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 backhoe/loader operations

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of backhoe/ loader operations, including:

in a minimum of two different soil types and

to include the mandatory tasks: mixing materials, stripping/spreading topsoils and materials, trench excavation, backfilling, lifting and carrying materials, loading dump trucks, wagons, hoppers, chutes, and cutting/boxing

working with others to undertake and complete backhoe/ loader operations that meet all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of backhoe/loader operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meet 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, including:

in a minimum of two different soil types and

the mandatory tasks: mixing materials, stripping/spreading topsoils and materials, trench excavation, backfilling, lifting and carrying materials, loading dump trucks, wagons, hoppers, chutes, and cutting/boxing

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the backhoe/loader operations

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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 backhoe/loader operations:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply site and equipment safety requirements

apply techniques for calculating safe working loads

apply backhoe/loader techniques related to essential tasks

interpret drawings and sketches

apply operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures

apply site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

interpret materials safety data sheet and materials handling methods

apply project quality requirements

use civil construction terminology

apply methods of changing machine attachments

apply safe operating techniques in all terrain

carry out basic earthworks calculations

apply levelling techniques

interpret JSA's/Safe work method statement

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 backhoe/loader operations:

backhoe/loader types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

basic principles of soil technology for civil works

site and equipment safety requirements

techniques for calculating safe working loads

backhoe/loader techniques related to essential tasks

processes for interpreting drawings and sketches

operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures

site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

materials safety data sheet and materials handling methods

project quality requirements

civil construction terminology

methods of changing machine attachments

safe operating techniques in all terrain

basic earthworks calculations

civil construction activity sequences of road construction, earthworks and drainage

levelling techniques

JSA's/Safe work method 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

A backhoe/loader is:

a self-propelled wheeled machine with a main structural support designed to carry both a front-mounted bucket loading mechanism and a rear-mounted backhoe

Backhoe/loader tasks are to include:

mixing materials, stripping/spreading topsoils and materials, trench excavation, backfilling, lifting and carrying materials, loading dump trucks, wagons, hoppers, chutes and cutting/boxing

Backhoe/loader tasks may include:

scrub clearing, ripping, compacting, cutting, batters and benches, rock breaking, demolition and any activities associated with the attachments listed

A skid steer loader is:

a self-propelled wheeled machine in which steering is accomplished by skidding or reversing the wheels or tracks on one side of the machine. It has an integral front-mounted bucket-supporting structure and linkage, which loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges material

Skid steer loader may include:

compacting, truck excavation, lifting and carrying materials, cutting batters and benches, rock breaking and any activities associated with attachments listed

Skid steer loader tasks are to include:

stripping/ spreading topsoil and materials, backfilling, lifting, loading vehicles, excavations, mixing materials and site clean up

Work instructions may include:

plans, specifications, quality requirements and operational details

quality requirements may include but not be limited to dimensions, tolerances, standards of work and material standards as detailed in the project drawings, specifications and project documentation to meet client satisfaction

Safety requirements are to be:

in accordance with State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan

Safety requirements may include:

protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances

personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures which are to include but not be limited to recognising and preventing hazards associated with underground and overhead services, other machines, personnel, restricted access barriers, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public

safe parking practices which is to include but not be limited to ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/ machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement

hazards and risks may include but not be limited to uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials

emergency procedures related to this unit are to include but may not be limited to emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation

Tools and equipment are to include:

hand tools and maintenance equipment relevant to the particular loader and may include lifting equipment

Environmental requirements are to include:

organisational/project environmental management plan, waste management, water quality protection, noise, vibration, dust and clean-up management

Communications practices are to include:

verbal instructions and fault reporting and may include two way radio, hand signals, mobile phone, site specific instructions, written instructions or instructions related to job/task

on site meeting processes may include notification/ scheduling (time, place, purpose), task discussions and local coordination of procedural and operational issues

Materials may include:

clays, silts, stone, gravel, mud, rock, sand, topsoil, blended materials, organic materials, typical construction site materials/waste and bituminous mixes

rock types may include metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary

Attachments may include:

extending devices, tilt bucket, buckets, compaction wheel, ripper, plate compactor, rock breaker, auger, broom, mower/slasher, forklift, 4 in 1 bucket and free/rock grab

Operator maintenance is to include:

cleaning, authorised servicing and the monitoring, recording and reporting of faults. It may also include the conduct of authorised minor replacements and the provision of assistance to maintenance personnel during maintenance and repair activities