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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify four-wheel drive specific terms and terminology
   • Access, interpret and apply information relevant to operating a four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads.
   • Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle and a four-wheel drive vehicle.
   • Identify four-wheel drive techniques.
2. Conduct checks of 4x4 vehicle and equipment
   • Perform pre-start checks.
   • Secure loads in line with organisational, workplace safety and environmental requirements.
   • Select suitable navigation aids where necessary.
   • Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain.
   • Check that tyre pressure is suitable for terrain and that it is changed as required in line with organisational procedures.
   • Select and access maintenance equipment prior to departure after considering the contextual issues.
3. Prepare for 4x4 operations
   • Identify and follow work health and safety (WHS), environmental, and organisational requirements relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle.
   • Determine type of operation and ensure safe operating conditions.
   • Establish communication with others and choose the required safety mechanisms in line with organisational requirements.
4. Operate 4x4 vehicle on unsealed terrain types
   • Continually monitor the track to identify hazards, assess risks, and select the best route in line with WHS and environmental requirements.
   • Identify situations where the engagement of four-wheel drive is required and engage front hubs or centre differential lock where fitted.
   • Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a range of terrain types while maintaining control of vehicle at all times.
   • Check brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain.
   • Park and shut down 4x4 vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements.
5. Operate 4x4 vehicle on a steep slope
   • Inspect intended 4x4 vehicle path prior to negotiation of slope.
   • Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a steep slope, while maintaining control of vehicle.
   • Use control braking to ascend and descend, and avoid skidding.
   • Maintain traction in line with requirements of 4x4 vehicle.
   • Apply appropriate automatic and manual techniques when 4x4 vehicle cannot proceed any further on a steep slope due to traction problems.
6. Perform maintenance and minor repairs on 4x4 vehicles
   • Perform operational maintenance and minor repairs as detailed in the vehicle operator manual and report vehicle defects to the appropriate person.
   • Demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a 4x4 vehicle while changing a tyre under relevant road terrains and conditions within the operating environment
   • Clean and store 4x4 vehicle and equipment after use in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures.
   • Document maintenance and minor repairs in line with organisational procedures.

Range Statement

Not Applicable

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Performance Evidence

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

follow applicable workplace safety, environmental and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle

follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle, including:

own work role and responsibilities

procedural manuals

quality and continuous improvement

WHS, emergency and evacuation procedures

recording and reporting requirements

equipment use, maintenance and storage requirements

environmental management requirements

communicate and work safely with others in rough terrain when operating a 4x4 vehicle

perform pre-start checks of vehicle and equipment suitable to different terrains by checking loads and tyre pressure, selecting navigation aids and advising passengers of safety precautions

operate safely, a 4x4 vehicle, on unsealed road conditions and different terrain types, including negotiating steep slopes, by identifying hazards and assessing risks

use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking techniques safely when operating a 4x4 vehicle on a steep slope

demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a 4x4 vehicle while changing a tyre under relevant road terrains and conditions within the operating environment

park and shut down 4x4 vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements

perform and document operational maintenance as permitted by vehicle operator handbook.

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Knowledge Evidence

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

four wheel drive operational information

structural differences between conventional two wheel drive and a four wheel drive including:

recovery hooks and mounting features

purpose and use of front wheel hubs

factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating and pressure

applicable regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices relevant to the operating a 4x4 vehicle

road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant state or territory

environmental protection requirements including the safe disposal of waste material

prestart checks for 4 x 4 vehicle on:

fuel, either diesel, gas or petrol

water

oil

brake and transmission fluid levels

battery water levels and electrolyte checks

tyres

belts

leads

hydraulic lines and connections

air cleaners

brakes

off-road safety equipment

traction devices

Types of communication equipment including:

personal location beacon (PLB)

flares

markers

phone

radio

V-Sheet

safe operating conditions for a 4 X 4 vehicle

interpreting weather conditions to determine suitability for driving

determining food, water, PPE (sunglasses, high-visibility vest, etc.) and clothing requirements for journey

selecting routes to minimise damage to the environment

on and off-road conditions

traffic pattern and density

visibility

loading of four-wheel drive, including techniques to reduce overloading

types of environmental risks and hazards associated with operating a 4x4 vehicle on unsealed roads including:

rocks and other unexpected obstacles

damage to vehicle

tidal influences

fire in vehicle

faulty brakes

leaking fuel

faulty steering mechanism on vehicle

animals and objects in vehicle path

crocodiles and snakes in some areas

windy or foggy sections of terrain

steep slopes

side slopes

slippery surfaces

land slides

overhead tree limbs

black ice

towing trailers

other vehicles

fallen trees, limbs and logs

icy terrain

flooded terrain

oil on road

parked vehicles on road

pedestrians on or near the road

poor visibility

4x4 driving techniques in different terrains including:

smooth

rough

uneven

slippery

wet

boggy

sandy

steep or hilly

rock

icy

snow

mud, including:

brown clay

black silt

salt pan mud

red

hard ground

water

operational knowledge of a 4x4 vehicle, including controls, instruments, indicators and their use

tyre management principles for checking, changing and maintenance

workplace communication channels and protocols

techniques for travelling in convoy

problem identification and resolution strategies, and common fault-finding techniques relevant to safely operating a four wheel drive vehicle

types of tools and equipment relating to a 4x4 vehicle, and procedures for their safe use and maintenance

maintenance equipment including spares and fluids

procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.

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