Application of this unit

This competency applies to operators who move loads using cranes and gantries. The key factors are applying knowledge of the nature of the load to be shifted, safety precautions required and the capacity of load shifting equipment and relevant support structures. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team. It includes:

planning the correct method to move the goods

safely securing the materials/goods to be shifted

ensuring that the movement pathway is clear of obstacles and personnel

moving the goods safely without damage to the goods, personnel or equipment.

This unit does not cover the use of a forklift truck - see TDTD1097 Operate a forklift

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites, however appropriate licences may be required.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Knowledge of the materials handling processes and requirements sufficient to recognise non-standard situations and then determine appropriate action which is consistent with operating guidelines. Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:

apply and/or describe:

appropriate points for locations of slings

estimation/ calculation of mass

requirements for safe working loads (SWL) or working load limits (WLL)

production workflow and requirements for load shifting.

plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the transferring loads with slings

use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task

distinguish between causes of problems such as:

balance points and behaviour of suspended loads

incorrect use of equipment.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Numeracy is required to calculate loads and estimate balance points for slinging.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required skills and knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:

apply approved procedures

take appropriate action to resolve problems or report problems to appropriate personnel.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that

standards are met consistently

upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective

procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly

problems are identified and appropriate action is taken (ie the problem is fixed or reported)

all safety procedures are followed.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur transferring industrial loads and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

on a processing plant, allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions

in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to operators using load shifting equipment such as cranes and gantries, slings, ropes, shackles, eye bolts, spreader beams, equalising gear, clamps, pulley systems, winches, packs, rigging screws.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards. These may include:

regulatory authority's licence or certification requirements

original manufacturer instructions and guidelines for the safe use of the equipment

relevant procedures relating to safe working practices prescribed for the equipment

local OHS legislation and/or regulations

site-specific instructions based on production requirements.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

cranes and gantries

slings, ropes, chains or nets

block and tackle

shackles, bolts or turnbuckles

jemmy bars

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include

unpredicted movement of loads

loose goods

volatile or hazardous materials and products

irregular shaped loads

unlabelled goods, materials and products.

Hazard controls

Typical hazards controls include:

obtaining a permit to work as required

determining coordination requirements with other site personnel

determining job method to include hazard prevention and controls,

Australian standards for safety procedures, codes of practice and manufacturer specifications

erecting barricades, warning signs, overhead protection to requirements.

Checking lifting gear

Checking lifting gear includes:

checking pulleys and block and tackle for safe operation and load capacity.

checking ropes, cable, net and chain systems before use for safe condition and conformity to specification.

conducting testing of ropes, cable, net and chain system when required to ensure safe operating capacity

checking sling material for conformity with equipment and safety requirements.

Problems

'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:

variations in load capacities of various sling materials

frayed or damaged slings

bolt or shackle failure

lifting equipment failure.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include.

type and condition of slings or ropes

type of load to be shifted

physical dimensions

physical or area hazards

type of lifting equipment

weather conditions (if outdoors)

lighting and visibility in the loading/unloading area.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.