Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Work may be conducted:
in a range of towing situations
by day or night
in a range of weather conditions
Required towing vehicle may include:
tilt tray tow truck with winch (5 tonne, 7.5 tonne and 10 tonne capacity)
tow truck with crane and cradle
towing vehicle with a detachable self loading table top
articulated drop-deck low loader
trailer
Customers may be:
vehicle owners
operators of expressways, freeways, tollways or tunnels
police and other emergency services personnel
local government authorities
car park operators
road traffic authorities
owners and operators of equipment elevating work platforms, forklifts, small load shifting equipment, etc.
Towing situations may include:
vehicle accidents
vehicle breakdowns
expressway breakdowns and accidents
tunnel breakdowns and accidents
stolen cars
vehicles illegally parked on clearways
vehicles illegally parked in car parks
abandoned vehicles
carriage of equipment such as elevating work platforms, forklifts, small load shifting equipment, etc.
Purpose of equipment checking and inspection is to ensure:
it is free from damage and faults that may prejudice safety or limit operational capability
any identified faults or problems are rectified and/or reported as per company procedures prior to towing operations
Minor routine repairs may include:
replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights
replacement of broken fan belt
replacement of blown fuse
replacement of door mirrors
repairs to rear tail-light lens
changing of tyres
repair of tyre punctures
replacement of broken coolant hose
repair or replacement of faulty towing equipment
Driving hazards may include (examples only):
wet and iced roads
oil on road
animals and objects on road
fire in tow truck
leaking fuel
faulty brakes
parked vehicles on the road
faulty steering mechanism on tow truck
pedestrians crossing the road
flooded sections of road
windy sections of road
foggy conditions
Factors that can cause traffic delays and diversions may include (examples only):
traffic accidents
flooded sections of road
road damage
bridge/tunnel damage
road works
building construction
emergency situations such as bushfires, building fires, etc.
road closures for special events such as marches, parades, etc.
holiday traffic
road closures for utility works such as electricity, water, sewerage, telecommunications, gas, etc.
Potential hazards that may occur in various towing situations may include:
vehicular traffic at the scene
live electrical wires
contaminated blood at scene
weather conditions
oil on vehicle trays (slippery surfaces)
unsafe or damaged equipment
unsafe procedures in the use of towing equipment
fire at the scene
spilt or leaking fuel or dangerous or hazardous goods or substances
unsafe manual lifting procedures
sharps that may be contaminated with transmittable diseases
Hazard control strategies may include:
reporting the problem and carrying out repairs (depending on the level and extent of work required), or isolating and tagging the faulty equipment and advising appropriate personnel of the fault and need for repair or replacement
Depending on the organisation concerned workplace procedures may be called:
use of flashing lights on vehicles
deployment of safety equipment such as warning signs or witch's hats
strategic positioning of towing vehicle
use of appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing
use of safe procedures in the use of towing equipment
checking equipment and isolating, rectifying or reporting any defective equipment
following correct safety procedures in the event of live fallen electrical wires at an accident scene
following correct procedures in the event of spilt or leaking fuel or dangerous or hazardous goods or substances as per the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
using correct portable firefighting equipment to control a fire at the scene
use of personal protective equipment
use of reflective raincoats and vests
correct manual lifting strategies
cleaning of vehicles (including removal of oil from vehicle trays)
Depending on the organisation concerned, operating procedures may be called:
standard operating procedures
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Personal protective equipment may include:
gloves
safety headwear and footwear
safety glasses
two-way radios
high visibility clothing (raincoats and vests)
portable fire extinguishers
Communication at towing sites and in the work area may include:
mobile phone
fax
email
internet
RF communications
oral, aural or signed communications
Information and documents may include:
state/territory tow truck driver licence certification requirements
state/territory road rules
workplace driving instructions and procedures for drivers of tow trucks
tow truck manufacturers instructions, specifications and recommended operating procedures, including preoperational checks of the tow truck and its equipment
standard procedures and policies for the operating a tow truck
manufacturers specifications for towing vehicle, equipment and tools
workplace and client instructions
relevant OH&S requirements and policies
relevant Australian standards and certification requirements
material safety data sheets where applicable
quality assurance standards
emergency procedures
Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:
relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence/permit requirements pertaining to the tow truck operations
relevant state/territory load restraint regulations
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.
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 and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace