Elements and Performance Criteria

Work involves testing, dismantling, inspecting, reassembling and adjusting competition vehicle suspension. This includes determining competition vehicle suspension requirements and the effects of making changes to variables
Determining competition vehicle suspension requirements may include, but is not limited to, the following components:
springs
dampers
suspension/swing arms/joints
pivot locations/pickup points
lateral control devices
travel limiters
anti-roll bars
weight jackers
Dismantling, repair/modification and assembly of dampers referred to in this unit applies only to non-sealed dampers. Manufacturer/component supplier safety recommendations must be observed at all times

OH&S requirements include State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation, material safety management systems, controlling body requirements, manufacturer specifications and local safe operating procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations (including environmental requirements), health regulations, manual handling procedures and team insurance requirements
Work requires individuals to demonstrate analytical and organisational ability, judgement and problem-solving skills in preparing competition vehicle suspension

Known factors for determining suspension requirements may include, but is not limited to:
regulatory constraints
team budgetary constraints
load and speed characteristics
terrain and climate conditions
driver/rider preferences
When determining suspension requirements calculations may include, but is not limited to:
wheel rate
spring rate
linkage and leverage ratios
spring pre-load
vehicle weight
sprung and unsprung weight
anti-roll bar rate
Determinations can be confirmed through the use of shock dynamometer testing, track testing and data analysis or software simulation

Tooling and equipment must include component supplier specified tooling and may include, but is not limited to, jacking equipment, measuring devices, hand tooling, calculators, computers and data acquisition systems

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Controlling body rules, category rules and supplementary regulations
Team procedures relating to preparing competition vehicle suspension
Task instructions including worksheets, checklists, plans, drawings and designs
Team procedures relating to reporting and communication
Team procedures relating to the use of tooling and equipment
Manufacturer/component supplier specifications and application procedures for test equipment and material
Australian Design Rules (where applicable)

Critical aspects of evidence
Interpret and apply team requirements, controlling body and category rules and supplementary regulations
Correctly apply and use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

Follow task instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to competition vehicle or equipment
achieve required outcomes within team time and quality standards

Correctly prepare a competition vehicle suspension on a minimum of three (3) competition vehicles in situations involving: (each of the following must be covered on at least two (2) vehicles):

calculations to determine spring rate and spring pre-load
determination of component selection within constraints of known factors
configuration of dampers and springs
adjustment of suspension components/settings
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace context and environment and within tolerances

Underpinning knowledge
Team requirements/job specifications, supplementary regulations and component supplier specifications
Competition vehicle suspension component types, function, applications, limitations and configuration considerations
Suspension related calculations
Safety related to repair of suspension components and assemblies
Damper disassembly, inspection, repair/modification, assembly, re-oiling, bleeding, re-gassing and bench testing techniques, suspension components/settings configuration, record keeping techniques
Procedures for reporting equipment faults and component defects
Workplace guidelines regarding acceptable tolerance levels OH&S policies and procedures

Specific key competencies, underpinning and employability skills required to achieve the performance criteria
These include a number of processes that are learned throughout work and life, which are required in most jobs. Some of these are covered by the national key competencies, although others may be added. The details below highlight how these competencies are to be applied in the attainment of this unit.

Application of the key competencies in this unit are to satisfy the nominated level in which:

Level 1 - relates to working effectively within set conditions and processes;
Level 2 - relates to the management or facilitation of conditions or processes; and
Level 3 - relates to the design, development and evaluation of conditions or process.
How will the candidate apply the following key competency in this unit? The candidate will need to:

Collect, analyse and organise information
Collect, organise and understand information related to preparing competition vehicle suspension, including team requirements, manufacturer specifications, plans and safety procedures
(Level 2)

Communicate ideas and information
Communicate ideas and information to enable clarification of requirements, coordination of work with supervisors and other workers and reporting of work outcomes and problems
(Level 2)

Plan and organise activities
Plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the work area and the coordination of equipment, systems and material to avoid backtracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
(Level 2)

Work with others and in a team
Work with others to foster the team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
(Level 2)

Use mathematical ideas and techniques
Use mathematical ideas and techniques to complete measurements and calculations required during the preparation of competition vehicle suspension
(Level 2)

Solve problems
Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate assembly problems, in order to work efficiently and effectively
(Level 2)

Use technology
Use workplace technology related to determining requirements for the preparation of competition vehicle suspension including tooling, measuring devices, equipment, calculators and computers
(Level 2)

Resource implications
Access to competition vehicles and associated assembly tooling in real or simulated situations involving the application of repair/modification techniques and the related computing, operational and inventory support systems
Access to real or simulated concepts, work areas, material, equipment and information on work specifications, team requirements, organisational procedures, safety procedures and regulations, and quality standards

Method of assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace contexts
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge
Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competence

Context of assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with process equipment, material, work instructions and deadlines