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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan work
   • Site inspection is completed and potential workplace hazards are identified prior to commencement of operations
   • Hazard control measures are identified and implemented consistent with appropriate standards to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment
   • Job requirements are confirmed with appropriate personnel
   • Work is planned to comply with instructions, risk assessment, and operating and emergency procedures
   • Weight of container is identified or confirmed in consultation with appropriate personnel
   • Appropriateness of reach stacker to the container/s and workplace conditions is ensured
   • Appropriate path for moving containers in work area is determined and inspected
   • Appropriate communications methods are identified and selected in accordance with procedures
2. Conduct routine checks
   • Reach stacker is accessed in a safe manner in accordance with procedures
   • Reach stacker service logbook is checked for compliance
   • Routine pre-start operational checks are carried out in accordance with procedures and are completed in a safe manner
   • Reach stacker is visually checked for any damage or defects
   • Visibility and legibility of all signage and labels is ensured in accordance with the appropriate standard
   • All reach stacker controls are located and identified
   • Post-start operational checks are carried out in accordance with procedures including operational functions to limits
   • Reach stacker is started in accordance with procedures and is checked for any abnormal instrument readings/warnings, lights and noises
   • All reach stacker safety devices and communications equipment are checked for serviceability in accordance with procedures
   • All damage and defects are reported and recorded in accordance with procedures, and appropriate action is taken
3. Prepare reach stacker operations
   • Ground suitability is checked to ensure stability and safe operation of reach stacker
   • Reach stacker is driven to work area and prepared for container operations in accordance with procedures and manufacturer specifications
   • Appropriate reach stacker stability requirements for task are determined in accordance with procedures and range diagram/load chart
   • Container data is input into reach stacker computer as required in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Appropriate hazard prevention/control measures are implemented and communicated with personnel in work area in accordance with procedures
4. Operate reach stacker
   • Container weights are checked to ensure they are within reach stacker capacity in accordance with range diagram/load chart
   • Hazard prevention/control measures are complied with during reach stacker operations
   • Container spreader is positioned over container following directions from associated personnel
   • Test lift is carried out in accordance with procedures to allow for checks to be safely made, in consultation with relevant personnel
   • All required communications signals are correctly interpreted in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard
   • Reach stacker is operated in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard
   • Containers are stacked/unstacked using all relevant reach stacker and spreader movements in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard
   • Container movement is monitored constantly, to ensure safety of personnel and container, and reach stacker stability
   • Container is stacked in accordance with procedures, ensuring ground conditions are suitable for stacking containers and stability of the stack, safety of personnel and container
   • Unplanned and/or unsafe situations are responded to in accordance with procedures
5. Travel reach stacker and mobile container
   • Suitability of planned route for reach stacker is checked in accordance with procedures
   • Reach stacker is configured to mobile containers in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard, WHS/OHS legislation and codes of practice
   • Containers are mobilised to ensure safety of personnel and container, and stability of reach stacker
   • Container is mobilised using best mobile practice in accordance with procedures
6. Shut down and secure reach stacker
   • Reach stacker boom and container spreader are packed up and secured as required, in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard
   • Relevant locking devices and brakes are applied as required
   • Stabilisers are stowed and secured in accordance with procedures as required
   • Reach stacker is parked and shut down in accordance with procedures
   • Routine post-operational checks are carried out in accordance with procedures
   • All damage and defects are recorded and reported in accordance with procedures, and appropriate action is taken

Range Statement

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions can be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

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Performance Evidence

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must provide evidence of safely operating a reach stacker greater than 3 tonnes capacity and satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills requirements of the unit on at least one occasion including:

