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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare 4x4 for towing
   • Identify and follow WHS, environmental, legal and organisational requirements relevant to operating in a towing situation.
   • Identify type of object to be towed and determine a suitable towing arrangement.
   • Identify equipment requirements and techniques to carry out the towing job.
   • Identify potential hazards that may be experienced at the towing site and during the towing operation.
   • Assess the towing activity for safety, security of passengers, vehicles and property.
   • Check the 4x4 vehicle to ensure equipment is appropriate to conditions and operationally effective in line with manufacturer specifications.
2. Drive 4x4 towing a trailer
   • Identify hazards and risk-management strategies associated with towing a trailer.
   • Safely couple and uncouple the trailer.
   • Secure load onto trailer.
   • Apply risk-management strategies while 4x4 vehicle is in operation and towing a trailer.
   • Demonstrate driving forward, reversing a trailer uphill, around corners and in a straight line.
   • Use correct jack technique to change a trailer wheel.
   • Park and shut down 4x4 vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements.
3. Drive 4x4 moving an attached object
   • Secure vehicle, equipment or object to be moved using appropriate recovery devices.
   • Apply risk-management strategies to a 4x4 vehicle moving an object.
   • Drive 4x4 and move attached object.
4. Perform post-towing tasks
   • Notify relevant personnel of trip completion.
   • Carry out maintenance on allocated vehicle.
   • Record and report activity 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 legal and regulatory requirements, and codes of practice relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle towing a trailer or moving an object

couple and uncouple a trailer

safely couple and uncouple vehicles, equipment and objects using recovery equipment

operate a 4x4 in a towing situation

follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a 4x4 in a towing situation

assess the safety of towing a trailer or object and consider risk management strategies including:

appropriate vehicle and trailer clearance

appropriate approach and departure angles

correct load management

controlled braking methods using electric brakes, no brakes, override brakes

adequate movement of the tow system

making adjustment for extra length and width of trailers, and their tendency to ‘cut in’ on corners and curves

making appropriate adjustment in braking distance to compensate for the combined extra weight of vehicle and trailer

driving vehicle to minimise trailer sway

engaging a lower gear when travelling downhill with a trailer to give greater vehicle control and reduce load on brakes

ensuring mirrors on both sides of towing vehicle are properly adjusted to give a clear view of vehicles approaching from the rear.

use and maintain relevant tools, machinery and equipment

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Knowledge Evidence

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

applicable regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices relevant to processes when towing a trailer or object

environmental risks and hazards, organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for towing a trailer or object including:

damage to vehicle

wet and iced terrain

flooded terrain

fire in vehicle

fire at the scene

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

land slides

tree limbs

black ice

trailers

logs, rocks and other unexpected obstacles

weather conditions

slippery surfaces

unsafe or damaged equipment

spilt or leaking fuel or dangerous or hazardous goods or substances

unsafe manual-lifting procedures

recovery devices suitable for towing including:

winches

ropes

cables

slings and straps

pullers

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

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

4x4 driving and towing techniques

vehicle maintenance requirements

established communication channels and protocols

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

vehicle problem identification and resolution strategies, and common vehicle fault-finding techniques

characteristics, applications, capabilities and limitations of a 4x4 vehicle while towing a trailer or object

tools and equipment used when setting up and securing an object for towing

typical problems that may occur when setting up and securing an object for towing, and how to resolve them

procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.

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