RIIMPO304B Conduct wheel loader operations

Release: 1

RIIMPO304B Conduct wheel loader operations

Modification History

Not applicable.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the conducting of wheel loader operations in mining and extractive industries. It includes planning and preparing for operations, operating the loader, and carrying out post-operational procedures.

Application of the Unit

Wheel loaders are self-propelled wheeled machines with an integral front-mounted bucket-supporting structure and linkage. It loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges material. This unit is appropriate for those working in mobile plant operator roles, at worksites within:

Coal mining

Extractive industries

Metalliferous mining

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Plan and prepare for operations	1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to conducting wheel loader operations 1.2. Obtain, interpret and apply work requirements and procedures for the satisfactory completion of the allocated job 1.3. Access, interpret and apply geological and survey data required to complete the allocated job 1.4. Inspect and prepare work area in coordination with others 1.5. Identify, manage and report potential hazards and risks 1.6. Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities 1.7. Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
2. Operate the loader	2.1. Carry out pre-start, start-up, park-up and shutdown procedures 2.2. Select and modify the operating technique to appropriately meet changing work conditions 2.3. Conduct, control and monitor operations within the equipment limitations 2.4. Act on or report monitoring systems and alarms 2.5. Recognise and respond to hazardous and emergency situations 2.6. Complete work in accordance with the agreed work requirements and within the operating capacity of the allocated equipment
3. Carry out post-operational procedures	3.1. Inspect, fault find and report faults 3.2. Carry out routine operator servicing, maintenance and housekeeping tasks 3.3. Maintain and process records and reports

Required Skills and Knowledge

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct wheel loader operations: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures apply operational safety requirements apply environmental requirements apply environmentally sensitive fluids and materials disposal requirements and procedures apply chemical and fuel safety measures apply hazardous goods handling techniques apply manual lifting techniques work wearing personal protective equipment access, interpret and apply technical information interpret plans, reports, maps, specifications apply hand-eye coordination apply equipment operating techniques apply work tasks organising techniques work in a team apply equipment records maintenance requirements apply diagnostic techniques use relevant hand tools
Required knowledge
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to conduct wheel loader operations: site risk control procedures hazard identification and response procedures hazardous substances handling techniques site personal protective equipment requirements site and equipment health and safety procedures site environmental and heritage requirements and constraints site quality requirements site communication procedures site product characteristics site geological and survey data site operational procedures pre-start, start-up, operating and shutdown procedures and techniques machine characteristics, technical capability and limitations machine operational procedures isolation procedures maintenance systems and procedures site record keeping requirements

Evidence Guide

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
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 worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following: knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for conducting wheel loader operations implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of wheel loader operations working with others to undertake and complete wheel loader operations that meet all of the required outcomes consistent timely completion of wheel loader operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment	This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job. Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity. Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues. Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment	This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods: written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's: implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes consistently achieving the required outcomes first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's: working with others to undertake and complete wheel loader operations
Guidance information for assessment	Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant compliance documentation may include:	legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures manufacturer's guidelines and specifications Australian standards codes of practice Employment and Workplace Relations legislation Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Work requirements and procedures may come from briefings, handovers, and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal, depending on the complexity of the process and may include:	product identification nature and scope of tasks achievement targets operational conditions obtaining permits required site layout out of bounds areas worksite inspection requirements lighting conditions plant or equipment defects hazards and potential hazards coordination requirements or issues contamination control requirements environmental control requirements barricade and signage requirements
Geological data may include relevant site-specific information in relation to:	rock type and characteristics faults and joints broken ground water tables or other water sources wet and dry areas degree of compaction
Survey data may include relevant site-specific information in relation to:	floor heights bench heights and widths ramp and floor grades underground workings and voids
Inspect and prepare work area may include:	identification of hazards selection and implementation of control measures for the hazards identified safeguarding site and non-site personnel by: erection of barricades and posting of signs selection of appropriate equipment to ensure personnel safety and protection determination of appropriate path of movement for loads and equipment/vehicles floor clean up to specified levels and grade requirements selection and implementation of environmental control measures
Potential hazards and risks may include:	installed services damaged or defective pressurise hoses and fastenings abandoned equipment adjoining pit walls or structures adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods, fires) chemicals contaminants ancillary equipment fences holes and pot holes over-hanging rocks personnel unsafe ground unstable faces vehicles powerlines dust and noise conveyors overhead services stored energy which may include: engine components radiators and cooling systems hydraulic tanks and reservoirs air tanks and reservoirs hydraulic hoses air hoses tyres air conditioning components electrical components braking systems centrifugal forces
Coordination requirements may include with:	other mobile plant operators processing plant operators maintenance personnel water truck operators service vehicle operators crane and float operators contractors inspectors supervisors visitors
Personal protective equipment includes:	steel-capped boots and hardhat gloves dust mask eye and hearing protection general protective and reflective clothing
Pre-start and start-up procedure may include:	external check of the machine inspection of attachments to ensure security and identify defects selection, removing and fitting of attachments checking of fluid levels (windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel) carry out lubrication checking of display instrumentation and gauges (indicators, gauges, laser levels), computer systems inspection of air filter restriction indicator inspection and checking of cab (horn, lights, air conditioner) testing of engine and stop engine lights testing visual and audio warning devices and lights checking instruments and control lever reporting of defects and damage
Park-up and shutdown procedure may include:	secure equipment as required by site procedures render attachments safe clear access ways
Operating techniques may include:	manoeuvring braking bucket loading single sided loading double sided loading drive by loading load carrying haulage vehicle positioning load discharge building and maintaining stockpiles blending materials attaching, securing, lifting, carrying and placing materials driving machines on to floats towing observing site speed limits working safely around: overhead powerlines other machines and personnel live stockpiles
Changing work conditions may include variations in:	bulk material grades height of stockpiles materials contamination haulage units materials handling facilities weather conditions light conditions (including day and night)
Monitoring systems and alarms may include:	brake air pressure brake oil temperature computer indicators engine oil pressure fuel filter parking brake retarder service meter speedometer/odometer steering filters tachometer torque converter oil temperature transmission filter voltmeter water temperature
Hazardous and emergency situations may include:	powerlines and other overhead services dust and noise face overhangs lighting strikes (potential tyre explosion) tyre fires (isolation procedures)
Operator service, maintenance and housekeeping tasks are those established and authorised for the site and may include:	cleaning authorised servicing and the monitoring recording and reporting of faults conduct of authorised minor replacements provision of assistance to maintenance personnel during maintenance and repair activities
Records and reports may include:	fuel usage computer readings end of shift documentation supplies logs work logs stockpile information quality information despatch details

Unit Sector(s)

Mobile Plant Operations

Competency field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).

Co-requisite units

Not applicable.