Elements and Performance Criteria

A front end loader is a self-propelled wheeled machine with an integral front-mounted bucket-supporting structure and linkage with integral quick coupler. It loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges material

Front end loader tasks are to include mixing materials, stripping/spreading topsoil and materials, loading, cutting/boxing, backfilling, lifting and carrying materials

Attachments are to include a bucket (general purpose or multi purpose) and may include rippers/scarifiers

Operator maintenance is to include cleaning, authorised servicing and the monitoring, recording and reporting of faults. It may also include the conduct of authorised minor replacements and the provision of assistance to maintenance personnel during maintenance and repair activities


OH&S requirements are to be in accordance with State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan. This may include protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of first aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices

Safe operating procedures are to include but not be limited to recognising and preventing hazards associated with underground and overhead services, other machines, personnel, restricted access barriers, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public

Safe parking practices are to include but not be limited to ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/ machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement

Hazards and risks may include but not be limited to uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials

Emergency procedures related to this unit are to include but may not be limited to emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation


Environmental requirements are to include but are not limited to organisational/project environmental management plan, waste management, water quality protection, noise, vibration, dust and clean-up management


Quality requirements may include but not be limited to dimensions, tolerances, standards of work and material standards as detailed in the project drawings, specifications and project documentation to meet client satisfaction


State/Regulatory Authorities may include Federal, State and Local Authorities


Materials may include but are not limited to clays, silts, stone, gravel, mud, rock, sand, topsoil, blended materials, organic materials, typical construction materials/waste and bituminous mixes

Rock types may include metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary


Tools and equipment are to include hand tools, lifting and maintenance equipment relevant to the integrated tool carrier


Communications are to include but not be limited to verbal instructions and fault reporting and may include two way radio, hand signals, mobile phone, site specific instructions, written instructions or instructions related to job/task

On site meeting processes may include notification/ scheduling (time, place, purpose), task discussions and local coordination of procedural and operational issues


Information sources may include but not be limited to verbal or written and graphical instructions, signage, work schedules/plans/specifications, work bulletins, charts and hand drawings, memos, maps, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and diagrams or sketches

Safe work procedures related to the operation of front end loaders on construction sites

Regulatory/legislative requirements pertaining to front end loader operations and the environment

Manufacturers' specifications and instructions

Organisation work specifications and requirements.

Instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel

Relevant Australian Standards

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Location, interpretation and application of relevant information, standards and specifications
Compliance with site safety plan, OH&S regulations and State/Territory legislation applicable to workplace operations
Compliance with organisational policies and procedures including quality requirements
The conduct of front end loader operations are to be performed in a minimum of two different soil types and are to include the mandatory tasks of mixing materials, stripping/spreading topsoil and materials, loading, cutting/boxing, backfilling, lifting and carrying materials (as per the Range Statement)
The application of emergency procedures
The conduct of authorised operator maintenance
Communication and working effectively and safely with others

Relationship to other units
Pre-requisite units are:
BCCCM1001C Follow OH&S policies and procedures
Competency in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other functional units which together form part of the holistic work role

The context of assessment
The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated construction site
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements

Methods of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Building and Construction industry's Civil Construction Training Package and relevant NOHSC standards where they apply
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on underpinning knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of key competencies
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the essential underpinning knowledge
Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency, including those listed above

Specific resource requirements for this unit
The following resources should be made available:
workplace location or simulated workplace
an operational front end loader with lifting equipment
realistic tasks covering the mandatory task requirements
maintenance materials appropriate to the front end loader equipment
specifications and work instructions