Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
codes of practice
Employment and Workplace Relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
A skid steer loader is:
a self-propelled wheeled machine in which:
steering is accomplished by skidding or reversing the wheels or tracks on one side of the machine
there is an integral front-mounted bucket-supporting structure and linkage, which loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges material
Skid steer loader tasks may include:
stripping/spreading topsoil and materials
backfilling
loading vehicles
excavations
mixing materials
site clean up
compacting
truck excavation
lifting and carrying materials
cutting batters and benches
rock breaking and any activities associated with attachments listed
Work instructions may include:
plans
specifications
operational details
verbal instructions from a supervisor
quality requirements, which may include but not be limited to:
dimensions
tolerances
standards of work and material standards as detailed in the project drawings, specifications and project documentation to meet client satisfaction
Safety requirements are to be:
in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and site safety management plans
Safety requirements may include:
protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
personal protective equipment, including that prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices
safe operating procedures, which may include recognising and preventing hazards associated with underground and overhead services, other machines, personnel, restricted access barriers, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public
safe parking practices which may include ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites and a safe distance from excavations, and securing the loader from unauthorised access or movement
hazards and risks may include uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, vehicle interactions, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials
emergency procedures related to this unit may include emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation
Traffic management procedures may include:
signage
barricades
radio and communication procedures
Plant, tools and equipment may include:
hand tools and maintenance equipment relevant to the particular skid steer loader
type of plant suited to task
Environmental protection procedures may include:
organisational/project environmental management plan
waste management procedures
water quality protection procedures
noise management procedures
vibration management procedures
dust management procedures
clean-up management
Loader controls and functions may include:
implements
attachments
brakes
manoeuvrability
Communications practices may include:
verbal instructions and fault reporting
two-way radio
hand signals
mobile phone
site specific instructions, written instructions or instructions related to job/task
on site meeting processes, which may include notification/scheduling (time, place, purpose), task discussions and local coordination of procedural and operational issues
Materials may include:
coal, clays, silts, stone, gravel, mud, rock, sand, topsoil, blended materials, organic materials, typical construction site materials/waste and bituminous mixes
rock types may include metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary
construction materials may include pegs, wire, cordage, safety equipment and other support equipments
Attachments may include:
multipurpose bucket
forks
dozer blade
backhoe
auger
chain digger
power broom
profiler
tiller/mixer
rotary hoe
hammer
asphalt cutter/saw
concrete cutter/saw
rake
Operator maintenance may include:
cleaning
authorised servicing
monitoring, recording and reporting faults
authorised minor replacements
the provision of assistance to maintenance personnel during maintenance and repair activities according to site procedures

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 conducting skid steer loader operations
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of skid steer loader operations
working with others to undertake and complete skid steer loader operations that meet all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of skid steer loader operations 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
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 to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances
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 requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to conduct skid steer loader operations
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.