Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads safely, in accordance with relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority licence requirements and regulations for heavy vehicles. It includes maintaining systematic and efficient control of all vehicle functions, monitoring traffic and road conditions, managing vehicle condition and performance, and effectively managing hazardous situations while operating a heavy vehicle on unsealed surfaces. Operation of a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads involves the application of routine vehicle driving principles and procedures to maintain the safety and operation of a heavy vehicle across a variety of driving contexts and job roles. Operation of a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads is performed with limited or minimum supervision, and with accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA | ||
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Anticipate and transfer from sealed to unsealed road surfaces | 1.1 | Unsealed road surfaces are identified by sight |
1.2 | Adjustments are made to driving techniques before unsealed surface is encountered | ||
1.3 | Vehicle speed and line are adjusted for smooth transition from sealed to unsealed surfaces | ||
1.4 | Control of vehicle is maintained throughout transition | ||
1.5 | Appropriate signage and lights are checked for operational effectiveness on exiting sealed surfaces | ||
1.6 | While entering unsealed surfaces, heavy vehicle is managed and operated to ensure effective vehicle control | ||
2 | Operate heavy vehicle on unsealed surfaces | 2.1 | Engine power is managed to ensure efficiency and performance and to minimise engine and transmission damage when operating on unsealed surfaces |
2.2 | Braking system of heavy vehicle is managed and operated to ensure effective vehicle control while operating on unsealed surfaces | ||
2.3 | Driving hazards on unsealed surfaces are identified and/or anticipated and avoided or controlled through defensive driving techniques | ||
2.4 | Appropriate procedures are followed in a driving emergency | ||
2.5 | Surrounding environmental sensitivity is considered when operating heavy vehicle on unsealed roads | ||
3 | Anticipate and transfer from unsealed to sealed road surfaces | 3.1 | Sealed road surfaces are identified by sight |
3.2 | Adjustments are made to driving techniques before sealed surface is encountered | ||
3.3 | Vehicle speed and line are adjusted for smooth transition from unsealed to sealed surfaces | ||
3.4 | Control of vehicle is maintained throughout transition | ||
3.5 | Appropriate signage and lights are checked for operational effectiveness on exiting unsealed surfaces | ||
3.6 | While exiting unsealed and sealed surfaces, heavy vehicle is managed and operated to ensure effective vehicle control | ||
3.7 | Heavy vehicle is inspected and cleared of road debris prior to re-entering sealed surfaces |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include: |
applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures demonstrating low-risk driving behaviours identifying awareness of environmental sensitivities when driving on unsealed roads identifying techniques for entering and exiting sealed and unsealed road surfaces implementing contingency plans modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments monitoring and anticipating traffic hazards and taking appropriate action monitoring performance of vehicle, its trailers and its equipment and taking appropriate action as required reading and interpreting instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the driving of a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads. |
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of: |
differences between transmission types driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques efficient driving techniques engine power management and safe driving strategies heavy vehicle handling procedures principles of operation of air brakes and procedures for their use relevant road-bridge classification of unsealed roads relevant state/territory road traffic authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations workplace driving and operational instructions. |
Assessment Conditions
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment. As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment. Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions. Practical driving aspects must be assessed in a vehicle typical of one of the following classes: medium rigid heavy rigid heavy combination multi Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate. Resources for assessment include: a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry. A simulator/online assessment is not suitable for the final assessment of this unit of competency. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.
Non-essential conditions can be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
C – Vehicle Operation