FPICOT3259
Operate a four wheel drive on unsealed roads

This unit describes the outcomes required to safely operate a four wheel drive (4x4) vehicle on unsealed roads and tracks.

Application

The unit involves operating a 4x4 vehicle in a variety of work settings

The skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance are to be used within the scope of the person’s job and authority.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1 Identify four-wheel drive specific terms and terminology

1.1 Access, interpret and apply documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2 Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle and a four-wheel drive vehicle

1.3 Use terminology specific to operating a four-wheel drive vehicle

1.4 Identify four-wheel drive techniques

2 Conduct checks of 4x4 vehicle and equipment

2.1 Perform pre-start checks

2.2 Secure loads in line with organisational and legislative requirements

2.3 Select suitable navigation equipment where necessary

2.4 Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain

2.5 Check that tyre pressure is suitable for terrain and that it is changed as required in line with organisational procedures

2.6 Select and access maintenance equipment prior to departure after considering the contextual issues

3 Prepare for 4x4 operations

3.1 Identify and follow occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle

3.2 Determine type of operation and ensure safe operating conditions

3.3 Establish communication with others and choose the required safety mechanisms in line with organisational requirements

4 Operate 4x4 vehicle on a range of terrain types

4.1 Continually monitor the track to identify hazards, assess risks, and select the best route in line with OHS and environmental requirements

4.2 Identify situations where the engagement of four-wheel drive is required and engage front hubs or centre differential lock where fitted

4.3 Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a range of terrain types while maintaining control of vehicle at all times

4.4 Check brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain

4.5 Park and shut down 4x4 vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements

5 Operate 4x4 vehicle on a steep slope

5.1 Inspect intended 4x4 vehicle path prior to negotiation of slope

5.2 Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a steep slope, while maintaining control of vehicle

5.3 Use control braking to ascend and descend, and avoid skidding

5.4 Maintain traction in line with requirements of 4x4 vehicle

5.5 Apply appropriate automatic and manual techniques when 4x4 vehicle cannot proceed any further on a steep slope due to traction problems

5.6 Park and shut down 4x4 vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements

6 Perform maintenance and minor repairs on 4x4 vehicles

6.1 Perform routine maintenance and repair tasks and report defects to the appropriate person

6.2 Demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a four-wheel drive vehicle on uneven ground while changing a tyre

6.3 Clean and store 4x4 vehicle and equipment after use in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

6.4 Document maintenance and minor repairs in line with organisational procedures

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their levelrequired for this unit

Required skills:

Technical skills to:

apply four-wheel driving techniques in different terrain to safely operate a 4x4 vehicle

use and maintain relevant tools, machinery and equipment

safely negotiate steep slopes

clean and store 4x4 vehicle and equipment

attach required equipment to a 4x4 vehicle

operate a jack

Communication skills to use appropriate communication and interpersonal techniques with colleagues and others

Literacy skills to:

record and report workplace information in line with organisational requirements

maintain documentation

interpret written directions

use the vehicle manual for information

Numeracy skills to measure, estimate and calculate:

water depth, journey time and fuel consumption

time required to complete a journey

Problem-solving skills to:

identify problems and equipment faults

demonstrate appropriate response procedures

identify potential hazards and operational faults

conserve vehicle energy with appropriate throttle use

Required knowledge:

Applicable federal, state or territory legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices relevant to the full range of processes for operating a 4x4 vehicle

Environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material, and the minimisation of carbon emissions

Environmental risks and hazards associated with operating a 4x4 vehicle on unsealed roads

4x4 driving techniques and handling characteristics in different terrain

Operational knowledge of a 4x4 vehicle, including controls, instruments, indicators and their use

Tyre management principles

Road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant state or territory

Established communication channels and protocols

Techniques for travelling in convoy

Problem identification and resolution strategies, and common fault-finding techniques

Types of tools and equipment relating to a 4x4 vehicle, and procedures for their safe use and maintenance

