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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan and prepare for operations
  2. Operate articulated vehicle
  3. Couple and uncouple trailers
  4. Carry out operator maintenance

Required Skills

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to drive a heavy combination vehicle

apply legislative organisation and site requirements and procedures for driving a heavy combination vehicle

apply operational safety requirements

access interpret and apply technical information

maintain equipment records

use relevant hand tools

apply diagnostic techniques

communicate effectively

apply environmental constraints related to specified operations

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used This includes knowledge of the following as required to drive a heavy combination vehicle

site and equipment safety requirements

articulated vehicle operational procedures

basic site geological and survey data

site operational procedures

equipment and trailer characteristics technical capabilities and limitations

articulated vehicle maintenance requirementsprocedures

vehicle record systems

communication systems

site environmental requirements and constraints related to the articulated vehicle

Evidence Required

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

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following

knowledge of the requirements procedures and instructions to drive a heavy combination vehicle

implementation of requirements procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient driving of a heavy combination vehicle

working with others to undertake and drive a heavy combination vehicle that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely driving of a heavy combination vehicle that safely effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance including task skills task management skills contingency management skills and job role environment skills

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant For example language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment should sensitively accommodate cultural diversity

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues

Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods

written andor oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge

observed documented andor first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate requirements procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

working with others to undertake and drive heavy combination vehicles

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues


Range Statement

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.

Compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work requirements and details may include:

articulated vehicle identification/allocation

nature and scope of work

route

working conditions

achievement targets

site lighting arrangements

equipment defects

hazards and potential hazards

coordination requirements/issues

shift briefings

handover details

work orders

Safety information and procedures may include:

use of seat belts

security of door

conditions of brakes and braking system (air pressure)

load characteristics

vehicle speed

fluid levels

safety requirements, including:

use of authorised cargo restraining equipment

observing authorised parking areas

correct distances between vehicles

observing site traffic rules

passenger safety and control

load security and safety

transport rules

operations, signals, procedures

Pre-start procedures may include:

fluid levels, including fuel, engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, clutch / transmission fluid and windscreen, washer fluid

windows and mirrors for clear visibility

tyres and wheels (air pressure, tyre damage, illegal tread depth and condition, abnormal wear pattern and tyre compatibility)

fan belts

seat belts

door hatches and latches

battery and connections

visible and current registration and licences

spare wheel

wheel nuts

rear guards

warning horn

Start-up procedures may include:

articulates (head heavy mediums, clearances, indicators, hazards, reversing

brakes

heating and ventilation

instruments and gauges

windscreen washers and wipers

Manufacturer's specifications may include:

engine crank/start

idling

engine rpm

operating temperatures

torque range

Engine power may include:

selecting gear ratio to achieve smooth take-off

changing gears to maintain specified torque range at all speeds

utilising engine retarder

Trailer coupling, uncoupling procedures may include:

selection of an appropriately firm and level parking area

applying parking brakes

ensuring turn-table jaw release is locked/unlocked

turn-table lock and trailer wheel chocks

compatibility of turn-table and trailer ring pin

alignment of prime-mover, turn-table and trailer skid-pad

connecting brake service, emergency lines, auxiliary air and electrical lines

inspecting and testing air brakes, trailer brakes, lock status of turn-table jaw release

securing and testing trailer landing legs

Records may include:

log-on/off

activity recording

trip records

refuelling information