Results of inspections are recorded and reported according to company procedures

2 Assess job requirements and work 

2.1 Briefing, hand-over details, authorisations and clearances are received, interpreted and clarified in accordance with company and site procedures and legislative requirements

2.2 Work area is inspected and potential hazards are identified and appropriate elimination or control measures selected

2.3 Weight of load including personnel and equipment is correctly estimated to ensure job is within limits of work platform capacity

3 Plan work and set up for lift 

3.1 A work plan is developed and agreed with relevant workplace personnel to include hazard prevention/control measures and safety and emergency procedures in line with applicable Australian standards

3.2 A suitable firm and level standing is chosen and prepared for the location of the elevating work platform

3.3 Outriggers and stabilisers are correctly deployed and positioned in accordance with manufacturers instructions and appropriate Australian standards

3.4 Appropriate plates or packing are correctly used under the footplates as required to adequately distribute the loading

3.5 Ground is checked before and after packing is installed to ensure it is firm enough to bear the load

3.6 The job plan is developed to include hazard prevention/control measures and safety procedures in line with applicable Australian standards and to equipment manufacturers specifications

3.7 Work platform load chart is located and information on permissible loads, radii and heights taken into account in planning the job

3.8 The job plan takes into account job requirements and workplace rules and procedures

3.9 Job plan is discussed and confirmed with relevant personnel

3.10 Work gear and tools are properly stowed in the elevating work platform in accordance with Australian standards, company procedures and guides

4 Carry out elevation 

4.1 Configuration and operation of elevating work platform are checked as necessary to ensure safe lift

4.2 Operation of work platform is carried out in accordance with the job plan, the appropriate Australian standard and manufacturers specifications

5 Planned hazard control and strategies are implemented 

5.1 Load is constantly monitored to ensure safety of personnel, load and structural stability

5.2 Unplanned situations are responded to in line with company procedures in a manner that minimises risk to personnel and equipment

5.3 Required signals are correctly given, interpreted and followed in accordance with appropriate Australian standards

6 Pack up work platform 

6.1 The elevating work platform is shut down using the correct sequence of procedures in accordance with manufacturers instructions

6.2 Routine post-operational equipment checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturers instructions and available checklists and defects recorded and reported in line with company procedures

6.3 The elevating work platform is dismantled in accordance with the job plan, manufacturers instructions and relevant statutory regulations

6.4 The outriggers and stabilisers are secured and stowed in accordance with manufacturers instructions

6.5 The elevating work platform is correctly stowed and secured in accordance with manufacturers instructions and company procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge :

• Relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements pertaining to boom type elevating work platform operation

• Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

• Boom type elevating work platform applications, capacities, configurations, safety hazards and control mechanisms

• Workplace procedures concerning the operation of a boom type elevating work platform at a worksite

• Problems that may arise when operating a boom type elevating work platform and actions that should be taken to prevent or solve them

• Risks and hazards involved in the operation of a boom type elevating work platform and the associated action that can be taken to eliminate or minimise the risk/hazards concerned

• Focus of operation of work systems and equipment

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when operating a boom type elevating work platform

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, regulations, codes of practice and manuals relevant to the operation of a boom type elevating work platform

• Interpret and follow operational instructions

• Complete documentation related to the operation of a boom type elevating work platform

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others when operating a boom type elevating work platform

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

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may occur when operating a boom type elevating work platform in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

• Prioritise and multi-task work

• Implement contingency plans for unanticipated situations that may arise when operating a boom type elevating work platform

• Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the operation of a boom type elevating work platform

• 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

• Identify and correctly use equipment, processes and procedures

• 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

• Monitor performance of equipment

• Service equipment in terms of maintenance schedule and standard operating procedures

• Check and replenish fluids and carry out lubrication processes in the course of work activities

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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/or 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 equipment, and
• 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 activities in an appropriately simulated environment 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.

Operations may be conducted:

• by day or night
• in a variety of weather conditions

Environment may include movement of:

• equipment
• goods
• materials
• vehicular traffic

Customers may be:

• internal or external

Boom type elevating work platform may be involved in work in a range of industry sectors including:

• construction and demolition
• manufacturing
• waterfront
• mining
• primary industry
• utilities (electricity, gas, water)
• arboricultural
• swimming pool
• quarrying

Hazards may include:

• power lines
• noise, light, energy sources
• overhead service lines
• surrounding buildings, structures, facilities
• underground services
• obstructions
• uneven or unstable ground and recently filled trenches
• stationary and moving machinery and equipment
• hazardous or dangerous materials
• traffic hazards and congestion

Hazard management is consistent with:

• the principle of hierarchy of control with elimination, substitution, isolation and engineering control measures being selected before safe working practices and personal protective equipment

Consultative processes may involve:

• other employees and supervisors
• management
• union representatives
• clients
• industrial relations and OH&S specialists
• other professional or technical staff

Requirements for access and/or lift may include:

• site restrictions and procedures
• authorities and permits
• hours of operation
• induction
• slings, chains, nets, brackets and other specialised lifting equipment
• noise restrictions
• personal protective equipment
• support trucks
• additional gear and equipment
• communications equipment

Personal protective equipment may include:

• gloves
• safety headwear and footwear
• sunscreen, sunglasses and safety glasses
• two-way radios
• high visibility clothing

Elevating platforms may include:

• mechanically operated equipment
• hydraulically operated equipment
• electrically operated equipment

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

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• organisational procedures
• established procedures
• site procedures

Documentation/records may include:

• operations manuals
• Safe Working Load (SWL) and Working Load Limit (WLL)
• site plans
• induction documentation
• competency standards and training materials
• job specifications and procedures
• manufacturers specifications
• workplace operating procedures and policies
• supplier and/or client instructions
• communications technology equipment, oral, aural or signed communications
• personal and work area work procedures and practices
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including:

• workplace agreements and awards
• occupational health and safety procedures
• standards and certification requirements
• quality assurance procedures
• emergency procedures

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

• relevant state/territory regulations and licence/permit requirements pertaining to the operation of boom type elevating work platforms
• relevant state/territory road rules
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

Competency Field 

D - Load Handling