Work applies to the suspension systems of heavy commercial vehicles.

Work does not apply to agricultural, off-the-road (OTR), light vehicle or motorcycle suspension systems.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to inspect and service suspension system

1.1. Workplace instructions are used to determine job requirements relating to inspecting and servicing heavy vehicle suspension systems

1.2. Workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements are observed and applied throughout the work

1.3. Procedures and information are sourced and interpreted

1.4. Appropriate tools and equipment are selected and prepared

2. Inspect suspension system

2.1. Inspection is carried out according to workplace procedures and manufacturer and component supplier specifications and without causing damage to components or systems

2.2. Inspection results are compared with manufacturer and component supplier specifications

2.3. Inspection findings are reported according to workplace procedures, including recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments

3. Service suspension system

3.1. Service options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected

3.2. Appropriate tools, techniques and materials are selected and prepared

3.3. Service and adjustments are carried out according to workplace procedures and manufacturer and component supplier specifications and without causing damage to components or systems

4. Clean up work area and finalise work processes

4.1. Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vehicle is presented ready for use

4.2. Tools and equipment are checked and stored according to workplace expectations

4.3. Service schedule documentation is completed according to workplace procedures

Required skills

communication skills to:

clarify workplace instructions and determine job requirements

gain information from appropriate persons and assistance as required

learning skills to identify sources of information, assistance and expert knowledge

literacy skills to:

read, interpret and follow information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

follow workplace documentation, such as codes of practice or operating procedures

document work performed during inspection and servicing operations

numeracy skills to assess tolerances and apply accurate measurements and adjustments

planning and organising skills to ensure tasks are completed within an acceptable timeframe

problem-solving skills to seek information and assistance as required to solve problems

self-management skills to:

select and use appropriate equipment, materials, processes and procedures

follow workplace documentation, such as codes of practice or operating procedures

teamwork skills to apply knowledge of own role to complete activities efficiently to support team activities and tasks

technical skills to use workplace tools and equipment relating to the inspection and servicing of heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems

technology skills to use technology to collect and provide information

Required knowledge

WHS regulations, requirements, equipment and material, and personal safety requirements

operating principles of heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems

methods of sourcing information relevant to inspecting and servicing heavy commercial vehicle steering systems

inspection procedures of heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems

service procedures of heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the 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 workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:

observe safety procedures and requirements

select methods and techniques appropriate to the circumstances

inspect and service a range of heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems according to workplace, manufacturer and component supplier requirements

present vehicle in a condition that complies with workplace requirements.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment is to occur:

using standard workplace practices and procedures

following safety requirements

applying environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant:

regulatory requirements

Australian standards

industry codes of practice.

The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:

workplace location or simulated workplace

heavy commercial vehicles with suspension systems relevant to the qualification being sought

tools and equipment appropriate for the inspection and servicing of heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems

specifications and workplace instructions.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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, 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.

Workplace instructions may include:

computer-generated instructions

verbal instructions

written instructions.

Job requirements may include:

heavy commercial vehicle suspension system inspection and service methods, processes and equipment.

Heavy vehicle suspension systems may include:

airbag, coil spring, leaf spring and torsion bar types

shock absorbers

dead axle, independent and adaptive

gas, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or rubber suspension

lateral and longitudinal arms

ball joints

self-levelling device, ride control, height control.

Workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements:

are those prescribed under legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and workplace policies and procedures

may include:

protective clothing and equipment

use of tools and equipment

handling of material

use of fire-fighting equipment

first aid equipment

hazard control, including control of hazardous materials and toxic substances.

Procedures and information may include:

safe work procedures relating to the inspection and servicing of heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems

verbal, written and graphical instructions

signage

work schedules, plans and specifications

work bulletins or memos

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

diagrams or sketches

regulatory and legislative requirements relating to the automotive industry

Australian Design Rules

engineer's design specifications and instructions

organisation work specifications and requirements

instructions issued by authorised enterprise or external persons

Australian Standards

heavy commercial vehicle service requirements and repair manuals.

Service options may include:

lubricant application and replacement

adjustments and operational testing.

Final inspection may include:

final check of suspension systems and components

checking of suspension system operation during mobile or stationary tests

cleaning of heavy commercial vehicle.

Service schedule documentation may include:

heavy commercial vehicle service book

job card or work order

workplace computerised or written records and invoice.

Mechanical - Heavy Vehicles

Unit sector

Technical – Steering and Suspension

This unit contains employability skills.