ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Validate weighbridge operations

1.1. Weighbridge, computer and recording systems are checked for operational status.

1.2. Weighbridge accuracy is validated in accordance with relevant legislation, codes and regulations, organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions.

1.3. Inspection and testing records are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements, organisational policy and industry guidelines.

1.4. Faults and discrepancies in weighbridge operation are identified and corrective action initiated according to organisational procedures.

1.5. Environmental factors likely to affect weighing accuracy are identified and corrected.

2. Weigh vehicles

2.1. Vehicles likely to exceed weighbridge capacity and dimensions are directed away from weighbridge.

2.2. Weighbridge is correctly set to zero before commencing a weighing.

2.3. Vehicles are directed onto weighbridge platform and weight is determined in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures.

2.4. Vehicle weight, vehicle registration and load description are entered into organisational recording system.

2.5. Areas of dispute are resolved or forwarded for further action according to organisational procedures.

3. Conduct axle or end-and-end measurements

3.1. Assess suitability of weighbridge and approach for axle or end-and-end measurements.

3.2. Axle or end-and-end measurements are completed in accordance with statutory requirements.

4. Complete weighbridge operations

4.1. Complete and issue weighbridge ticket in accordance with statutory requirements and organisational procedures.

4.2. Incomplete weighbridge tickets are cancelled in accordance with statutory requirements.

4.3. Weighbridge systems, including equipment, computer and recording arrangements, are secured and made ready for next shift.

4.4. Record of operations is maintained and filed according to workplace procedures and statutory requirements.

Required skills

communication skills to communicate effectively with others when conducting weighbridge operations

literacy skills to:

read and interpret operational instructions, procedures and information relating to weighbridge operations

complete documentation

numeracy skills to undertake required measurements

organisational and planning skills to:

follow operational instructions and prioritise work

set up and maintain weighbridge equipment

identify, select and use weighbridge equipment

monitor performance of weighbridge equipment

technology skills to operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others when conducting weighbridge operations

interpersonal skills to adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

initiative and enterprise skills to apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the conduct of weighbridge operations

planning and organising skills to monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

problem-solving skills to:

modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

operate and adapt to differences in equipment according to standard operating procedures

promptly report or rectify identified problems, errors or malfunctions that may occur when conducting weighbridge operations

self-management skills to:

work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

select and use required personal protective equipment according to industry and OHS standards

Required knowledge

regulations relevant to the operation of weighbridges, including national measurement legislation

relevant OHS and environmental protection procedures and guidelines

workplace policies and procedures for weighbridge operations

problems that may occur when conducting weighbridge operations and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve the problems

equipment applications, capacities, configurations, safety hazards and control mechanisms

records and documentation requirements for weighbridge operations

classification procedures

despatch procedures

calculation method in both metric and imperial systems for determining net mass, and end-and-end and axle measurements of a vehicle

correct weighing procedures, including statutory and workplace requirements

emergency response procedures

site layout

procedures for completing axle or end-and-end measurements

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

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to consistently maintain and operate a weighbridge in accordance with legislative requirements.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

prepare a weighbridge for operation

weigh loaded and unloaded vehicles

determine the net weight from gross and tare measurements

complete axle and end-and-end measurements

complete statutory documents

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

Access may be required to:

weighbridge

computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system

public weighbridge licence conditions

national measurement legislation

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures, trader obligations and remedial actions

review of weighbridge tickets prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to conduct weighbridge operations in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These can be sourced from the National Measurement Institute.

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.

Operational status may include:

weighbridge indicator being on zero with no load on the platform

platform being clean

area under platform being clean and without accumulation of water or debris

remote indicator, summing indicator and printer indications coinciding with primary indicator(s)

Relevant legislation, codes and regulations may include:

national measurement legislation

relevant codes and regulations pertaining to weighbridge operations

traffic Acts and road transport mass and loading regulations

Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) codes and regulations pertaining to storing and handling dangerous goods and hazardous materials

relevant state or territory OHS legislation

relevant state or territory environmental protection legislation

relevant Australian and international standards and certification requirements

workplace relations regulations, including anti-discrimination, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action legislation

workers compensation regulations

Faults and discrepancies in weighbridge operation may include:

weighbridge cannot be zeroed with no load on the load receptor

remote indicator, summing indicator or printing device continues to indicate a weight when the primary indicator is outside its weighing range

indications varying, depending on where the vehicle is placed on the platform

indications on the weighbridge not corresponding to another weighbridge in close proximity when weighing the same vehicle

Environmental factors likely to affect weighing accuracy may include:

wind, rain and snow

debris from vehicles being deposited on the platform when moving onto the weighbridge

application of vehicle brakes or air suspension when conducting axle and end-and-end measurements

electrical or radio interference

movement of external fixtures against weighbridge platform.

Vehicles may include:

trucks

cars

articulated road vehicles

heavy machinery

trailers

wagons

Organisational procedures may include:

weighbridge operation manuals

manufacturer specifications and instructions for the operation of weighbridge equipment

Australian and international standards, criteria and certification requirements

codes of practice, including the National Standards for Manual Handling and the industry safety code

relevant regulations, including the ADG code

OHS procedures

quality assurance procedures

Areas of dispute may include:

overloaded vehicle

over-dimension vehicle

uncoupling trailers, etc. to complete weighing

end-and-end measurements

axle measurements

refusal to issue a mass ticket when legislative requirements are not met