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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare vehicle and secure load
   • Conduct vehicle familiarisation checks before starting journey
   • Note and rectify any defects, where possible, or report vehicle for further attention/repair
   • Ascertain that all required fuel, water and other supplies required for the journey are available and in useable order
   • Inspect all ancillary equipment and operational accessories to ensure they have been attached or secured in a safe and agreed manner
   • Secure load, including external loads, rear tray, roof racks, and any loads within the vehicle, using appropriate securing equipment
2. Undertake journey
   • Familiarise oneself with the route to ensure that an appropriate route has been determined
   • Interpret access manuals and topographical maps in order to obtain required information for journey
   • Obtain relevant authorisations/notifications and accesses before starting the journey
   • Confirm and/or clarify or communicate journey details with relevant company personnel
   • Monitor driving conditions and requirements constantly, to meet any changes in terrain, weather conditions and road conditions and requirements
   • Monitor and maintain fluid levels and air pressures to ensure safe and efficient vehicle operations
   • Monitor vehicle constantly for any malfunctions or factors that may affect vehicle performance
   • Maintain vehicle speeds within all stated limits and road condition limitations to minimise the risk of personal injury, environmental damage and load damage
   • Maintain communication as required with the relevant company personnel to advise of progress and journey status
   • Ensure seatbelts are worn by all personnel while the vehicle is in motion
3. Operate vehicle
   • Apply knowledge of vehicle differences to the driving requirements of 4WD and conventional vehicles
   • Adhere to general principles of four wheel driving in negotiating a variety of terrains and driving conditions
   • Use defensive driving techniques
   • Observe additional precautions for night driving
   • Drive to suit road conditions
   • Observe rules prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol and other performance inhibiting substances
4. Finalise journey
   • Communicate and confirm termination of journey with the relevant company personnel
   • Visually inspect the vehicle to ensure that vehicle is in good repair and order
   • Unsecure trailer loads and prepare for unloading utilising the agreed uncoupling process
   • Report faults or damage to vehicle to appropriate personnel
5. Recover vehicle
   • Identify and assess options for recovery of an immobilised vehicle
   • Select and apply appropriate method of vehicle recovery
   • Operate recovery equipment safely
   • Perform a battery 'jump start' safely
   • Observe safety precautions when rigging cables and chains
   • Change a wheel on a properly jacked vehicle
6. Maintain vehicle safety
   • Observe appropriate speeds for the road conditions
   • Observe site-specific vehicle entry restrictions
   • Follow appropriate search and rescue notification procedures
   • Follow appropriate procedures for passing large or heavy vehicles

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Regulatory framework	The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following: legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS) industry codes of practice and guidelines environmental regulations and guidelines Australian and other standards licence and certification requirements All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.
Procedures	All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures. Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, include one or more of the following: emergency procedures work instructions standard operating procedures (SOPs) safe work method statements (SWMS) formulas/recipes batch sheets temporary instructions any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
Routine problems	Routine problems must be resolved by applying known solutions. Routine problems are predictable and include one or more of the following: overheating (coolant, exhaust and driveline) low oil pressure electrical discharge/overcharge tyre punctures load shifts Known solutions are drawn from one or more of the following: procedures training remembered experience Non-routine problems must be reported according to according to relevant procedures.
Vehicles	Vehicles include one or more of the following: 4WD vehicles, (e.g. utility, troop carrier or station wagon) trucks
Related equipment	Related equipment includes field operator's kit which includes one or more of the following: communications equipment ,such as two-way radio, mobile or satellite phone and global positioning system (GPS) recovery equipment, such as snatch straps, slings, chains and shackles trailers

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Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

undertake checks and inspections to confirm vehicles, loads, ancillary equipment and supplies meet safety, maintenance and operability requirements

interpret topographical maps and access manuals

plan and prepare for journey including confirming route, gaining access/authorisations

operate communication and recovery equipment

apply vehicle recovery techniques

apply basic maintenance procedures

apply defensive driving techniques appropriate to all legal requirements and range of conditions, including:

four wheel drive and conventional vehicles

night and day

on road and off road

changing terrain and conditions

wet and dry

recognise early warning signs of equipment/vehicles needing attention or with potential problems and take appropriate action

distinguish between causes of vehicle problems/alarms/fault indications, such as:

instrument failure/malfunction

electrical failure/malfunction

mechanical failure/malfunction

communicate with team and supervisors.

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Knowledge Evidence

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

local and company rules and regulations that apply to vehicles, loads and driving

routine problems, faults and their symptoms and the corrective action to be taken

organisation procedures, including those covering:

safety, emergency and hazard control

communications

use and maintenance of vehicles

search and rescue.

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