Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the use of manual handling aids such as handcarts. It does NOT include the use of powered equipment/aids or licensed load shifting equipment.

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. It includes the operation of all relevant ancillary equipment.

Standard procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

The processes covered by this unit include, but are not limited to:
movement of materials
stacking/storing/relocating of materials.

Loads to be shifted may be, but are not limited to:
irregularly shaped
packaged/unpackaged
labelled/unlabelled.

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
hand carts
self-propelled trolleys
wheelbarrows
block and tackle
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
spills
dusts/vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards.

Typical problems include:
load too heavy or large for safe, easy moving
load in awkward position for safe, easy moving
clash of work priorities
correct equipment not available.

All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements:
Knowledge of good manual handling practice including organisation procedures and relevant State OH&S regulations for manual handling and lift techniques sufficient to recognise potential problems and to take the appropriate action.
Knowledge of the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:
apply and/or describe:
correct OH&S procedures
appropriate manual handling lifting/moving equipment
relevant inventory systems
distinguish between jobs which:
may be easily and safely done with a single person
require assistance from other people
require manual handling equipment
need mechanical lifting aids.

Critical aspects:
It is essential that the manual handling principles be applied and that the importance of safe manual handling techniques are known.
Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
good OH&S practice is followed
correct manual handling and lifting techniques are used
appropriate lifting/moving equipment is used
products are correctly identified
locations are correctly identified.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements:
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets and material labels as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is also required, eg, to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

Assessment method and context:
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on an operating plant allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
by 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.

Resource implications:
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables 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 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.