SISODRV405A
Coordinate recovery of 4WD vehicles

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to coordinate recovery of a four wheel drive vehicle using advanced techniques and equipment such as a recovery or snatch strap, winch and jack in difficult terrain conditions.

Application

This unit applies to those who drive 4WD vehicles in difficult terrain for work or recreational purposes. It applies to those working autonomously as four wheel drive adventure guides or program managers and may include those working for private four wheel drive schools or clubs who are responsible for planning, organising and implementing four wheel drive programs in difficult terrain.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.


Prerequisites

SISODRV302A Drive and recover a 4WD vehicle


Elements and Performance Criteria

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. Assess situation.

1.1. Survey site and identify hazards, assess risk and define danger zones according to operating variables.

1.2. Select a suitable recovery strategy and apply risk management strategies according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Access rated recovery equipment suitable to selected recovery method and apply strategies to ensure safe use according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

1.4. Apply strategies to reduce environmental impact during recovery.

2. Use a recovery or snatch strap.

2.1. Determine specific hazards associated with use of recovery or snatch straps.

2.2. Identify recovery points and prepare vehicle for recovery.

2.3. Coordinate recovery of a vehicle on a steep incline using recovery or snatch straps.

2.4. Complete post-recovery vehicle and equipment checks.

3. Use a winch to recover a four wheel drive vehicle.

3.1. Identify specific hazards associated with winch recoveries.

3.2. Prepare vehicles for a winch recovery after identification of recovery points.

3.3. Establish safe ground anchor points in different terrain conditions.

3.4. Use pulley blocks to give a mechanical advantage and change the direction of the winch.

3.5. Use a tree trunk protector when using a tree as an anchor point.

3.6. Operate winch to recover vehicle.

4. Use jacks to prepare vehicle for recovery.

4.1. Identify specific hazards associated with the use of jacks.

4.2. Demonstrate safe positioning of jacks..

4.3. Apply safe operating procedures when using a jack to lift a vehicle according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

5. Maintain vehicle recovery equipment.

5.1. Apply maintenance procedures for recovery equipment.

5.2. Document equipment and vehicle maintenance according to organisational policies and procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

determine appropriate recovery method according to the situation

anticipate and mitigate potential hazards and risks

planning and organising skills to:

assess the situation and identify appropriate recovery method

prepare recovery equipment for use

self management skills to take responsibility for the recovery of a four wheel drive vehicle using appropriate methods.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe recovery of four wheel drive vehicles in difficult terrain

four wheel drive vehicle recovery techniques used in difficult terrain, including issues to consider when defining danger zones to enable safe conduct of all activities

use of recovery or snatch straps, winches and jacks to enable safe selection and use of equipment

hazards and risks associated with each recovery method and methods of mitigating these risks

terrain and weather features and how these may impact on recovery

maintenance procedures used for recovery equipment.

Evidence Required

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:

conducts assessment of recovery site and determines potential hazards, risks and environmental conditions that impact on the chosen recovery method

selects and uses rated recovery equipment to enable recovery of four wheel drive vehicle, including a pulley or snatch block in difficult terrain utilising ground anchor points for both hard and soft ground

applies regular maintenance of recovery equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure coordination of vehicle recoveries using recovery or snatch straps, winches and jacks in difficult terrain types to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a four wheel drive vehicle with low range

a suitable outdoor environment with difficult terrain

maintenance, repair and recovery equipment

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

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 four wheel drive vehicle recovery in difficult terrain using recovery or snatch straps, winches and jacks

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of recovery methods used in difficult terrain

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISODRV404A Drive a 4WD vehicle in difficult terrain.


Range Statement

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.

Operating variables may include:

type of recovery equipment used

possibility of cable or rope failure

direction of recovery

potential for vehicle roll or fall

effect of suction on cable or winch capacity.

Risk management strategies may include:

defining danger zone

using equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations

using rated equipment where practicable.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of recovery equipment

communication protocols

land management and minimal impact codes

vehicle and equipment documentation

code of ethics.

Recovery equipment may include:

steel cables

shovel

ropes

chains

tree trunk protectors

winch

winch extension ropes and slings

jacks

shackles

snatch straps.

Different terrain conditions may include:

hard ground

soft sand

mud

snow

difficult terrain.

Jacks may include:

Bottle jack

Hi-lift jack

Bull bags.

Safe operating procedures may include:

personal safety and vehicle stability

awareness of soft footing.

Maintenance procedures may include:

cleaning

cable rolling

greasing and oiling.


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Driving must be carried out according to the licensing, certification requirements of the relevant State or Territory authority.