ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for towing

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to towing in underground metalliferous mines

1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.3. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.4. Select appropriate type of towing equipment according to job type and specifications to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of work activities

1.5. Perform equipment pre-start checks

1.6. Carry out start-up procedures

1.7. Identify, address and report potential hazards and risks

1.8. Communicate with other equipment operators and personnel using approved communication methods

1.9. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.10. Adhere to emergency procedures in case of fire and/or accident

1.11. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods

1.12. Ensure area is well ventilated before entry into work area

2. Shackle and hitch vehicle/equipment

2.1. Identify towing/lifting points on vehicle/equipment

2.2. Select suitable towing equipment for type and size of vehicle/equipment

2.3. Hitch towing equipment to vehicle/equipment using approved method

2.4. Confirm security and balance of hitch prior to commencing tow

3. Tow and unhitch vehicle/equipment

3.1. Follow vehicle and site procedures for towing observing safe driving conventions

3.2. Monitor condition of ground and hitch and adjust towing accordingly

3.3. Proceed to destination by most direct route

3.4. Unhitch vehicle/equipment in authorised area using approved methods

3.5. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time

3.6. Clean towing vehicle and associated equipment

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to Undertake towing underground:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply procedures for assessing towing options for vehicle/equipment

apply hazard identification procedures

apply procedures for operating and maintaining equipment

use hand tools and equipment

apply vehicle driving techniques

apply vehicle refuelling requirements and procedures

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to Undertake towing underground:

mine operational system

hitching systems

towing procedures

underground procedures

geological and technical data

equipment parking

environmental procedures

equipment safety requirements

start-up and shutdown procedures

operational procedures and checks

equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

manufacturer's specifications

emergency procedures

driving regulations, rules and conventions

vehicle refuelling 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

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for towing underground

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of towing underground

working with others to undertake and complete towing underground that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of towing underground that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete towing underground

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Relevant compliance documentation

may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

codes of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Towing equipment may include:

steel rope

shackles

couplers

hooks

ropes

rigid link

chains

blocks and wedges

jacks (hydraulic and mechanical)

truck mounted towing winch

Pre-start checks may include:

air filter restriction indicator

cab (horn, lights, air conditioner)

cab condition (no rags in air conditioner vent, dirt around brake and accelerator pedals, seat condition, all gear secured)

cab mounts

computer systems

correct location of equipment

damage to equipment

danger tags

display instrumentation and gauges (indicators, gauges, laser levels)

emergency brake checks

emergency steering

engine and stop engine lights (orange and red)

fire suppression unit (pins in position in triggers)

fluid leaks (oil/fuel/water - engine, transmission, hydraulic hoses, on ground, radiator, hoses)

fluid levels (windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel, transmission)

light positioning and cleanliness

no combustible material around exhaust

personal proximity

portable fire extinguisher (bracket, gauge, hose, ease of access)

radiator top up tank

safety mechanisms operational (horn, operating lights)

start-up, park and shutdown procedures may include:

tyres and rim condition

vehicle is left secured

vehicle number

visual and audio warning devices and lights

wheel nuts and studs

windows (clean, emergency exit tag in place)

Potential hazards and risks may include:

adjoining pit walls

brake failure

break and steering failure

bund and/or wall collapse

clean floor

communication failure

decline traffic

discharge area may include:

fatigue

fire

fire on equipment

hydraulic line failure

level surface

mount dismount injuries

pot holes

road conditions

rocks

spillage

stable ground

surface free of obstructions

unauthorised personnel

undercut brow

unsafe ground

visibility

Environmental issues may include:

dust

fumes

noise

water

Emergency procedures may include:

clean up

equipment shutdown procedures

evacuation procedures

First Aid

notification of authorities

safety equipment

use of personal protective equipment

Dust suppression and extraction methods may include:

mobile/fixed sprays

screens (vent doors, vent blinds)

use of water trucks

ventilation bags operational

watering down site

Safe driving conventions may include:

speed limits

mine lighting

site vehicle identification lights

right of way

parking in stockpiles

parking on incline/decline

refuelling procedures

rules at intersections

driving regulations, rules and conventions

Cleaning methods may include:

degreasing

forced air

steam cleaning

vacuum/ ammeter

water

Tow vehicles may include:

wheel drive (diesel, electric)

wheel drive

articulated

rigid

tipping or ejector tray