This unit applies to advanced forklift and load shifting skills above those required for general operation. To be credited with this unit it is expected that an employee would be competent in situations indicated by all elements and performance criteria.

This unit is intended to cover load shifting applications where special-purpose equipment/accessories requiring advanced operational skills are required. This would include heavy, out of balance, awkward and irregular shaped loads traversing over rough, broken or uneven surfaces, high lift situations, extremes of climate.

Awareness of licensing requirements: Licenses may be required for load shifting equipment in some jurisdictions

Band: A

Unit Weight: 2

Path 1

MEM11010B

Operate mobile load shifting equipment

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine lifting and loading requirements

1.1. Load is identified and checked against safe working load and final position/location and/or relevant specifications or regulations.

1.2. Special handling requirements of load are identified, if applicable.

1.3. Load is lifted correctly and placed in final position/location to achieve specified balance of load.

2. Work in areas of restricted movement or conditions of restricted visibility

2.1. Load is collected and manoeuvred without damage to load or collision with obstacles according to standard operating procedures.

3. Identify and carry loads that require special care

3.1. Loads requiring special care are identified.

3.2. Loads are carried in accordance with special requirements of product according to standard operating procedures and/or regulations.

4. Operate forklifts in special traffic conditions

4.1. Forklifts are operated in areas of heavy traffic.

4.2. Forklifts are operated over difficult or uneven surfaces.

4.3. Forklifts are operated in areas shared with the general public, as required.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading/interpreting specifications, regulations, load charts and standard operating procedures, including simple drawings

selecting appropriate load shifting device

identifying safe working loads

identifying/managing special conditions and equipment

operating in a complex mobile plant environment

communicating with personnel on movement/location

following oral instructions

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

pre-operational checks

licensing requirements and appropriate permits

load protection

operational environment

methods and techniques for loads requiring special care

hazards and control measures associated with this unit

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe work practices and procedures

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 operate load shifting equipment in special conditions. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with operating load shifting equipment in special conditions or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

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.

Safe working load

As defined in the manufacturers' specifications for lifting plant or gear

Loads requiring special care

Non-standard load configuration

Fragile loads

Dangerous (volatile, explosive, sensitive)

Raising and lowering personnel on approved work platforms (forklift only)

Unit sector

Materials handling

This unit contains employability skills.