This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate ramp equipment, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes conducting pre-operational checks, operating ramp equipment as part of baggage loading/unloading operations, and retracting and storing ramp equipment.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to equipment and system operations of flight or ground operations personnel, and contributes to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.

Operations are conducted as part of recreational, commercial and military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision as a single operator or within a team environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Use for Defence Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders, Instructions, Publications and Regulations.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Conduct pre-operational checks

1.1

Personal protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Pre-operational checks of ramp equipment are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

1.3

Fluid levels are topped up as required in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Ramp equipment faults and malfunctions identified during pre-operational checks are rectified or reported in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

2

Operate ramp equipment as part of baggage loading/unloading operations

2.1

Ramp equipment is manoeuvred to aircraft and positioned in preparation for baggage loading/unloading operations in accordance with workplace procedures, local instructions and relevant regulatory requirements

2.2

Height of ramp equipment is adjusted to align with baggage hold doorway and baggage carts in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

2.3

Ramp equipment is operated in accordance with workplace procedures, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations and manufacturer instructions

2.4

Hazards associated with operation of ramp equipment are identified and appropriate precautions are taken in accordance with WHS/OHS regulations and workplace hazard management strategies

2.5

Safe manual handling techniques are applied when handling baggage as part of ramp operation activities in accordance with WHS/OHS regulations and workplace procedures

2.6

Loading/unloading of baggage is completed in collaboration with other members of ramp team in accordance with team leader/supervisor directions, load plan, workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

3

Retract and store ramp equipment

3.1

Ramp equipment is retracted and manoeuvred to storage bay/area at completion of loading activities in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Post-operational checks of ramp equipment are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

3.3

Ramp equipment faults and malfunctions identified during post-operational checks are rectified or reported in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

3.4

Ramp equipment is refuelled and fluid levels are topped up in accordance with workplace procedures, relevant regulatory requirements and manufacturer instructions

3.5

Equipment log or operational documentation is completed in accordance with workplace procedures, local instructions and regulatory requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures

applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

communicating effectively with others

completing documentation related to ramp equipment

identifying and correctly using relevant equipment

implementing contingency plans

implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and take appropriate action

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs

reporting and/or rectifying identified promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

selecting and using required personal protective equipment (PPE) conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards

working collaboratively with others

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

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

emergency procedures

features and differences in operating characteristics for various types of ramp equipment in operation at Australian airports

layout of airport and location of aircraft gates

manufacturer instructions for checking and operating ramp equipment

people to consult about operating ramp equipment:

aircrew

ground support staff

load controllers

other members of baggage handling and ramp teams

supervisors, team leaders and managers

technical staff

principles of ramp equipment operation

problems that may occur when operating ramp equipment and appropriate action that should be taken in each case

relevant Australian Standards

relevant information/documents:

conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

equipment logs/records

flight schedules

induction and training materials

licence requirements of the relevant licensing authority

local instructions

pre- and post-operational checklists

ramp equipment operational checklists

workplace instructions and job specification

manufacturer specifications and instructions for ramp equipment being operated

relevant local instructions for operating ramp equipment

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs) and Civil Aviation Orders related to ground operations

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

risks that exist when operating ramp equipment and related risk control procedures and precautions

selection and correct fitment of PPE

workplace procedures for operating ramp equipment.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

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

Ramp equipment must include:

baggage carts

belt loader

up-down pallet loader

Hazards must include:

dust

jet blast

noise

other vehicles in the vicinity of the aircraft

personnel in the vicinity of the aircraft

Personal protective equipment must include:

hearing protection

protective clothing

safety footwear

safety gloves

Pre-operational checks must include:

battery charge level

fluid levels

fuel level

visual inspection for faults or defects