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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare vehicle for use
  2. Drive vehicle
  3. Complete and record vehicle performance

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in the operation of vehicles requires evidence of the ability to use basic driving skills to drive effectively with or without loads in different terrain weather conditions and emergency situations carry out routine checks and maintenance and record performance details Evidence must be demonstrated with regard to safe workplace and positive environmental practices associated with vehicle operation The skills and knowledge required to operate vehicles must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different vehicles conditions and workplace situations

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

Components controls and features of vehicles and their functions

Operating principles and operating methods

Load limits and the principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and vehicle movement

Effects of adverse weather and terrain conditions on the operation of vehicles

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

Environmental Codes of Practice with regard to the operation of vehicles

Relevant StateTerritory legislation and regulations with regard to licensing road and traffic requirements

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

Steer manoeuvre and position vehicles in a smooth and controlled manner in on and offroad conditions

Demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

Obtain relevant licences and permits

Demonstrate emergency procedures and safe driving techniques

Read and comprehend operator manuals

Effectively communicate faults malfunctions and workplace hazards

Interpret and apply task instructions report and maintain operational records

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information with regard to hazards and unsafe work practices associated with vehicle operation may be reported to the supervisor and work team

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information with regard to vehicle performance faults and maintenance carried out may be detailed and recorded for reference and organised by reports

How are activities planned and organised

Maintenance and repairs may be planned and coordinated around work schedules or sequenced as required

How can team work be applied

Team work may be applied in the application of methods and procedures to complete maintenance procedures and complete records

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematics may be applied in the calculation and measurement of load and weight servicing requirements and distance and fuel consumption

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Breakdown faults or malfunctions will require arrangements for repair or replacement to achieve work schedules

How can the use of technology be applied

To communicate measure and record information with regard to maintenance usage and performance of vehicle

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet

Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

Safe systems and procedures for:

the safe operation and maintenance of vehicles

checks to ensure loads are secure and within working specifications

hazard and risk control

manual handling including lifting and carrying

the application of emergency/defensive driving techniques

handling, application and storage of hazardous substances

outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, dust and noise

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment

passengers only carried when there is a seat approved by the manufacturer.

What hazards may be associated with the operation of vehicles?

Hazards may include exposure to loud noise and fumes, hazardous substances (fuel, oils), solar radiation and organic and other dusts. It may also include ergonomic hazards associated with posture and mechanical vibration. Other hazards may include bystanders, livestock and wildlife, difficult terrain and varying gradients, broken ground, potholes, ditches, gullies, embankments, obstacles, adverse weather conditions, electricity, overhead hazards including powerlines, loose clothing, speed and fatigue, load shifts, mechanical malfunctions, exposed moving parts including hydraulics, run over by vehicle, crushed by roll over, loads being carried, and other machinery.

What routine checks and maintenance might be carried out prior to operation?

This may include cabin drills, pre-start and safety checks including an assessment of tyres, wheels, controls and cables, lights, safety mirrors, electrics, safety restraints, chain/driveshaft, chassis and suspension. Service and maintenance of cooling system, fuel, oils and lubricants, battery levels; tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, air conditioning, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting and transmission.

What vehicles might be covered in this standard?

This may include utilities, four wheel drive vehicles, motorcycles (2 and 4 wheel), and light trucks.

What enterprise requirements may be applicable to this standard?

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), industry standards, production schedules, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), work notes and plans, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), and supervisors oral or written instructions.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

How might the operation of a vehicle be demonstrated in a safe and controlled manner?

Appropriate selection and use of controls, features, settings and operational techniques for the terrain and weather conditions without causing damage to machinery, equipment, person, property or environment.

What environmental implications may be associated with the operation of vehicles?

Negative environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions, the unsafe use and disposal of maintenance debris (oil containers, chemical residues) and hazardous substances (fuel, oils). High traffic activity, particularly the repeated use of tracks, may negatively impact in soil disturbance, dust problems and increased run-off flows from unsafe cleaning and servicing activities.

What may be involved in shut down procedures for vehicles?

This may include turning the engine off, safe dismounting and securing the vehicle. It may also include parking away from hazards, maintaining a clear thoroughfare, refuelling and cleaning the vehicle of soil, plant and animal material.

What vehicle reports may be maintained?

This may include routine checks and maintenance, scheduled maintenance activities, mandatory or statutory inspections, faults, malfunctions, and damage details, hazard and incident reports.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.