RTE3131A
Transport livestock

This competency standard covers the functions required to safely and efficiently transport livestock to a destination within a specified timeframe.It requires the application of knowledge and skills to handle livestock safely and humanely, maintain load within specifications, and monitor the health and condition of livestock during transit. An awareness of legislation requirements associated with animal welfare and the transport of livestock is also required. The work associated with this standard would require some judgement and discretion and is likely to be carried out under minimal supervision, with checking only related to overall progress.

Application

Not applicable.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1

Prepare for the transport of livestock

1.1

Transport plan is obtained, interpreted and clarified according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

1.2

Vehicles, equipment and resources are identified and arranged according to transportation plan.

1.3

Routine pre-operational checks of vehicle and equipment are carried out prior to use according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise requirements.

1.4

Load is calculated and maintained within working specifications.

2

Load livestock

2.1

Workplace safety policies and procedures are observed and followed according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

2.2

Load agreement is checked for compliance with transport code specifications and relevant documentation completed.

2.3

Prepared livestock are loaded and secured safely and humanely according to animal welfare, OHS and enterprise requirements.

2.4

Existing and potential hazards are identified and managed according to OHS, legislative and enterprise requirements.

3

Transport and unload livestock

3.1

Livestock are transported with minimal stress and discomfort according to animal welfare requirements.

3.2

Vehicles follow approved transport routes and comply with legislated speed limits, avoiding damage to livestock, personnel, vehicle or environment.

3.3

Livestock are unloaded safely and humanely using appropriate equipment and facilities according to manufacturers specifications.

3.4

Livestock condition and welfare are monitored and appropriate feed and water requirements are provided according to enterprise requirements.

4

Complete transportation operations

4.1

Vehicle shutdown procedures are carried out according to manufacturers specifications.

4.2

Vehicle, equipment and facilities are cleaned, maintained and secured according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

4.3

Relevant information is documented according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

Required Skills

Not applicable.

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in this standard requires evidence of the ability to maintain the health and welfare requirements of livestock during transit, while achieving the requirements of the transport plan within the scheduled timeframe. It also requires the ability to interpret and apply instructions, operate and maintain vehicles, operate loading and unloading equipment, humanely secure livestock, and comply with relevant legislative requirements and authorisations.

The skills and knowledge required must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, if competence is evident in the transport of sheep, it must also be evident that these skills can be adapted to transporting goats.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

industry and legislative requirements for the transport of livestock

animal welfare and OHS legislative requirements

environmental codes of practice with regard to vehicle operation and livestock production

market requirements in relation to the quality and condition of livestock

sourcing and costing transportation alternatives

enterprise policies with regard to the use of vehicles and equipment

equipment functions, technical capability and limitations

hauling and towing procedures

defensive driving techniques

relevant documentation requirements and procedures.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

steer, manoeuvre and position vehicle in a smooth and controlled manner in on and off-road conditions

demonstrate safe and humane handling of livestock

safely operate loading and unloading equipment

apply hand-eye co-ordination

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

obtain relevant licenses and permits

recognise vehicle operational faults

demonstrate emergency procedures and defensive driving techniques

read and comprehend manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and MSDS

interpret transport plan requirements

communicate verbally to advise and anticipate conditions

maintain records, reports, and log books.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

In determining the requirements of the specific job from delivery and dispatch offices and transport authorities.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

In relation to loading and the routes to be taken.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

For the safe transport of livestock.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

In completing specified activities and operations in conjunction with site personnel at both ends of the transport operation.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

In observing loading limits and vehicle instrumentation, and in the calculation of time and distance.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

By accessing information from supervisors, and in relation to mechanical problems.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during, the transport operation - communication technology, calculating equipment, and measuring and recording equipment.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.


Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What information may be included in a transport plan?

This may include a verbal or written briefing outlining and detailing the nature and scope of the task including time of loading, type of loading and unloading facilities, type of vehicles, number of livestock per vehicle, watering and feeding points, travelling time, destination, access road plan and haul routes, condition of livestock, place of loading, labour requirements, the use of dogs and muzzles, potential hazards, safety and environmental protection procedures, animal welfare considerations, and instructions and schedule details. It may also include required authorisations and clearances, licensing and legislative requirements and hand-over procedures, and any relevant documentation.

What legislative requirements may apply to the transportation of livestock?

This may include the relevant State/Territory roads and traffic regulations and licensing requirements, Environmental Protection Act, OHS legislation, codes of practice with regard to animal welfare and land transport of livestock.

What enterprise requirements may be relevant to this standard?

These may include SOP, industry standards, Total Quality Management standards, manufacturers specifications, MSDS, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures, induction documentation, training materials, policy and procedures, and verbal or written instructions.

What equipment, vehicles and resources may be arranged?

This may include:

equipment, including cleaning equipment, power tools, hand tools, and loading and unloading equipment/ramps

vehicles, including floats, semi-trailers, road trains including B doubles, trucks and trailers, and rail transport

resources, including personnel, contractors, log books and relevant forms, vehicle specification and service manuals, vehicle tools, writing materials, first aid kit, fire control equipment, and breakdown gear.

What routine pre-operational checks may be carried out?

This may include pre-start and safety checks, service and maintenance procedures including checks of fuel and lubricant levels, and an assessment of tyres, wheels, controls and cables, warning lights and electrical systems, braking and hydraulic systems.

What may be involved in calculating a load?

Calculations may include the height, weight, width, and safety of the load.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?

Safe systems and procedures for:

maintenance and operation of vehicles and equipment

handling livestock

manual handling, including lifting and carrying

protection from mechanical hazards including hydraulics, hazardous noise and organic and other dusts

health and safety of personnel and bystanders

outdoor work including protection from solar radiation

appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

What information may be included in a livestock load agreement?

This may include details of an agreement reached between loader and carrier of type and number of livestock to be transported, load weight, and recipient details.

What may be involved in the preparation of livestock immediately prior to transportation?

This may include the mustering, yarding and counting of livestock, and the appropriately applied and displayed identification marks, tags or tattoos.

What existing and potential hazards may be associated with transporting livestock?

Hazards may include the movement of livestock, operating and maintaining machinery and equipment including hydraulics and exposure to moving parts, noise, organic and other dusts, solar radiation and road transport.

What relevant information may be documented?

This may include the documentation of vehicle log books, time sheets, maintenance records, details of equipment and resource use and performance, transportation and delivery outcomes, and any hazard or incident details.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.