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 for conducting skid steer loader operations

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of skid steer loader operations

working with others to undertake and complete skid steer loader operations that meet all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of skid steer loader operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meet 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

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 to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity

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

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

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or 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 and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

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

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to conduct skid steer loader operations

Guidance information for assessment

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

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct skid steer loader operations:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply site and equipment safety requirements

perform safe working load calculations

apply skid steer loader operating techniques

apply operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures

apply site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

apply site quality requirements

change machine attachments

apply safe operating techniques in all terrain

apply levelling techniques

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to conduct skid steer loader operations:

skid steer loader types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

site and equipment safety requirements

techniques for calculating safe working loads

skid steer loader techniques related to essential tasks

operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures

site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

methods of changing machine attachments

safe operating techniques in all terrain

levelling techniques

risk assessment tools/safe work methods

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.

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

codes of practice

Employment and Workplace Relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

A skid steer loader is:

a self-propelled wheeled machine in which:

steering is accomplished by skidding or reversing the wheels or tracks on one side of the machine

there is an integral front-mounted bucket-supporting structure and linkage, which loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges material

Skid steer loader tasks may include:

stripping/spreading topsoil and materials

backfilling

loading vehicles

excavations

mixing materials

site clean up

compacting

truck excavation

lifting and carrying materials

cutting batters and benches

rock breaking and any activities associated with attachments listed

Work instructions may include:

plans

specifications

operational details

verbal instructions from a supervisor

quality requirements, which may include but not be limited to:

dimensions

tolerances

standards of work and material standards as detailed in the project drawings, specifications and project documentation to meet client satisfaction

Safety requirements are to be:

in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and site safety management plans

Safety requirements may include:

protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances

personal protective equipment, including that prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures, which may include recognising and preventing hazards associated with underground and overhead services, other machines, personnel, restricted access barriers, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public

safe parking practices which may include ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites and a safe distance from excavations, and securing the loader from unauthorised access or movement

hazards and risks may include uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, vehicle interactions, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials

emergency procedures related to this unit may include emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation

Traffic management procedures may include:

signage

barricades

radio and communication procedures

Plant, tools and equipment may include:

hand tools and maintenance equipment relevant to the particular skid steer loader

type of plant suited to task

Environmental protection procedures may include:

organisational/project environmental management plan

waste management procedures

water quality protection procedures

noise management procedures

vibration management procedures

dust management procedures

clean-up management

Loader controls and functions may include:

implements

attachments

brakes

manoeuvrability

Communications practices may include:

verbal instructions and fault reporting

two-way radio

hand signals

mobile phone

site specific instructions, written instructions or instructions related to job/task

on site meeting processes, which may include notification/scheduling (time, place, purpose), task discussions and local coordination of procedural and operational issues

Materials may include:

coal, clays, silts, stone, gravel, mud, rock, sand, topsoil, blended materials, organic materials, typical construction site materials/waste and bituminous mixes

rock types may include metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary

construction materials may include pegs, wire, cordage, safety equipment and other support equipments

Attachments may include:

multipurpose bucket

forks

dozer blade

backhoe

auger

chain digger

power broom

profiler

tiller/mixer

rotary hoe

hammer

asphalt cutter/saw

concrete cutter/saw

rake

Operator maintenance may include:

cleaning

authorised servicing

monitoring, recording and reporting faults

authorised minor replacements

the provision of assistance to maintenance personnel during maintenance and repair activities according to site procedures