Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a multi-combination vehicle in the resources and infrastructure industries.
It applies to those working in supervisory and technical specialist roles. They generally work under minimal supervision to undertake a broad range of skilled applications in varied work contexts, using some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services or contingency measures.
Licensing, legislative and certification requirements may apply to this unit and can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for multi-combination vehicle operations | 1.1 Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply documentation required to operate multi-combination vehicle 1.3 Prepare vehicle records and carry out log-on procedures according to workplace procedures |
2. Couple and uncouple trailers | 2.1 Couple and uncouple trailer according to manufacturer specifications 2.2 Check prime mover and trailer status according to workplace procedures |
3. Conduct vehicle checks | 3.1 Conduct pre-start checks on vehicle, trailers and ancillary equipment according to workplace procedures 3.2 Test vehicle and trailer operations, record and report faults affecting the safety of the operation to relevant personnel according to workplace procedures 3.3 Start engine according to manufacturer guidelines and start-up procedures, and check systems against operational criteria |
4. Supervise loading and unloading of goods and materials | 4.1 Identify load characteristics, and determine appropriate loading and unloading procedures 4.2 Segregate dangerous or hazardous goods according to workplace procedures 4.3 Ensure that goods/materials are loaded in accordance with relevant mass and loading regulations and workplace procedures 4.4 Select and supervise the use of lifting aids and appliances according to workplace procedures 4.5 Conduct unloading activities, considering suitable locations, stowage, safe use of equipment and the balance of remaining load according to workplace procedures 4.6 Identify goods requiring special handling and/or documentation and follow procedures |
5. Steer, manoeuvre and position vehicle | 5.1 Steer, manoeuvre and position vehicle in accordance with traffic regulations and site rules 5.2 Ensure vehicle movements are within limits of vehicle and road dimensions and in line with manufacturer specifications 5.3 Confine centrifugal forces to load configuration and driving environment 5.4 Perform smooth and controlled movements and avoid contact with obstacles 5.5 Carry out movements ensuring safety to personnel or damage to property, equipment or facilities, and load 5.6 Utilise available road area to increase radius of turn and swept path |
6. Manage engine power | 6.1 Manage engine power, ensure efficiency of vehicle movement and minimise strain to the engine and drive line according to manufacturer specifications 6.2 Operate vehicle within manufacturer specified torque range and temperature according to manufacturer specifications 6.3 Coordinate engine power with gear selection and maintain torque range 6.4 Effect smooth transition in gear changes, while maintaining engine power and torque range |
7. Monitor and anticipate traffic and road conditions | 7.1 Monitor and anticipate traffic and road condition, ensure safety of operation, people, property, equipment, loads and facilities 7.2 Achieve vehicle speed and safety using the accelerator, gears, brakes and speed retarding devices 7.3 Anticipate traffic flows and use the optimum route of travel 7.4 Consider road and traffic conditions, road standards, distance and load |
8. Monitor vehicle efficiency | 8.1 Monitor the performance of the vehicle to ensure maximum efficiency of operation and fuel consumption 8.2 Respond to warning devices and indicators of engine or vehicle reduced performance 8.3 Monitor vehicle for any engine malfunctions or factors which may affect vehicle performance 8.4 Record and report vehicle faults/damage |
9. Park and secure the vehicle | 9.1 Bring vehicle to a halt and apply straight line braking techniques according to manufacturer specifications 9.2 Park vehicle in an area that is safe and legal in line with traffic 9.3 Lock and secure vehicle according to manufacturer specifications |
10. Carry out post-operational activities | 10.1 Carry out engine shutdown according to manufacturer specifications 10.2 Complete post-operational checks according to workplace procedures 10.3 Process written maintenance records according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:
operate a multi-combination vehicle on at least two occasions, including:
organising work activities to comply with site standards
coupling and uncoupling the trailer
carrying out pre-start and start-up checks on vehicle, trailers and ancillary equipment
operating, steering, manoeuvring and positioning vehicle, trailers and ancillary equipment
managing engine power and efficiency
monitoring vehicle performance and responding to warnings and alarms
halting, parking, locking and securing vehicle
carrying out engine shutdown and post operational procedures
preparing for and organising work activities to meet all task requirements
using a range of communication techniques and aids to advise others of work activity and exclusion zones.
During the above, the candidate must:
locate and apply relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant
implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for operating multi-combination vehicle
work effectively with others to operate multi-combination vehicle in a way that meets all required outcomes
communicate clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to determine coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:
key legislation required to operate multi-combination vehicle
key policies, procedures and documentation required to operate multi-combination vehicle, including:
interpret and communicate work instructions and processes
apply problem solving skills to haulage operations issues
location of equipment relative to working environment
start up and shutdown procedures
technical information, including manufacturer manuals related to multi-combination vehicles/trailers, and their operations
principles and techniques for identifying and reporting faults in vehicles and ancillary equipment
principles and techniques for identifying relevant hazards and emergencies
techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.
Assessment Conditions
Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:
include access to:
personal protective equipment
equipment related to operating a multi-combination vehicle
relevant documentation
be conducted in a safe environment; and,
be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,
be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.
Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:
vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed
current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided
current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment
formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment
having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes
possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge
having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces
demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and
the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.
It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:
Industry sector | AQF indicator level*** | Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure | 1 | 1 year |
2 | 2 years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure | 3-6 | 3 years |
Other sectors | Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. | |
*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.
**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.
*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.
Foundation Skills
Reading | Identifies and interprets information from workplace procedures, documentation and regulations |
Self-management | Monitors and minimises own exposure to worksite risks and hazards during activities |