applying appropriate mathematical procedures to estimate loads applying best mobile practice including: carrying container at manufacturer recommended height gently accelerating and braking (to minimise container swing) minimum boom length minimum speed not driving across inclines or slopes applying pre-start operational checks in accordance with manufacturer instructions, Australian Standards and industry guidelines including: checking all operational functions external visual check including evidence of damage, leaks, electrical, wheels and tyres, boom and spreader interpreting load chart/range diagram making sure logbook, operators manual are available checking safety devices/alarms are fitted where appropriate applying post-operational checks after shut down to ensure reach stacker is safe for the next operator including checking: all systems are shut down equipment is parked to avoid hazards for hydraulic or brake fluid leaks for structural damage assessing ground conditions to confirm site is suitable (firm, level and safe) to operate reach stacker communicating with other workplace personnel, through: appropriate worksite protocols listening making and interpreting hand signals questioning to confirm understanding signage two way radios verbal and non-verbal language written instructions complying with organisational and site policies and procedures complying with WHS/OHS licensing legislation eliminating or reducing risk to personnel and property through the application of control measures including: adequate illumination disconnected power insulated electric lines moving obstructions pedestrian controls personal protective equipment safety tags on electrical switches/isolators using safety observer inside exclusion zone traffic barricades and traffic controls trench covers ensuring appropriate path is in accordance with traffic management plan and is: clear of obstacles clear of personnel free of ramps or inclines identifying hazards, assessing risk and implementing hazard control strategies, including hierarchy of control as applied to positioning and safely operating reach stacker interpreting information (such as procedures) relating to conducting reach stacker operations accurately operating a reach stacker greater than 3 tonnes capacity that incorporates an attachment for lifting, moving and travelling with a shipping container, including all functions to their maximum extension and safe working rated capacity while applying relevant reach stacker movements: articulating booming up and down equalising spreader extending/retracting spreader rotating spreader telescoping in and out using and interpreting manufacturer standards and data, including range diagram/load charts to enable reach stacker to be configured to mobile, stack and unstack containers using communications signals including: luff boom down – hand luff boom down – whistle and/or two-way radio luff boom up – hand luff boom up – whistle and/two-way radio stop –hand stop – whistle and/or two-way radio telescope out – hand telescope out – whistle and/or two-way radio telescope in – hand telescope in – whistle and/or two-way radio reading and comprehending manufacturer specifications, instructions, procedures and safety signs recording and maintaining accurate information relating to reach stacker operations shutting down a reach stacker, greater than 3 tonnes capacity in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures including: idling engine to stabilise temperature parking in a safe location using correct parking procedures retracting boom retracting spreader repositioning cabin retracting stabilisers turning off engine stabilising reach stacker by: applying computer stability reading as a percentage deploying stabilisers test-lifting container prior to commencing operations, just clear of lifting plane to allow for checks to ensure: all reach stacker hydraulic controls and brake systems are functioning properly (no boom creep etc.) boom length and height are displayed correctly computer/weight scale is working correctly computer correctly displays stability percentage of reach stacker verifying problems and equipment faults, and applying appropriate response procedures to unplanned and/or unsafe situations including: environmental conditions (wind, lightning, storms) failure/loss of control (brakes and steering) failure of equipment (hydraulic system, computer) rail/road moving unannounced while loading/discharging.

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Knowledge Evidence

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

appropriate mathematical calculation for determining container weight Australian and industry standards relevant to operating a reach stacker greater than 3 tonnes capacity Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for the crane class ground stability including: backfilled ground bitumen concrete hard compacted soil hard standing railway lines rock rough uneven ground soft soils hazards including: condition of plant and equipment dangerous goods/hazardous substances environmental conditions (wind, lightning, storms) insufficient lighting movement of vehicle or rail wagon ground stability (condition, recently filled trenches, slopes) other specific site hazards (work personnel, other equipment) overhead hazards (electric lines, service pipes) traffic (pedestrians, vehicles) underground hazards (electric lines, service pipes) weather conditions (high winds, lightning) hierarchy of hazard identification and control: elimination substitution isolation engineering controls administrative controls personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer specifications, instructions, procedures and safety signs organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for conducting reach stacker operations procedures for recording, reporting and maintaining workplace records and information reach stacker characteristics and capabilities (including use of range diagrams/load charts) to allow reach stacker configuration to suit the range of containers reach stacker operations and safe operating procedures risks associated with overhead electric lines, electrical cables, ground conditions, reach stacker stability typical routine problems encountered operating reach stacker and equipment, and adjustments required for correction.

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