Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to tow and move an object using a four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicle on roads and varied terrain. This may include towing a trailer, vehicle or equipment as well as moving logs or other loads.
The unit applies to those who tow and move objects using a four wheel drive in forest environments and timber processing environments.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states & territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare 4x4 for towing | 1.1 Identify and follow WHS, environmental, legal and organisational requirements relevant to operating in a towing situation. 1.2 Identify type of object to be towed and determine a suitable towing arrangement. 1.3 Identify equipment requirements and techniques to carry out the towing job. 1.4 Identify potential hazards that may be experienced at the towing site and during the towing operation. 1.5 Assess the towing activity for safety, security of passengers, vehicles and property. 1.6 Check the 4x4 vehicle to ensure equipment is appropriate to conditions and operationally effective in line with manufacturer specifications. |
2. Drive 4x4 towing a trailer | 2.1 Identify hazards and risk-management strategies associated with towing a trailer. 2.2 Safely couple and uncouple the trailer. 2.3 Secure load onto trailer. 2.4 Apply risk-management strategies while 4x4 vehicle is in operation and towing a trailer. 2.5 Demonstrate driving forward, reversing a trailer uphill, around corners and in a straight line. 2.6 Use correct jack technique to change a trailer wheel. 2.7 Park and shut down 4x4 vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements. |
3. Drive 4x4 moving an attached object | 3.1 Secure vehicle, equipment or object to be moved using appropriate recovery devices. 3.2 Apply risk-management strategies to a 4x4 vehicle moving an object. 3.3 Drive 4x4 and move attached object. |
4. Perform post-towing tasks | 4.1 Notify relevant personnel of trip completion. 4.2 Carry out maintenance on allocated vehicle. 4.3 Record and report activity in line with organisational procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
follow applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and codes of practice relevant to operating a 4x4 vehicle towing a trailer or moving an object
couple and uncouple a trailer
safely couple and uncouple vehicles, equipment and objects using recovery equipment
operate a 4x4 in a towing situation
follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a 4x4 in a towing situation
assess the safety of towing a trailer or object and consider risk management strategies including:
appropriate vehicle and trailer clearance
appropriate approach and departure angles
correct load management
controlled braking methods using electric brakes, no brakes, override brakes
adequate movement of the tow system
making adjustment for extra length and width of trailers, and their tendency to ‘cut in’ on corners and curves
making appropriate adjustment in braking distance to compensate for the combined extra weight of vehicle and trailer
driving vehicle to minimise trailer sway
engaging a lower gear when travelling downhill with a trailer to give greater vehicle control and reduce load on brakes
ensuring mirrors on both sides of towing vehicle are properly adjusted to give a clear view of vehicles approaching from the rear.
use and maintain relevant tools, machinery and equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
applicable regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices relevant to processes when towing a trailer or object
environmental risks and hazards, organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for towing a trailer or object including:
damage to vehicle
wet and iced terrain
flooded terrain
fire in vehicle
fire at the scene
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
land slides
tree limbs
black ice
trailers
logs, rocks and other unexpected obstacles
weather conditions
slippery surfaces
unsafe or damaged equipment
spilt or leaking fuel or dangerous or hazardous goods or substances
unsafe manual-lifting procedures
recovery devices suitable for towing including:
winches
ropes
cables
slings and straps
pullers
road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant state or territory
operational knowledge of 4x4 vehicle, including controls, instruments and indicators, and their use
4x4 driving and towing techniques
vehicle maintenance requirements
established communication channels and protocols
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
vehicle problem identification and resolution strategies, and common vehicle fault-finding techniques
characteristics, applications, capabilities and limitations of a 4x4 vehicle while towing a trailer or object
tools and equipment used when setting up and securing an object for towing
typical problems that may occur when setting up and securing an object for towing, and how to resolve them
procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
manual or automatic or all wheel drive (AWD) four-wheel drive vehicle
trailer to tow
object to move
personal protective equipment required to operate a four wheel drive vehicle in a towing situation
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Numeracy skills to: | measure, estimate and calculate time required to complete the task determine if vehicle has sufficient fuel for the task. |
Initiative and enterprise skills to: | apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that can occur during work activities. |
Problem-solving skills to: | identify faults and issues associated with towing a trailer and moving objects with a 4x4 vehicle, and identify solutions. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management
Harvesting and Haulage
Sawmilling and Processing