Procedures for recording and reporting workplace information

Evidence Required

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can operate a 4x4 vehicle on unsealed roads safely and in line with organisational requirements

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 and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:

following applicable federal, state or territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle

following organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle

communicating and working safely with others in rough terrain

performing pre-start checks of vehicle and equipment

safely operating a 4x4 vehicle in a range of unsealed road conditions, including negotiating steep slopes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a realistically simulated workplace

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

Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context

Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory requirements and Australian standards

The following resources should be made available:

workplace location or simulated workplace

materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit

specifications and work instructions

4x4 vehicle

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package

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

Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills

Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access, interpret and apply the required knowledge

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process

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

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English

Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role


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.

Documentation must include:

owner’s manual

manufacturer guidelines and specifications

Structural must include:

recovery hooks and mounting features

purpose and use of front wheel hubs if fitted

factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating and pressure

Four-wheel drive vehicles may include:

manual and automatic four-wheel drive

all-wheel drive

Pre-start checksmust include:

fuel, including diesel, gas and petrol

water

oil

brake and transmission fluid levels

battery water levels and electrolyte checks

tyres

belts

leads

hydraulic lines and connections

air cleaners

air conditioners

brakes

off-road safety equipment

fitting of traction devices

Maintenance equipment may include:

spares

fluids

OHS requirements:

are to be in line with federal, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:

personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing

safety equipment

current first aid equipment in vehicle

current vehicle firefighting equipment

hazard and risk control

fatigue management

elimination of hazardous materials and substances

safe forest practices, including required actions relating to forest fire

techniques for manual handling, including shifting, lifting and carrying

Environmental requirements may include:

legislation

organisational policies and procedures

workplace practices

Legislative requirements:

are to be in line with applicable federal, state or territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:

award and organisational agreements

industrial relations

Australian standards

confidentiality and privacy

OHS

the environment

equal employment opportunity

anti-discrimination

relevant industry codes of practice

duty of care

Organisational requirements may include:

legal compliance documentation

organisational and site guidelines

policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility

procedural manuals

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures

ethical standards

recording and reporting requirements

equipment use, maintenance and storage requirements

environmental management requirements, including waste minimisation and disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines

Safe operating conditions must include:

interpreting weather conditions to determine suitability for driving

determining food, water, PPE (sunglasses, high-visibility vest, etc.) and clothing requirements for journey

selecting routes to minimise damage to the environment

on and off-road conditions

traffic pattern and density

visibility

loading of four-wheel drive, including techniques to reduce overloading

Communication may include:

verbal and non-verbal language

radio protocols

Mechanisms may include:

personal location beacon (PLB)

flares

markers

phone

radio

V-Sheet

Hazards and risks may include:

rocks and other unexpected obstacles

damage to vehicle

tidal influences

fire in vehicle

faulty brakes

leaking fuel

faulty steering mechanism on vehicle

animals and objects in vehicle path

crocodiles and snakes in some areas

windy or foggy sections of terrain

steep slopes

side slopes

slippery surfaces

land slides

overhead tree limbs

black ice

towing trailers

other vehicles

fallen trees, limbs and logs

icy terrain

flooded terrain

oil on road

parked vehicles on road

pedestrians on or near the road

poor visibility

Hubs may include:

manual

electronic

Range of terrain types may include:

smooth

rough

uneven

slippery

wet

boggy

sandy

steep or hilly

rock

icy

snow

mud, including:

brown clay

black silt

salt pan mud

red

hard ground

water

Manufacturer specifications may include:

engine characteristics

system warning function

four-wheel drive operation

radius of turning circle

safety procedures

Automatic and manual techniques may include:

manual gear box stall stop

appropriate automatic transmission safety

Routine maintenance may include:

changing wheels in uneven terrain

fluid top-up


Sectors

Common Technical.


Competency Field

Common Technical


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may be required in various jurisdictions.