This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a terminal tractor and associated equipment.

It includes operating a terminal tractor, and monitoring and maintaining vehicle performance.

Operation is performed with limited supervision, and with duty of care responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Operate a terminal tractor

1.1

Job hazards are identified and required action is taken to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

1.2

Vehicle is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped in accordance with traffic regulations, manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

1.3

Engine power is managed to ensure efficiency and performance, and to minimise engine and transmission damage

1.4

Vehicle is safely driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning for coupling to a trailer

1.5

Trailer is coupled, tug test is performed, legs are sufficiently raised from the ground, and air and electrical leads are connected in preparation for manoeuvring, in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant workplace policies and procedures

1.6

Clear travel path is identified and coupled vehicle is moved and positioned in a manner safe for loading, unloading or parking, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7

Trailer legs are lowered sufficiently for unhitching, air and electrical leads are disconnected, turntable is released for uncoupling and vehicle is safely manoeuvred from underneath trailer

1.8

Vehicle lights and indicators are used in accordance with traffic regulations, manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

1.9

Vehicle is parked, shut down and secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

1.10

Vehicle positioning and movement are made convenient and safe for loading and unloading in accordance with workplace procedures

1.11

Associated equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer and workplace procedures

2

Monitor and maintain vehicle performance

2.1

Vehicle performance is safely maintained through pre-operational inspections and vehicle checks

2.2

Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

2.3

Vehicle is driven in a manner that incorporates eco driving principles

2.4

Defective or irregular performance or malfunctions are repaired as a minor repair or reported to appropriate authority

2.5

Vehicle records are maintained/updated and information is processed in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

checking and replenishing fluids and carrying out lubrication processes during work activities

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

demonstrating low-risk driving behaviours

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating traffic hazards and taking appropriate action

monitoring vehicle performance and taking appropriate action as required

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

working collaboratively with others

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

differences between transmission types

driving hazards and related defensive operating techniques

efficient driving techniques

engine power management and safe operating strategies

pre-operational checks carried out on vehicle and related action

relevant state/territory road traffic authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements terminal tractor associated equipment

relevant work health safety(WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental/emissions procedures and regulations

vehicle controls, instruments and indicators, and their use

vehicle handling procedures

workplace driving and operational instructions.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Practical driving aspects must be assessed in a terminal tractor, tug or prime mover typical of that used in industry

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

A simulator/online assessment is not suitable for the final assessment of this unit of competency.