Elements and Performance Criteria

Mechanical modifications to be covered by this unit are to cover significant and non-routine mechanical modifications which may include:
adapt or modify the mechanical system(s) of vehicles/plant to a significantly changed capability
adapt vehicles/plant mechanical systems for different working conditions, for example high altitude or underground mine
modify or install a significant mechanical system(s) for a special purpose vehicle in preparation for vehicle registration
Inputs to the modification method and processes may be obtained from customer requirements, manufacturer/ component supplier specifications, outcomes of diagnostic processes or from regulatory, licensing and intellectual property legislation, safety requirements and Australian Design Rules

OH&S requirements include legislation, vehicle industry regulations, safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods code and safe operating procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, Australian Design Rules, environmental legislation, health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
Work requires individuals to demonstrate research, analytical, judgement and problem-solving skills in the diagnosis of faults

Evaluation criteria, sometimes referred to as success factors, are to be established prior to a modification being undertaken and are to cover safety, functionality, survivability, maintainability, life cycle cost and aesthetics

Equipment isolation procedures are to be to industry and enterprise standards

Tests and testing equipment is to include that appropriate to the modification being carried out but it should include computer-based diagnostic systems

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

Workplace procedures relating to the use of tooling and equipment
Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
Manufacturer/component supplier specifications and application procedures for testing equipment and materials
Manufacturer/component supplier specifications, schematics and operational procedures related to mechanical systems modification
Australian Design Rules
Vehicle industry regulations
Vehicle industry publications related to emerging transmission system technology and technology changes

Critical aspects of evidence
Interpret work order and locate and apply information
Apply safety requirements, including the isolation of equipment and use of personal protective equipment

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self and others
prevent damage and wastage of goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality

Modify a significant mechanical system or sub-system including:

the selection, development and documenting of success factors and evaluation criteria before undertaking the modification
the selection, development and validation of the modification methodology, process(es) and specification
the application of the modification specification (methodology and process), and
the documenting and reporting of the outcomes
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace context and environment

Underpinning knowledge
Electrical theory covering voltage, current, resistance, power, magnetics and inductance (including semi-conductors and electronic system applications)
Mechanical theory covering the concepts and principles of mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Detailed knowledge of the types, functions, operations and limitations of the main automotive industry mechanical systems
General knowledge of automotive digital computing systems
Detailed knowledge of the types, functions, operations and limitations of diagnostic testing equipment
General knowledge of the methods and processes for documenting and reporting modification specifications and outcomes

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 management or facilitation of conditions or processes; and
Level 3 - relates to 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 legal and technical information related to contemporary mechanical systems modifications
(Level 2)

Communicate ideas and information
Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, reporting of work outcomes and completion of regulatory, commercial and vehicle information systems inputs
(Level 2)

Plan and organise activities
Plan and organise activities, including the development and planning of modification processes, preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of tooling, equipment, materials and testing equipment to avoid backtracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
(Level 3)

Work with others and in a team
Work with others and in a 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, calculate specifications, calibrate and establish testing equipment and evaluate modification results against pre-established criteria
(Level 2)

Solve problems
Establish modification methods and processes which anticipate and allow for risks and avoid or minimise reworking and avoid wastage
(Level 3)

Use technology
Use the full range of workplace technology related to mechanical systems modification, including testing equipment, maintenance equipment, tooling, calculators and measuring devices and information management systems
(Level 2)

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

Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit of competence is most likely to be project related and require portfolios or other forms of indirect evidence of process. Direct evidence will include certification of compliance of the final outcome/product or authorisation for use by a competent authority
Assessment must confirm the inference that competence is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstances, but is able to be transferred to other projects

Specific resource requirements for this unit
Access to operational mechanical system(s), information on the required or proposed modification, testing equipment for the work and a work environment