SIFTVM003A - Operate a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator
Assessor Resource
SIFTVM003A Operate a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: March 2024
This unit applies to cemetery and crematorium staff involved in burial works activities.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a backhoe or front-end loader safely to excavate, level and spread soil, remove and fit relevant attachments and carry out machinery maintenance.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
SIFOHS007A Identifyhazardsandassessrisksinacemetery or crematorium
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
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.
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to safely operate and maintain a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator inclusive of all attachments, tools and equipment
knowledge of relevant legislation, workplace policies and procedures for the safe operation of all tools, equipment and machinery
operating a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of skills in a facility where a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator can be operated safely
access to relevant documentation, such as site plans
access to a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator and attachments.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of candidate preparing, operating and maintaining a backhoe, front-end loader or excavator for a range of different job specifications
review of completed maintenance schedules for backhoe, front-end loader or excavator
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
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.
Required skills
communication skills, including clear and direct communication and active listening and questioning techniques, to identify, confirm and conduct all work requirements
problem-solving skills to identify and address on-site hazards
literacy and numeracy skills to read and interpret plans and site drawings, complete maintenance reports and calculate load requirements
organisational skills to determine and assemble appropriate tools, equipment and machine attachments.
Required knowledge
manufacturer instructions for machine operation and maintenance
broad working knowledge of relevant federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to OHS and required permits and licences for operating excavation machinery
workplace policies and procedures relevant to safe and efficient operations
local soil types and conditions and their relevance to machine operations.
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.
Work activity may include:
loading dump trucks, wagons, hoppers, grizzlies and chutes
stockpiling
mixing materials
stripping and spreading topsoil
laser levelling
backfilling
excavating trenches
lifting materials
laying pipes.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
standard operating policies and procedures
standards and certification requirements
quality assurance procedures
maintenance and reporting schedules
communication procedures
OHS procedures
waste disposal
emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures.
Relevant legislation and regulations may include:
OHS
workers' compensation
cemetery Acts and by-laws
Public Safety Acts
Crematorium Acts
local government regulations
Lands Act
Public Health Act
Environment Protection Act
Australian standards
Worksafe Australia certification and standards
licensing requirements.
Backhoe or loader controlsand functions may include:
bucket
brakes
manoeuvrability
serviceability.
Features may include:
structures
designated parking areas
haul roads
unstable ground.
Operating conditions may include:
day and night visibility
prevailing winds
dust
rain.
Soil conditions may include:
soil types
rock types
soil compaction
moisture content.
Materials may include:
clay
silt
stone
gravel
mud
sand
topsoil
concrete
bituminous mixes
steel, plastic or concrete pipes.
On-site hazards may include:
uneven or unstable terrain
trees
overhead service lines
bridges
surrounding buildings
obstructions
structures
facilities
dangerous materials
recently filled trenches
unauthorised movement.
Communication protocols may include:
two-way radios
reporting defects either verbally or in writing
hand signals
site-specific instructions
mobile phones.
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 according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
Adjust, change and inflate tracks or tyres according to manufacturer instructions and site conditions.
Carry out start-up park, shut-down and communications procedures according to manufacturer instructions and site-specific requirements.
Check backhoe or loader controlsand functions and report faults according to workplace policies and procedures.
Devise work schedules and methods consistent with job requirements.
Interpret information written on survey pegs and establish depth and grade to site plans.
Identify, verify and mark location of services according to plans and drawings.
Identify features from site drawings or plans.
Identify and clarify levels on survey pegs according to workplace policies and procedures.
Drive machine according to traffic regulations, OHS procedures, site plans and operating conditions.
Select appropriate machines and fit appropriate attachments according to job 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.
Carry out excavations around existing underground services according to job specifications.
Mix materials according to job specifications.
Carry out backfilling, levelling, spreading and landfilling or landscaping according to job 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 job specifications, relevant legislation and manufacturer instructions.
Handle loads safely and identify and avoid on-site hazards.
Observe communication protocols to ensure safety of operator and other personnel according to workplace policies and procedures.
Position machine according to type of haul vehicle and job specifications.
Load trucks and wagons according to job specifications and workplace policies and procedures.
Carry out routine operational servicing, lubrication and housekeeping tasks according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures.
Carry out minor maintenance according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures.
Remove and replace worn or defective parts according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures.
Provide support for major vehicle maintenance tasks according to workplace policies and procedures.
Record maintenance work according to workplace policies and procedures.
Clean and store machine attachments according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures.
Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures.
Dispose of waste material according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
SIFTVM003A - 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
SIFTVM003A - 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