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

Competence in this standard requires evidence of the ability to safely and effectively ride 2, 3 and 4 wheel all terrain vehicles, with or without attached equipment in off-road environments. It also requires the ability to perform routine pre-operational checks and maintenance, attach and operate equipment, recognise and control hazards and risks, and monitor and maintain vehicle records. Evidence must be demonstrated in safe workplace and positive environmental practices associated with the operation of ride-on vehicles.

The skills and knowledge required to operate ride-on vehicles must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different vehicles, terrains and enterprise 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 ride-on vehicles and their functions

range of ride-on-vehicles and attached equipment and functional applications

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 ride-on vehicles

OHS legislative requirements

codes of practice with regard to the use and control of hazardous substances

environmental codes of practice for machinery operation.

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

apply hand-eye co-ordination

safely operate ride-on vehicles in adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions

match and attach equipment appropriate to work requirements

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

read and comprehend manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and MSDSs

effectively communicate faults and 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 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Information with regard to hazards and unsafe work practices associated with the operation of ride-on vehicles may be reported to the supervisor and work team.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

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

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

Maintenance and repairs may be planned and co-ordinated around work schedules, or sequenced as required.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

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

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

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

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

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

7. How can the use of technology (1) 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 the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

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 ride-on vehicles and attached equipment, including the guarding of exposed moving parts

checks to ensure loads are secure and within working specifications

hazard and risk control

safe mounting and dismounting

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 and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

What existing and potential hazards may be associated with the operation of ride-on 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, flying objects, adverse weather conditions, electricity, powerlines, loose clothing, speed and fatigue, load shifts, mechanical malfunctions, exposed moving parts, and other machinery.

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

Pre-start and safety checks to manufacturers specifications 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. Inspection of hitch and towing points.

What ride-on vehicles might be covered in this standard?

This may include 2 wheel motorcycles (agbikes and trailbikes, excluding road motorcycles), 3 and 4 wheel motorcycles (all terrain vehicles), and ride-on mowers. All terrain vehicles are small, motorised vehicles with low pressure, high flotation tyres.

What enterprise requirements may be applicable to this standard?

SOP, industry standards, production schedules, MSDS, 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 range of attached equipment may apply to this standard?

Mounted equipment may include spray equipment, spreaders, winch, gun scabbard, toolbox, and first aid kits. Trailed equipment may include a range of trailers, slashers and spreaders.

What risks may be associated with the operation of ride-on vehicles?

Loss of rider control caused by the incorrect matching of operator size and weight to vehicle size and weight, and load shifting as a result of uneven weight distribution.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

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

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

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

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

Negative environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions, the unsafe use and disposal of maintenance debris (oils 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 ride-on 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.

What reports may be relevant to this standard?

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

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