ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Plan for four wheel driving.

1.1. Determine structural and handling differences between a conventional two wheel drive and a four wheel drive vehicle.

1.2. Identify the purpose and use of front wheel hubs where appropriate, recovery points and mounting features.

1.3. Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating, and pressure.

1.4. Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment.

1.5. Select equipment and check working condition according to manufacturer's recommendations and organisational policies and procedures.

1.6. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information and determine activity plan.

1.7. Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues.

2. Perform pre-departure checks.

2.1. Perform routine pre-departure checks and take action to correct any deficiency.

2.2. Apply safe vehicle loading practices and secure personal items according to organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Advise passengers of safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

3. Drive in a variety of terrain types.

3.1. Survey track to identify hazards, asses risk and select routes that minimise damage to the environment.

3.2. Apply smooth accelerator control strategies over a range of terrain types.

3.3. Apply recommended braking techniques for hard top surfaces and off road conditions.

3.4. Identify situations where the engagement of four wheel drive is required.

3.5. Engage 4W drive and front hubs or centre differential lock where required.

3.6. Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a range of terrain types while maintaining control of vehicle at all times.

3.7. Perform a stop and reverse on a moderate incline.

4. Recover a vehicle.

4.1. Identify risks associated with vehicle recovery and develop and implement strategies to minimise risks according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

4.2. Identify recovery points and prepare vehicles for recovery.

4.3. Apply recommended mounting strategy on the four wheel drive vehicle and use of rated recovery equipment.

4.4. Apply techniques for joining recovery or snatch strap.

4.5. Coordinate safe recovery of a four wheel drive vehicle using a single snatch strap.

4.6. Perform post recovery checks and repairs.

4.7. Apply techniques for arresting the snatch strap in case of breakage during recovery

5. Perform maintenance and minor repairs.

5.1. Access maintenance equipment and conduct routine maintenance and repair tasks.

5.2. Check, where necessary, brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain.

5.3. Demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a four wheel drive vehicle on uneven ground, according to organisational policies and procedure and manufacturer's specifications.

5.4. Complete vehicle performance reports and notify designated personnel.

6. Evaluate four wheel driving activity.

6.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the activity.

6.2. Identify improvements for future four wheel driving activities.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

respond appropriately to changing terrain and weather conditions

anticipate and mitigate potential hazards and risks

conduct basic checks and maintenance of vehicle

perform safe vehicle recoveries

planning and organising skills to:

perform thorough pre-departure checks

select relevant equipment, spare parts, and tracks that minimises environmental impact

communication and literacy skills to:

record all maintenance and repairs conducted on the four wheel drive vehicle

report maintenance activities to relevant personnel

self management skills to:

review and reflect on own performance

identify improvements.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation during four wheel driving

features and characteristics of four wheel drive vehicles and equipment to enable safe conduct of driving and recovery activities

four wheel driving techniques used across different terrain

terrain and weather features and how these might impact on four wheel driving including terrain specific safety requirements to minimise risk to self and others

recovery and maintenance procedures to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

reflection and review principles to enable effective self evaluation for future improvement

minimal impact techniques to ensure protection of the environment.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

safe 4WD driving technique over a variety of terrains

plans equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the activity and conducts routine pre-departure checks of vehicles and takes action to correct deficiencies

applies appropriate technique to recover a four wheel drive vehicle using a single recovery or snatch strap

performs maintenance and minor repairs on four wheel drive vehicle, and reports details on vehicle performance and action taken to appropriate personnel

reviews four wheel driving performance to identify strengths and areas requiring improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure application of driving techniques to negotiate a range of terrain types that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable outdoor environment for four wheel driving

a suitable low range four wheel drive vehicle

recovery, maintenance and repair equipment

resources and information to plan and select equipment for the activity

legislation and organisational policies and procedures that impact on the conduct of four wheel driving.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of safe four wheel driving technique over a variety of terrain

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of terrain types and associated risks and procedures for maintenance and repairs

observation of safe recovery of four wheel drive using a single recovery or snatch strap

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended

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.

Four wheel drive vehicle may include:

manual

automatic

part time

constant

Equipment may include:

navigation equipment

recovery equipment

maintenance equipment

personal equipment or resources.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

land management and minimal impact codes

vehicle reporting and notification procedures

travelling in convoy with other vehicles

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods and drinks

perishability

storage

energy content.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Routine pre-departure checks may include:

engine

body

mirrors

tyres

accessories.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

area restrictions

national and state or territory track classification guides

environmental regulations.

Range of terrain types may include:

moderate inclines or declines

sloping terrain

very soft ground

rocky areas

sand

axle deep water crossings

mud or black soil

snow or ice.

Routine maintenance and repair tasks may include:

changing wheels in uneven terrain

fluid top up.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.