1

Plan work

1.1

Potential workplace hazards are identified

1.2

Hazard control measures are identified consistent with appropriate standards to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment

1.3

Elevating work platform is appropriate for the task

1.4

Appropriate communication methods are identified

2

Conduct routine checks

2.1

Service logbook for elevating work platform is checked for compliance

2.2

Elevating work platform is visually checked for any defects or damage according to procedures

2.3

Routine pre-operational checks are carried out according to procedures

2.4

Safety equipment is inspected according to procedures

2.5

Elevating work platform is accessed in a safe manner

2.6

Fit safety equipment and secure to platform according to procedures

2.7

All controls are located and identified

2.8

Elevating work platform is started according to procedures

2.9

All safety devices are identified and tested according to procedures

2.10

Post-start operational checks are carried out according to procedures

2.11

All communication equipment is checked (where applicable)

2.12

All defects and damage are reported and recorded in according to procedures, and appropriate action is taken

3

Set up elevating work platform

3.1

Ground suitability is inspected and checked

3.2

Elevating work platform is driven to or located at work area according to procedures (where applicable)

3.3

Elevating work platform is positioned for work application and stability according to procedures

3.4

Appropriate hazard prevention/control measures are applied to the work area according to procedures

3.5

Work gear and tools are stowed and secured

4

Operate elevating work platform

4.1

Elevating work platform is operated using all relevant plant movements according to procedures and the appropriate standards

4.2

Elevating work platform is mobiled using best mobile practice and appropriate procedures

4.3

Elevated working platform operations are monitored constantly ensuring safety of personnel and stability

4.4

Unplanned and/or unsafe situations are responded to in line with procedures

5

Shut down and secure elevating work platform

5.1

Elevating work platform is lowered and stowed according to procedures

5.2

All relevant motion locks and brakes are applied (where applicable)

5.3

Safety equipment is disconnected from platform

5.4

Egress from elevated work platform is conducted according to procedures

5.5

Outriggers/stabilisers are stowed and secured according to procedures (where applicable)

5.6

Plates or packing are stowed and secured (where applicable)

5.7

Elevating work platform is shut down according to procedures

5.8

Routine post-operational checks are carried out according to procedures

5.9

All defects and damage are reported and recorded according to procedures, and appropriate action is taken

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation of loads, to ensure that the elevating work platform is not overloaded

Commonwealth, state or territory OH&S legislation, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for conducting elevating work platform operations

Ability to read and comprehend manufacturer's instructions, procedures and safety signs

Understanding of elevating work platform operations and operating techniques

Emergency procedures and safety equipment, including the use of safety harness, energy absorber, lanyard and anchor points

Understanding of organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for conducting elevating work platform operations

Understanding of the hierarchy of hazard identification and control

Procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information, including the use of the service logbook

Typical routine problems encountered in the process and with equipment and adjustments required for correction

Required skills:

Accurately record and maintain information relating to elevating work platform operations

Assess ground conditions to confirm that the site is suitable (e.g. firm, level and safe) to extend and travel the elevating work platform

Complete the positioning, stabilising, set up of elevating work platforms, including the use of outriggers/stabilisers and packing

Operate mobile elevating work platform using best mobile practice

Use communication skills at a level sufficient to communicate with other site personnel

Operate and control an elevating work platform including all functions to their maximum extension within the safe working (rated) capacity

Apply risk assessment and hazard control strategies, including hierarchy of control as applied to the positioning and safe operation of the elevating work platform (particular awareness of the risks associated with overhead powerlines/electrical cables, ground conditions, wind, pedestrians and tipping)

Use and interpret manufacturer's specifications and data

Identify problems and equipment faults and where practicable demonstrate appropriate response procedures

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Successful assessment of this unit meets the competency requirement of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

State/territory OH&S regulators have mandated the use of Assessment Instruments and Instructions for Assessment for this unit which have been endorsed by the national body responsible for OH&S matters.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Compliance with OH&S licensing legislation.

Emergency procedures and safety equipment, including the use of safety harnesses, energy absorbers, lanyard and anchor points.

Assessment of ground conditions to confirm that the site is suitable (e.g. firm, level and safe) to extend and travel the elevating work platform.

Risk assessment and hazard control strategies, including hierarchy of control as applied to the positioning and safe operation of the elevating work platform (particular awareness of the risks associated with overhead powerlines/electrical cables, ground conditions, wind, pedestrians and tipping).

Appropriate procedures for estimation of loads, to ensure that the elevating work platform is not overloaded.

Positioning and operation of the elevating work platform to ensure that the safest lift is performed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of the safe and effective application of knowledge and skill to workplace tasks (performance) must be undertaken using the endorsed Assessment Instrument.

Assessment of performance must be undertaken either in the workplace or in a realistically simulated workplace.

Assessors must ensure that the assessment in the workplace is organised to ensure that all the required equipment and materials and a suitable working area is made available to suit the assessment and the workplace.

Assessment must occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant appropriate standard requirements.

Applicants must have access to:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the purpose of the Performance Assessment

appropriate safety equipment in safe condition

appropriate elevated working platform and associated equipment in safe condition

communication equipment (e.g. two-way radios, mobile phones etc.) where applicable.

Method of assessment

Assessment must be conducted using the endorsed Assessment Instruments. These Instruments provide advice on their application.

The use of 'simulators' in the assessment of this unit of competency is not acceptable.

Assessment may be in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstances, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Guidance information for assessment

Further information about endorsed Assessment Instruments may be obtained from state/territory OH&S regulators.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Hazards may include:

ground stability (e.g. ground condition, recently filled trenches, slopes)

overhead hazards (e.g. powerlines, service pipes, trees, buildings etc.)

insufficient lighting

traffic (e.g. pedestrians, vehicles, plant)

environmental conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, storms, etc.)

other specific hazards (e.g. tidal areas, chainsaws, pressure washers, dangerous materials

Hazard control measures may include:

Refers to the systematic process of eliminating or reducing the risk to personnel and property through the application of controls

It includes the application of the hierarchy of control - the six-step preference of control measures to manage and control risk:

1. elimination

2. substitution

3. isolation

4. engineering control measures

5. using safe work practices

6. personal protective equipment

Appropriate standards may include:

codes of practice

legislation

Australian Standards

manufacturer's specifications

industry standards (where applicable)

Elevating work platformmay include:

The operation of a telescoping device, hinged device, or articulated device or any combination of these used to support a platform on which personnel, equipment and materials may be elevated to perform work. Excluded from this definition are platforms of less than 11 metres boom length.

The 11 metre boom length shall be taken to mean the greater of the following:

(a) The vertical distance from the floor of the platform to the surface supporting the elevating work platform with the platform at its maximum height; or

(b) The nominal reach, measured horizontally from the centre point of rotation to the outer edge of the platform in its most extended position

Communication method may include:

verbal and non-verbal language

written instructions

signage

hand signals

listening

questioning to confirm understanding

appropriate worksite protocol

Service logbook may include:

any logbook

service book

history record system where the service and maintenance history is kept

Procedures may include:

manufacturer's guidelines (instructions, specifications, operators manual or checklists)

industry operating procedures

workplace procedures (work instructions, operating procedures, checklists)

Safety equipment may include:

safety harness

energy absorber

lanyard

anchor points

Safety devices may include:

horns/sirens

audible and visual reversing devices

operator restraint devices (platform gate)

lights (where applicable)

Communication equipment may include:

two-way radios

mobile phone

Ground suitability may include:

rough uneven ground

backfilled ground

soft soils

hard compacted soil

rock

bitumen

concrete

Stability may include:

deploying outriggers

establishing correct size plates or packing

correctly positioning plates or packing

Hazard prevention/control measures may include:

safety tags on electrical switches/isolators

insulated powerlines

safety observer used inside exclusion zone

disconnected power

traffic barricades and controls

illumination requirements

pedestrian controls

trench covers

movement of obstructions

personal protective equipment

suitable area for set-up

suitable firm and stable standing

Relevant plant movements may include:

raising boom

lowering boom

slewing

hinging

articulating

telescoping

Best mobile practice may include:

minimum speed

gentle acceleration and braking

minimum boom/jib length

avoiding ground depressions

Unplanned and/or unsafe situationsmay include:

loss of power

failure of controls

contact with overhead electrical conductors

damage caused by contact with obstructions

illness of personnel

Shut down may include:

retracting boom/jib (where applicable)

folding boom/jib into the transport position

retracting outriggers/stabilisers

idling engine to stabilise temperature

turning off engine (where applicable)

removing key from ignition (where applicable)