Application
This competency was developed for combat engineer personnel required to shift loads manually utilising non motorised equipment in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.
Typically, operators work as part of a team under direct supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare to shift the load | 1.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn in accordance with WHS requirements. 1.2 Job instructions are used to identify the type of load, safe working load and working load limits, and the distance and/or height to be moved. 1.3 Load is examined to determine condition, length, bulk, weight, most appropriate method to shift the load and resources required. 1.4 Any damage to load is recorded and reported to supervisor. 1.5 A movement plan is developed, potential difficulties are identified, and the method of shifting the load and any requirement for additional personnel are approved by the supervisor. 1.6 Tools, load shifting equipment and other materials are selected, checked for serviceability and any defects are reported to the supervisor. 1.7 The work site is prepared to ensure sufficient clear space is available in accordance with job instructions. |
2. Shift the load | 2.1 Load is broken down, where applicable, to allow handling and moving a number of single items to ensure the maximum weight of 500 kg is not exceeded. 2.2 Mechanical strapping equipment and other securing devices are used, when applicable, to stabilise the load, in accordance with manufacturer’s and job instructions. 2.3 Where applicable, the load is slung/unslung, using the correct securing devices, in accordance with national standards, safety codes and operational instructions. 2.4 Mechanical aids and field machines are constructed, when required, by the approved shifting method, so that the load can be shifted in accordance with job instructions. 2.5 Safe working limits for lifting equipment are identified and maintained. 2.6 Load is moved safely in accordance with approved shifting method and steadied by tag lines, if required, and stored and stacked in relocated position. 2.7 Any part of the load that is damaged during the lift is reported to the supervisor in accordance with standard procedures. |
3. Refurbish equipment and work site | 3.1 Site is cleaned and cleared of debris and unwanted material. 3.2 Field machines, tools and equipment are cleaned, inspected, serviced, maintained and stored in accordance with standard procedures. 3.3 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
calculate and measure use knots and lashings splice and maintain cordage and SWR handle materials and identify manual handling risks use manual handling equipment to shift loads use slings and securing devices follow instructions/directives and report information use a variety of verbal and non write at the level required to complete workplace forms and reports calculate total weights of individual items and estimate overall load and compare with safe working load(s) of equipment |
Required Knowledge |
types of construction materials and their characteristics workplace and equipment safety requirements including relevant WHS regulations, codes and standards applying to load shifting handling requirements for different types of material and loads storage requirements for different materials use of tools and equipment relevant to shifting loads pulling and lifting equipment relevant to manual handling operations appropriate anchor points for locating slings and anchorages estimation/calculation of weights principles of team work techniques for supporting others composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language style, active listening written communication to a level required to complete workplace forms and reports |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to shift at least three different types of loads, of weights up to 500 kg, using at least three different methods utilising the load shifting equipment, mechanical aids and field machines listed in the Range Statement. Slinging devices must be used in conjunction with one load shifting activity using a field machine Assessment must also confirm the ability to: calculate safe working limits and working load limits of anchors, load attachment points and lifting/moving equipment construct field machines and mechanical aids safely strap, sling, lift and move loads without damage to the load, equipment or personnel identify faults and deficiencies and take action to rectify any problems communicate effectively and work in a team Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations that allows for the construction and use of a variety of non |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to: a suitable site for training and assessment goods, cargo or materials to be lifted appropriate load lifting equipment a range of tools and equipment to construct mechanical aids and field machines |
Range Statement
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. | |
Personal protective equipment may include: | boots cap dust masks/respirators ear plugs/muffs gloves hard hat leather apron safety glasses/goggles |
Types of loads to be shifted may include: | aluminium sections bagged material – cement, lime defence stores – barbed wire, sandbags, steel pickets drum material – adhesives, sealants loaded pallets medium density fibreboard (MDF) particle board plywood stone timber sections |
Safe working load and working load limits may include: | static vertical load lifting up to 2.5 m above ground level vertical lift and lateral load movement of 4 m total range vertical lift and 360 degrees of load movement to a radius of 2 m |
Methods of shifting loads may include: | chain blocks flatbed hand trucks hand trucks incline planes levers mechanical aids and field machines pallet trolleys rollers slab trolleys |
Tools, load shifting equipment and other materials may include: | anchorages cables chains cordage crow bars measuring tape/rule mechanical aids packers slings steel wire rope (SWR) wedges |
Other securing devices may include: | chains mechanical strapping equipment nets ropes |
Mechanical aids and field machines may include: | block and tackle, pulleys gins, sheers and derricks hand operated winches improvised methods such as spanish windlass and par jacks use of expedient materials such as materials obtained on the job from resources available in the local environment |
Standard procedures may include: | equipment manufacturer’s instructions field engineering pamphlets industry codes of practice procedures manuals, job guides and other publications WHS regulations and procedures related to load shifting written and verbal orders and job instructions |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.