Assessor Resource

SIFCBCR015
Operate a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a backhoe or frontend loader safely to excavate, level and spread soil, remove and fit relevant attachments and carry out machinery maintenance. It applies to cemetery and crematorium staff involved in burial works activities and work according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan and prepare work.

1.1 Evaluate work activity and determine most productive operating techniques.

1.2 Obtain permits and licences where required.

1.3 Adjust, change and inflate tracks or tyres according to manufacturer guidelines and site conditions.

1.4 Carry out start-up, park, shut-down and communications procedures according to manufacturer guidelines and site specific requirements.

1.5 Check backhoe or loader controls and functions and report faults.

2. Read and interpret site drawings and plans.

2.1 Devise work schedules and methods consistent with work requirements.

2.2 Interpret information written on survey pegs and establish depth and grade to site plans.

2.3 Verify and mark location of services according to plans and drawings.

2.4 Establish features from site drawings or plans.

2.5 Clarify levels on survey pegs.

3. Operate machinery.

3.1 Drive machine according to traffic regulations site plans and operating conditions.

3.2 Select appropriate machines and fit appropriate attachments according to work requirements, soil and rock types, and soil conditions.

3.3 Maintain safe grip and productivity according to operating conditions.

3.4 Strip topsoil according to job specifications.

3.5 Carry out excavation boxing according to job specifications.

3.6 Complete excavations around existing underground services according to work specifications.

3.7 Mix materials according to work specifications.

3.8 Complete backfilling, levelling, spreading and landfilling or landscaping according to work specifications and tolerances.

4. Attach, secure, lift, carry and place materials.

4.1 Establish weight of load and select and attach appropriate slings and gear.

4.2 Secure and check slings and attachments.

4.3 Carry out slinging, lifting, carrying and placing of materials according to work specifications, relevant legislation and manufacturer guidelines.

4.4 Handle loads safely and identify and avoid on-site hazards.

4.5 Observe communication protocols to ensure safety of operator and other personnel.

4.6 Position machine according to type of haul vehicle and job specifications.

4.7 Load trucks and wagons according to work requirements.

5. Maintain backhoe, front end loader or excavator.

5.1 Complete routine operational servicing, lubrication and housekeeping tasks according to manufacturer guidelines.

5.2 Carry out minor maintenance according to manufacturer guidelines.

5.3 Remove and replace worn or defective parts according to manufacturer guidelines.

5.4 Provide support for major vehicle maintenance tasks.

5.5 Record maintenance work.

5.6 Clean and store machine attachments according to manufacturer guidelines.

6. Shut down and clean up.

6.1 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.

6.2 Dispose of waste material according to relevant legislation.

Evidence of the ability to:

interpret site drawings and plans to develop work schedule and methods

operate safely and maintain a backhoe, frontend loader or excavator inclusive of all attachments, tools and equipment according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer guidelines

conduct shut down operations according to manufacturer guidelines and clean up procedures after burial works.

Evidence of performance of operating a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator on two or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

uses for backhoe or loader in a cemetery, including:

loading dump trucks, wagons, hoppers, grizzlies and chutes

stockpiling

mixing materials

stripping and spreading topsoil

laser levelling

backfilling

excavating trenches

lifting materials

laying pipes

backhoe or loader controls and features

manufacturer guidelines for machine operation and maintenance

telecommunication codes and conventions for the equipment:

CB radio

mobile phone

twoway radio

global positioning system

local soil types and conditions and their relevance to machine operations

operating conditions, soil conditions and on-site hazards that will impact on machinery operation, including:

uneven or unstable terrain

trees

overhead service lines

bridges

surrounding buildings

obstructions

structures

facilities

dangerous materials

recently filled trenches

unauthorised movement

federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety and required permits and licences for operating excavation machinery

environmental impacts regarding operating machinery and minimal impact practices to reduce these

workplace policies and procedures relevant to safe and efficient operations.

Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:

using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

a facility where a backhoe, frontend loader or excavator can be operated safely

a backhoe, frontend loader or excavator and attachments

site plans

under industry conditions where there is:

integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role

speed and timing requirements that reflect commercial operating conditions

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan and prepare work.

1.1 Evaluate work activity and determine most productive operating techniques.

1.2 Obtain permits and licences where required.

1.3 Adjust, change and inflate tracks or tyres according to manufacturer guidelines and site conditions.

1.4 Carry out start-up, park, shut-down and communications procedures according to manufacturer guidelines and site specific requirements.

1.5 Check backhoe or loader controls and functions and report faults.

2. Read and interpret site drawings and plans.

2.1 Devise work schedules and methods consistent with work requirements.

2.2 Interpret information written on survey pegs and establish depth and grade to site plans.

2.3 Verify and mark location of services according to plans and drawings.

2.4 Establish features from site drawings or plans.

2.5 Clarify levels on survey pegs.

3. Operate machinery.

3.1 Drive machine according to traffic regulations site plans and operating conditions.

3.2 Select appropriate machines and fit appropriate attachments according to work requirements, soil and rock types, and soil conditions.

3.3 Maintain safe grip and productivity according to operating conditions.

3.4 Strip topsoil according to job specifications.

3.5 Carry out excavation boxing according to job specifications.

3.6 Complete excavations around existing underground services according to work specifications.

3.7 Mix materials according to work specifications.

3.8 Complete backfilling, levelling, spreading and landfilling or landscaping according to work specifications and tolerances.

4. Attach, secure, lift, carry and place materials.

4.1 Establish weight of load and select and attach appropriate slings and gear.

4.2 Secure and check slings and attachments.

4.3 Carry out slinging, lifting, carrying and placing of materials according to work specifications, relevant legislation and manufacturer guidelines.

4.4 Handle loads safely and identify and avoid on-site hazards.

4.5 Observe communication protocols to ensure safety of operator and other personnel.

4.6 Position machine according to type of haul vehicle and job specifications.

4.7 Load trucks and wagons according to work requirements.

5. Maintain backhoe, front end loader or excavator.

5.1 Complete routine operational servicing, lubrication and housekeeping tasks according to manufacturer guidelines.

5.2 Carry out minor maintenance according to manufacturer guidelines.

5.3 Remove and replace worn or defective parts according to manufacturer guidelines.

5.4 Provide support for major vehicle maintenance tasks.

5.5 Record maintenance work.

5.6 Clean and store machine attachments according to manufacturer guidelines.

6. Shut down and clean up.

6.1 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.

6.2 Dispose of waste material according to relevant legislation.

Evidence of the ability to:

interpret site drawings and plans to develop work schedule and methods

operate safely and maintain a backhoe, frontend loader or excavator inclusive of all attachments, tools and equipment according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer guidelines

conduct shut down operations according to manufacturer guidelines and clean up procedures after burial works.

Evidence of performance of operating a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator on two or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

uses for backhoe or loader in a cemetery, including:

loading dump trucks, wagons, hoppers, grizzlies and chutes

stockpiling

mixing materials

stripping and spreading topsoil

laser levelling

backfilling

excavating trenches

lifting materials

laying pipes

backhoe or loader controls and features

manufacturer guidelines for machine operation and maintenance

telecommunication codes and conventions for the equipment:

CB radio

mobile phone

twoway radio

global positioning system

local soil types and conditions and their relevance to machine operations

operating conditions, soil conditions and on-site hazards that will impact on machinery operation, including:

uneven or unstable terrain

trees

overhead service lines

bridges

surrounding buildings

obstructions

structures

facilities

dangerous materials

recently filled trenches

unauthorised movement

federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety and required permits and licences for operating excavation machinery

environmental impacts regarding operating machinery and minimal impact practices to reduce these

workplace policies and procedures relevant to safe and efficient operations.

Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:

using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

a facility where a backhoe, frontend loader or excavator can be operated safely

a backhoe, frontend loader or excavator and attachments

site plans

under industry conditions where there is:

integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role

speed and timing requirements that reflect commercial operating conditions

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Evaluate work activity and determine most productive operating techniques. 
Obtain permits and licences where required. 
Adjust, change and inflate tracks or tyres according to manufacturer guidelines and site conditions. 
Carry out start-up, park, shut-down and communications procedures according to manufacturer guidelines and site specific requirements. 
Check backhoe or loader controls and functions and report faults. 
Devise work schedules and methods consistent with work requirements. 
Interpret information written on survey pegs and establish depth and grade to site plans. 
Verify and mark location of services according to plans and drawings. 
Establish features from site drawings or plans. 
Clarify levels on survey pegs. 
Drive machine according to traffic regulations site plans and operating conditions. 
Select appropriate machines and fit appropriate attachments according to work requirements, soil and rock types, and soil conditions. 
Maintain safe grip and productivity according to operating conditions. 
Strip topsoil according to job specifications. 
Carry out excavation boxing according to job specifications. 
Complete excavations around existing underground services according to work specifications. 
Mix materials according to work specifications. 
Complete backfilling, levelling, spreading and landfilling or landscaping according to work specifications and tolerances. 
Establish weight of load and select and attach appropriate slings and gear. 
Secure and check slings and attachments. 
Carry out slinging, lifting, carrying and placing of materials according to work specifications, relevant legislation and manufacturer guidelines. 
Handle loads safely and identify and avoid on-site hazards. 
Observe communication protocols to ensure safety of operator and other personnel. 
Position machine according to type of haul vehicle and job specifications. 
Load trucks and wagons according to work requirements. 
Complete routine operational servicing, lubrication and housekeeping tasks according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Carry out minor maintenance according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Remove and replace worn or defective parts according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Provide support for major vehicle maintenance tasks. 
Record maintenance work. 
Clean and store machine attachments according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Dispose of waste material according to relevant legislation. 
Evaluate work activity and determine most productive operating techniques. 
Obtain permits and licences where required. 
Adjust, change and inflate tracks or tyres according to manufacturer guidelines and site conditions. 
Carry out start-up, park, shut-down and communications procedures according to manufacturer guidelines and site specific requirements. 
Check backhoe or loader controls and functions and report faults. 
Devise work schedules and methods consistent with work requirements. 
Interpret information written on survey pegs and establish depth and grade to site plans. 
Verify and mark location of services according to plans and drawings. 
Establish features from site drawings or plans. 
Clarify levels on survey pegs. 
Drive machine according to traffic regulations site plans and operating conditions. 
Select appropriate machines and fit appropriate attachments according to work requirements, soil and rock types, and soil conditions. 
Maintain safe grip and productivity according to operating conditions. 
Strip topsoil according to job specifications. 
Carry out excavation boxing according to job specifications. 
Complete excavations around existing underground services according to work specifications. 
Mix materials according to work specifications. 
Complete backfilling, levelling, spreading and landfilling or landscaping according to work specifications and tolerances. 
Establish weight of load and select and attach appropriate slings and gear. 
Secure and check slings and attachments. 
Carry out slinging, lifting, carrying and placing of materials according to work specifications, relevant legislation and manufacturer guidelines. 
Handle loads safely and identify and avoid on-site hazards. 
Observe communication protocols to ensure safety of operator and other personnel. 
Position machine according to type of haul vehicle and job specifications. 
Load trucks and wagons according to work requirements. 
Complete routine operational servicing, lubrication and housekeeping tasks according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Carry out minor maintenance according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Remove and replace worn or defective parts according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Provide support for major vehicle maintenance tasks. 
Record maintenance work. 
Clean and store machine attachments according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to manufacturer guidelines. 
Dispose of waste material according to relevant legislation. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SIFCBCR015 - Operate a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

SIFCBCR015 - Operate a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: