Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:17 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Load and unload cargo/goods

Load and unload cargo/goods

Unit of competency
National Code
RIIHAN204A
State Code
WB272
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/02/2010
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
16/02/2010
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the loading and unloading of cargo/goods in the resources and infrastructure industries. It includes preparing for loading activities, loading goods/cargo, securing goods/cargo, protecting goods/cargo, conducting housekeeping activities, and unloading goods/cargo. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for loading activities
  • 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
  • 1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details
  • 1.3. Communicate with other personnel
  • 1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
  • 1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities
  • 1.6. Perform equipment pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation
  • 1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards
  • 1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues
  • 1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and plant
2. Load goods/cargo
  • 2.1. Identify load characteristics and use appropriate loading techniques to safely and efficiently move load
  • 2.2. Identify hazardous and dangerous goods and adhere to relevant legislation and permit requirements
  • 2.3. Assess and ensure that load characteristics and transport capacity meet approved parameters
  • 2.4. Erect physical barricades and signage to prevent unauthorised entry to the area
  • 2.5. Load goods/cargo in accordance with relevant mass and loading regulations and site procedures
3. Secure goods/cargo
  • 3.1. Check the distribution of the load to ensure it is even, legal and within safe working capacity
  • 3.2. Secure load at approved anchorage points
  • 3.3. Adjust load restraint devices to ensure load is secure during transport
  • 3.4. Protect load from weather conditions using approved coverage devices
4. Protect goods/cargo
  • 4.1. Inspect the load for security to travel
  • 4.2. Complete all required documentation
5. Conduct housekeeping activities
  • 5.1. Clean equipment to maintain condition of equipment and ensure safe and efficient operations
  • 5.2. Clean and store auxiliary service equipment
  • 5.3. Control and report hazards to maintain a safe working environment
6. Unload goods/cargo
  • 6.1. Assess location, stowage and remaining load before commencement
  • 6.2. Unload in a safe and effective way making use of lifting aids and applications if required
  • 6.3. Identify any goods requiring special handling
  • 6.4. Relocate material in a manner that considers the heights, weight loading, size and crushability of the goods/cargo
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.
Compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures relating to:
worksite safety and health
mine inspection
OHS
explosives
dangerous goods code
HAZCHEM
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure, and may include:
materials handling equipment (e.g. turn tables, conveyors)
mobile equipment
mobile lifting equipment (e.g. cranes, forklifts)
Pre-start checks may include:
availability of equipment
detection of conditions that are unusual
fluid levels
job requirements
personnel
walk through site
Environmental issues may include:
drainage
dust
ventilation
emissions
flora and fauna
hazardous chemicals
noise
recycling
run-off
spills
waste management and disposal
water quality
Goods/cargo may include:
equipment
tools
zinc ingots
cadmium
CuSO4
acid
secondary leach residue (SLR)
gypsum
paragoethite
Transport may include:
aircraft
light vehicles
pipelines
rail
ship
truck
Clean may include methods such as:
forced air
hosing with water
suction

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
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for loading and unloading cargo/goods
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient loading and unloading cargo/goods
working with others to undertake and complete the loading and unloading cargo/goods that meet all of the required outcomes
consistent timely loading and unloading cargo/goods that safely, effectively and efficiently meet the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment should sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistent achievement of required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the loading and unloading cargo/goods
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W2424 MNMPPD207A Prepare and load for transport Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH298 RIIHAN204D Load and unload cargo/goods Unit of competency
No information