RIIVEH305D
Operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle


Application

This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle in the Resources and Infrastructure Industries.

This unit is appropriate for those working in supervisory and technical specialist roles.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and Industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify four-wheel drive specific terms, terminology and techniques

1.1 Access, interpret and apply four wheel drive vehicle documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional two wheel drive and a four-wheel drive vehicle

1.3 Identify and demonstrate the purpose and use of front wheel hubs

1.4 Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating, and pressure

1.5 Identify, recovery hooks and mounting features

1.6 Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment

2. Plan for minimal environmental impact

2.1 Determine types of impact likely to occur during four-wheel driving activities

2.2 Demonstrate compliance with land management principles and policies when planning exploration activities

2.3 Comply with policies and management plans relevant to the activity area

2.4 Plan and conduct activities in a manner which minimises environmental impact

2.5 Adopt and implement procedures to ensure minimisation of harm to the environment from four-wheel drive activities

2.6 Demonstrate cooperation and consideration towards other land users

3. Perform pre-departure checks

3.1 Perform routine pre-departure checks under the bonnet, under the body, on external and internal items and accessories

3.2 Take action to correct any deficiency

3.3 Determine food and water requirements for journey

3.4 Select navigation equipment

3.5 Interpret weather conditions, determine suitability for driving

3.6 Apply safe vehicle loading practices

3.7 Secure items of personal luggage

3.8 Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain

4. Use four-wheel drive mode

4.1 Operate four-wheel drive both on and off road, in accordance with road rules, principles of four-wheel driving and WHS regulations

4.2 Apply smooth accelerator control strategies over a range of terrain types

4.3 Demonstrate recommended braking techniques for hard top surfaces and off road conditions

4.4 Identify situations where the engagement of four-wheel drive is required

4.5 Engage four-wheel drive mode

4.6 Survey track to identify hazards, asses risk and select a best route

4.7 Select routes to minimise damage to the environment

4.8 Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique, negotiate a range of terrain types whilst maintaining control of vehicle, being aware of contextual/environment issues

4.9 Maintain appropriate hand positioning on steering wheel

4.10 Check brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain

4.11 Assess and perform repairs to damaged tracks

4.12 Use standard operating procedures when travelling in company with other vehicles

5. Use a single snatch strap to recover a vehicle

5.1 Identify risks associated with vehicle recovery and develop and implement strategies to minimise risks

5.2 Identify recovery hooks

5.3 Confirm use of recommended mounting strategy on the four-wheel drive vehicle and assess use of rated recovery equipment

5.4 Demonstrate procedures for preparing vehicles for recovery

5.5 Demonstrate techniques to minimise impact on the environment during vehicle recovery

5.6 Demonstrate techniques for joining two snatch straps

5.7 Coordinate safe recovery of a four-wheel drive vehicle using a single snatch strap

5.8 Perform post recovery checks and repairs

6. Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four-wheel drive vehicles

6.1 Select/access maintenance equipment, including spares and fluids, prior to departure, considering contextual issues of the trip

6.2 Check vehicles prior to and regularly during trip, and perform routine maintenance/repair tasks

6.3 Submit vehicle written performance reports

6.4 Demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a four-wheel drive vehicle on uneven ground

Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.