Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:55 PM AWST

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Coordinate recovery of 4WD vehicles

Coordinate recovery of 4WD vehicles

Unit of competency
National Code
SISODRV405A
State Code
D6361
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
030515 - Automotive Vehicle Operations
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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.
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.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6164 SRODRV003B Coordinate recovery of a 4WD vehicle using advanced techniques Unit of competency