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. Add any 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.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency applies to operators using load shifting equipment such as cranes and gantries, slings, ropes, shackles, eye bolts, spreader beams, equalising gear, clamps, pulley systems, winches, packs, rigging screws.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards. These may include:
regulatory authority's licence or certification requirements
original manufacturer instructions and guidelines for the safe use of the equipment
relevant procedures relating to safe working practices prescribed for the equipment
local OHS legislation and/or regulations
site-specific instructions based on production requirements.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
cranes and gantries
slings, ropes, chains or nets
block and tackle
shackles, bolts or turnbuckles
jemmy bars
relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include
unpredicted movement of loads
loose goods
volatile or hazardous materials and products
irregular shaped loads
unlabelled goods, materials and products.
Hazard controls
Typical hazards controls include:
obtaining a permit to work as required
determining coordination requirements with other site personnel
determining job method to include hazard prevention and controls,
Australian standards for safety procedures, codes of practice and manufacturer specifications
erecting barricades, warning signs, overhead protection to requirements.
Checking lifting gear
Checking lifting gear includes:
checking pulleys and block and tackle for safe operation and load capacity.
checking ropes, cable, net and chain systems before use for safe condition and conformity to specification.
conducting testing of ropes, cable, net and chain system when required to ensure safe operating capacity
checking sling material for conformity with equipment and safety requirements.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:
variations in load capacities of various sling materials
frayed or damaged slings
bolt or shackle failure
lifting equipment failure.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include.
type and condition of slings or ropes
type of load to be shifted
physical dimensions
physical or area hazards
type of lifting equipment
weather conditions (if outdoors)
lighting and visibility in the loading/unloading area.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required skills and knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
apply approved procedures
take appropriate action to resolve problems or report problems to appropriate personnel.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that
standards are met consistently
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly
problems are identified and appropriate action is taken (ie the problem is fixed or reported)
all safety procedures are followed.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur transferring industrial loads and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on a processing plant, allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they 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 lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.