Operate in the Field 4WD Course (COM2)
Course Units
Who is this training right for?
The courses include managing the risks associated with 4WD vehicles, proper preparation, and an in-depth technical understanding of off-road driving and recovery techniques. 4WD vehicle operators who are likely to encounter varying terrain on unsealed roads as a critical part of their role.
It is suited for the mining, oil and gas, construction, agricultural and environmental sector.
Two-Day Course (COM2)
Duration: 2 Days
AIM
To improve the skills and knowledge required to safely operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle across a number of industries, whether on sealed or unsealed roads, traversing gradients, ascending and descending steep gradients, and operating in rugged terrain or inclement weather.
It involves the application of a four wheel drive vehicles operating systems, principles and procedures for responsible operation of a four wheel drive vehicle across a variety of on-road and off-road contexts, including using vehicle equipment/controls and completing pre-start and post-operational checks safely in accordance with the manufacturers requirements.
It applies to those working 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, where driving is performed with limited supervision, and with duty of care responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.
For private bookings client specific information can be included in the presentation.
Students will receive a digital Statement of Attainment upon successful completion.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students must be 17 years of age or over and hold a valid AU/NZ Drivers Licence (Class C) or equivalent.
Licences must be presented to the assessor prior to the commencement of the course.
If you are still on a provisional licence, you must bring your own P plates to be displayed on the vehicle during your individual practical on-road assessment.
Please advise when booking if you hold an extraordinary licence as other conditions may apply.
Students will be required to provide their Unique Student Identifier (USI) number prior to the commencement of the course.
Students are required to wear comfortable and appropriate attire for outdoor activities, including flat enclosed shoes.
LEARNING OUTCOME
- Identify four wheel drive specific terms, terminology and techniques
- Plan for minimal environmental impact.
- Plan and prepare for light vehicle and four wheel drive operations
- Prepare vehicle and secure load
- Perform pre-departure checks.
- Undertake journey
- Use four wheel drive mode.
- Coordinate and recover a vehicle.
- Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four wheel drive vehicles.
- Operate four wheel drive vehicles
- Operate light vehicle
- Operate vehicles on or across a gradient
- Operate vehicle ascending a steep gradient
- Operate vehicle descending a steep gradient
- Operate vehicle in rugged terrain
- Complete post-operations check
- Finalise journey
- Maintain vehicle safety
- Carry out operator maintenance
CONTENT
- Key legislation required to operate a vehicle
- Performing pre-departure and post-operational checks
- Undertaking checks and inspections to confirm vehicles, loads, ancillary equipment and supplies meet safety, maintenance and operability requirements
- Fatigue management techniques
- Refuelling procedures
- Loading and offloading procedures
- Principles and techniques for securing loads
- Equipment and trailer types, characteristics, uses and limitations
- Selecting and programming navigation equipment
- Operate communication and recovery equipment
- Operating a four wheel drive vehicle on and off road
- Applying correct braking techniques according to terrain
- Applying defensive driving techniques appropriate to all legal requirements and range of conditions including:
- Four wheel drive and conventional vehicles
- Night and day
- On and off road
- Changing terrain and conditions
- Wet and dry
- Engaging four wheel drive mode
- Selecting routes and applying techniques to minimise damage to the environment
- Identifying and using multiple types of recovery equipment
- Performing recovery of a four wheel drive
- Operating a jack to support a four wheel drive on unstable ground
- Applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
- Problem solving skills for operation and maintenance of a four wheel drive vehicle
- How to distinguish between causes of vehicle problems/alarms/fault indications
- Handover procedures
- Communicate with team and supervisors
- Common technical information, including manufacturer manuals related to the operation and maintenance of a four wheel drive vehicle
- Tyre management principles
- Travelling in convoy
- Hazards associated with vehicle recovery.
- Principles and techniques for identifying relevant hazards and emergencies
- Demonstrating low-risk driving behaviours
- Implementing contingency plans
- Using and adjusting vehicle equipment and controls as required
- Effect of hard surface driving (such as transmission windup) on a four wheel drive system
