The unit includes identification and confirmation of work requirement, preparation for work, safe driving, manoeuvring and parking of trailer(s), disconnecting trailer(s) from vehicle and completion of work finalisation processes, including clean-up and documentation.

This unit of competence applies to:

safe driving, manoeuvring and parking of trailers

trailer with non-pivoting axle

trailer with pivoting front axle

vehicle with towing hitch.

Work requires individuals to demonstrate judgement and problem-solving skills in managing own work activities and contributing to a productive team environment.

Work is carried out in accordance with award provisions.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for work

1.1. Nature and scope of work requirements are identified and confirmed

1.2. OH&S requirements, including personal safety needs, are observed throughout the work

1.3. Equipment and tooling are identified and checked for safe and effective operation

1.4. Procedures are determined to minimise task time

2. Perform a preliminary safety check

2.1. Safety checks are completed without causing damage to trailer or components

2.2. Vehicle and coupling set-up are selected

2.3. Safe condition of towing vehicle is determined

2.4. Security of trailer load is ensured

2.5. Activities are carried out according to industry regulations/guidelines, OH&S, environmental and legislation and enterprise policies/procedures

3. Connect trailer to vehicle

3.1. Vehicle to trailer alignment is achieved

3.2. Techniques are used for manual handling of trailer

3.3. Trailer is hitched to vehicle and ancillaries are connected

3.4. Connections are tested and checked

3.5. Activities are carried out according to industry regulations/guidelines, OH&S, environmental and legislation and enterprise policies/procedures

4. Drive and manoeuvre trailer

4.1. Brake lockout devices are set correctly

4.2. Techniques are used to safely manoeuvre trailer and vehicle in forward and reverse directions and perform parking functions

4.3. Activities are carried out according to industry regulations/guidelines, OH&S, environmental and legislation and enterprise policies/procedures

5. Disconnect trailer from vehicle

5.1. Parking devices are applied

5.2. Techniques are used for manual handling of trailer

5.3. Ancillary devices are disconnected and trailer is unhitched

5.4. Activities are carried out according to industry regulations/guidelines, OH&S, environmental and legislation and enterprise policies/procedures

Required skills

collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, plans and safety procedures for driving and manoeuvre of trailers:

technical literacy and communication skills sufficient to interpret and apply common industry terminology, and interpret technical information and specifications

research and interpretive skills to locate, interpret and apply operational and safety information

communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the documenting of work outcomes and problems

plain English literacy and communication skills in relation to dealing with others involved in the work

questioning and active listening skills, for example when obtaining information trailer hitching and manoeuvre techniques

plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid backtracking or workflow interruptions

work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity

use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete tests and measurements to determine trailer load security, trailer hitching and driving

use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate planning and scheduling problems, avoid wastage of time and material

manipulative and dexterity skills to perform trailer driving/manoeuvring

problem-solving skills for a range of differing procedural issues

use the workplace technology related to:

trailer safety inspection

trailer hitching and load security

trailer driving, manoeuvring and parking

Required knowledge

A working knowledge of:

OH&S regulations/requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements

different trailer types

State/Territory regulations for towing trailers

manufacturer/enterprise policies

loading of trailers and travelling with a loaded trailer

trailer hitching systems

driving and manoeuvring techniques

enterprise quality procedures

work organisation and planning processes

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

It is essential that competence is fully observed and there is ability to transfer competence to changing circumstances and to respond to unusual situations in the critical aspects of:

observing safety procedures and requirements

communicating effectively with others involved in or affected by the work

selecting methods and techniques appropriate to the circumstances

completing preparatory activity in a systematic manner

applying vehicle and trailer protection requirements

manoeuvring a minimum of two different types of trailers in restricted and non-restricted environments without damage to vehicle, trailer or surroundings

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Application of competence is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated worksite

Assessment is to occur using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints

Assessment is to comply with regulatory requirements, including Australian Standards

The following resources should be made available:

workplace location or simulated workplace

suitable area for trailer driving, manoeuvring and parking

material relevant to driving and manoeuvring of trailers

equipment and tooling appropriate to driving and manoeuvring of trailers

activities covering mandatory task requirements

specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the automotive industry's RS&R Training Package

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on underpinning knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of key competencies

Assessment may be applied under project related conditions and require evidence of process

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competence is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

It is preferable that assessment reflects a process rather than an event and occurs over a period of time to cover varying quality circumstances. Evidence of performance may be provided by customers, team leaders/members or other persons subject to agreed authentication arrangements

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

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Methods

Methods are to include:

safety inspection

trailer hitching to vehicle and ancillary connections

securing load

trailer driving, manoeuvring and parking

trailer unhitching

OH&S

OH&S requirements are to be in accordance with legislation/regulations/codes of practice and enterprise safety policies and procedures. This may include protective clothing and equipment, use of tooling and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of material, use of fire fighting equipment, enterprise first aid, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation/regulation/codes of practice and workplace policies and practices

Safe operating procedures

Safe operating procedures are to include, but are not limited to operational risk assessment and treatments associated with vehicular movement, electrical safety, machinery movement and operation, manual and mechanical lifting and shifting, working in proximity to others and site visitors

Emergency procedures

Emergency procedures related to this unit are to include but may not be limited to emergency shutdown and stopping of equipment, extinguishing fires, enterprise first aid requirements and site evacuation

Environmental requirements

Environmental requirements are to include but are not limited to noise, dust and clean-up management

Quality requirements

Quality requirements are to include, but are not limited to regulations, including Australian Standards, internal company quality policy and standards and enterprise operations and procedures

Statutory/regulatory authorities

Statutory/regulatory authorities may include Federal, State/Territory and local authorities administering acts, regulations and codes of practice

Communications

Communications are to include, but are not limited to verbal and visual instructions and fault documenting and may include site specific instructions, written instructions and plans or instructions related to job/task

Information/documents

Sources of information/documents may include:

verbal or written instructions, signage, work schedules/plans/ specifications

safe work procedures related to driving and manoeuvring of trailers

regulatory/legislative requirements pertaining to driving and manoeuvring of trailers

Unit sector

Technical

This unit contains employability skills.