Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit may vary between enterprises depending upon:

type of equipment used such as:
scrapers, tractors
water trucks, cleaning equipment, sweepers
forklifts
front end loaders
hoists, overhead gantries, cranes
pallet shifters
specialised loading equipment
type of materials moved.
This competency unit includes the automatic stacking of materials including mechanised dehacking of bricks.

Typical problems include:
equipment malfunctions
determining safe routes
scheduling of movements to suit production requirements
changing priorities over the shift.
'Paperwork' includes electronic versions of instructions, records and the like.
All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

OHS
All operations are subject to stringent OHS requirements and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and OHS requirements, the OHS requirements take precedence.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Knowledge and understanding of the equipment, processes and movement requirements sufficient to recognise potential problems and to take actions appropriate for those problems.
Knowledge of the enterprise's standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements, along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the equipment.

Competence includes the ability to:


apply and/or explain:

the determination of mass/weight of loads
appropriate regulatory and vehicle requirements
safe operating procedures
the blending of raw materials
stacking and/or storing practices

distinguish between:

types of materials being moved
locations and destinations of materials moved
causes of defects and faults
as is relevant to the practical operation of the equipment.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the equipment and process material needs be understood and that the importance of critical material properties is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

all pre-start checks are completed
appropriate paths for movement of vehicles/equipment are used
all actions are performed safely
the correct material is delivered to the correct place in the correct amounts and at the correct time.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this competency unit.

Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed by observation over time on an operating plant. Where this is done, the timeframe must allow for adequate assessment of operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions. Where this is not practical, additional assessment techniques must be used.
Competence may also be assessed by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios. A combination of these techniques should be used to ensure the competency is adequately assessed.
In all cases it is expected that the practical assessment will be supported by targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in such a manner as is appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the operator and reflecting the requirements of the competency.

Resource implications
Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment which allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios will also be required where these form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunch room. No other special resources are required.

Communicating ideas and information
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(1)