Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a container side lifter (swing lifter, side loader), to load a container from the ground onto a vehicle, unload a container from vehicle to ground, and transfer a container from one vehicle to another. It also includes systematic and efficient control of all functions, management of side lifter condition and performance, and effective management of hazardous situations whilst operating a container side lifter. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Operation of a container side lifter must be carried out in compliance with the licence requirements and regulations of the relevant state/territory worksafe authority pertaining to operation of a truck mounted side lifter.

Operation of a container side lifter is performed with limited or minimum supervision, with accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

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 Check a container side lifter and ancillary equipment 

1.1 Load lifting capacity for side lifter and ancillary equipment (if fitted) is identified in terms of maximum rated capacity

1.2 Pre-operational checks are conducted on the side lifter, lifting assemblies, specialist lifting equipment, and ancillary equipment (if fitted) for serviceability and suitability for the task and readiness for operation

2 Ensure site safety 

2.1 Ground conditions are checked to ensure stability

2.2 Site safety is managed in accordance with workplace policy and procedures

2.3 Exclusion zones are identified and implemented

3 Load a loaded container from the ground onto a side lifter vehicle 

3.1 The container weight is checked to ensure it is within the specified maximum lifting capacity of the side lifter vehicle

3.2 The side lifter is positioned, the lifter engine is started, and side lifter readiness for lift, including deployment of stabiliser legs, is completed in accordance with manufacturers specifications and organisational requirements

3.3 Lifting equipment is attached to the container, checked, and adjusted if required, in accordance with manufacturers specifications and organisational requirements

3.4 Pre-lift physical check is performed to ensure side lifter is capable of lifting container safely

3.5 The container is lifted and placed onto the side lifter twist locks in accordance with manufacturers and organisational requirements

3.6 The loaded container is secured and the vehicle is made ready for on-road travel in accordance with regulatory requirements, manufacturers specifications and workplace procedures

4 Unload a loaded container from a side lifter vehicle onto the ground 

4.1 The container weight is checked to ensure it is within the specified maximum lifting capacity of the side lifter vehicle

4.2 The side lifter is positioned, the lifter engine is started, and side lifter made ready to for lift, including deployment of stabiliser legs, is completed in accordance with manufacturers specifications and/or organisational requirements

4.3 Load securing devices are unlocked or removed and lifting equipment is attached to the container, checked, and adjusted if required, in accordance with manufacturers specifications and/or organisational requirements

4.4 Pre-lift physical check is performed to ensure side lifter is capable of lifting container safely

4.5 The container is lifted and placed on the ground, in accordance with organisational requirements, allowing access to the container doors and surroundings

4.6 The lifting equipment is removed from the container and the side lifter vehicle is made ready for on-road travel in accordance with manufacturers specifications and regulatory requirements

5 Transfer a loaded container from one vehicle to another 

5.1 Receiving vehicle and container is checked to ensure they are compatible and that the receiving vehicle's load capacity is adequate for the intended load

5.2 Positioning of all vehicles meets intended transfer requirements

5.3 The lifter engine is started, and side lifter made ready for lift

5.4 Load securing devices are unlocked or removed and lifting equipment is attached to the container, checked, and adjusted if required, in accordance with manufacturers specifications and/or organisational requirements

5.5 Pre-lift physical check is performed to ensure side lifter is capable of lifting container safely

5.6 The container is transferred to the receiving vehicle in accordance with manufacturers and organisational requirements

5.7 The lifting equipment is removed from the container and both vehicles are made ready for on-road travel in accordance with regulatory requirements and manufacturers specifications and workplace procedures

5.8 The loaded container is secured in accordance with regulatory requirements and manufacturers specifications

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 of the relevant state/territory road traffic authority

• Relevant PPE for side lifter operations

• Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

• Side lifter vehicle handling procedures

• Workplace driving and operational instructions

• Engine power management and safe driving strategies

• Efficient driving techniques

• Pre-operational checks carried out on side lifter and ancillary equipment

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when operating side lifter vehicle

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the operation of a side lifer vehicle

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to the operating of a side lifter vehicle

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others when operating side lifter vehicle

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

• Implement contingency plans for unexpected events when operating side lifter vehicle

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

• 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

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

• Service vehicle and its 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
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• relocating a container using a side lifter from ground to vehicle
• relocating a container using a side lifter from vehicle to ground
• relocating a container from one vehicle to the other

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 

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

• as a minimum, with a container loaded with at least 60% of its maximum rated capacity
• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

• A simulator is not suitable for final assessment of this unit of competency

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.

A side lifter can be described as:

• truck mounted
• trailer mounted

A container can be described as:

• flat packs
• dry shipping containers
• refrigerated shipping containers
• reefers
• bulk tank shipping containers
• open top shipping containers
• collapsible shipping containers
• general shipping containers

Shipping container length/height can be described as:

• various single unit sizes from 20 foot (6 metres) through to 50 foot (15 metres)
• 8'6" standard height or 9'6" high cube units
• 2 x 20 foot (6 metres) units coupled together for simultaneous loading/unloading
• 2 containers double stacked for simultaneous loading/unloading

Ancillary equipment can be described as:

• independently powered hydraulic equipment
• spreader bars and locks
• container locks
• remote control units
• warning devices and equipment
• stabiliser leg blocks

Lifting equipment could be:

• lifting chains
• lifting frames

Operation of a side lifter vehicle may be carried out in typical road logistic situations, including:

• operations conducted at day or night
• typical weather conditions
• on the open road
• on a private road
• in remote areas
• while at a client's workplace or work site

Pre-operational checks include:

• visual check of vehicle and ancillary equipment
• checking and topping up of fluid levels
• checks of operation of vehicle lights and indicators
• checks of all levers and operational gauges on ancillary equipment

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

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

Documentation/records include:

• state/territory side lifter vehicle licence/permit requirements
• state/territory regulation pertaining to securing a container
• state/territory road rules
• relevant codes of practice, including the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, the Australian Explosives Code, the Industry Safety Code, and National Standards for Manual Handling
• workplace instructions and procedures
• vehicle manufacturers instructions, specifications and recommended procedures including pre-operational checks of vehicle
• emergency procedures

Applicable procedures and codes include:

• relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence/permit requirements pertaining to side lifter vehicles
• relevant state/territory road rules
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

Competency Field 

D - Load Handling