ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare vehicle for operational response

1.1 The vehicle is selected to meet operational requirements and is suitable to use in the terrain.

1.2 Preliminary check of the vehicle is completed to ensure it is serviceable.

1.3 Equipment and accessories are checked to ensure they are available and serviceable.

1.4 Cabin drill and start up checks are completed in accordance with operational standards.

1.5 Engine is started in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

1.6 Audible and visual warning systems are checked to ensure that they are all operational.

2. Drive the vehicle

2.1 Vehicle is prepared for, and safely operated in terrain suitable to the vehicle.

2.2 Vehicles and/or trailers are operated and positioned in accordance with traffic regulations and organisation's policies and procedures and to ensure safe and efficient operation.

2.3 Low risk driving techniques are used which minimise the likelihood of injury to persons or damage to equipment or property and in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.

3. Monitor traffic, road and terrain under operational conditions

3.1 Vehicle movement is controlled in response to external conditions to ensure safety of persons.

3.2 The most efficient route of travel is taken through monitoring factors likely to cause delays or route deviations.

3.3 Traffic and surface conditions are consistently monitored and acted upon to enable safe operation and ensure no injury to people or damage to property, equipment, loads and facilities.

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

Required Skills

low risk driving techniques

monitor and anticipate traffic hazard

Required Knowledge

ancillary equipment

appreciation of automotive systems

emergency vehicle requirements and regulations

knowledge of emergency vehicle inspection procedures

knowledge of equipment and accessories

local area knowledge

traffic legislation

traffic rules and regulations

vehicle operating procedures

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

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in a practical demonstration of driving skills. Maintaining personal safety, safety awareness and awareness of traffic conditions and other road users is critical.

Consistency in performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in a simulated operational situation under varying conditions.

Specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this competency will require access to a relevant vehicle.

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.

Vehicles may include:

all types of operational vehicles

tankers

troop carrier

rescue vehicles

buses

bulk water carrier

all terrain vehicles

pumpers

aerial appliances

communication vehicles

command /control vehicles

Operational conditions may include:

non-emergency driving

emergency response driving

off-road driving

hazardous environmental conditions

driving in special environments (e.g. on actual airport movement areas)

prevailing weather

time of day/night

visibility

recovery

Considerations may include:

procedures

traffic conditions

levels of emergency response

adverse weather

traffic regulations

warning devices

adverse terrain

type of vehicle

adverse surfaces

Cabin drill may include:

adjustment of seats

seatbelts

mirrors and steering

radio on

all crew seated/restrained

dash layout

gauges

warning lights

Start-up check may include:

fuel

coolant

oil

pump

water

equipment/locker security

visual inspection of vehicle

operation of emergency warning devices (lights/sirens)

crew intercom

physical check or scan of gauges

Instruments/gauges may include:

warning lights

tachometer

temperature

electrical charging

systems indicators (high beam

turn signals

parking brakes)

speedometer

oil pressure

brake warning lights

audible warning devices

water tank level indicator

Relevant legislation and procedures may include:

traffic regulations

organisation policy and procedures

accident procedures

emergency parking

possession of appropriate licence

Manufacturer’s specifications may include:

engine characteristics

systems warning functions

radius of turning circle

safety procedures

horsepower rating

maximum vehicle weight

fuel capacity for range

clearance height

engagement procedures

no-spin locking differential

anti-lock braking systems

Traffic conditions may include:

parking

traffic pattern and density

known peak traffic periods and community functions and events

effect of weather on roads

road surface

visibility