RIIVEH305F: Operate and Maintain a 4WD Vehicle

Course Elements:

Identify four-wheel drive specific terms, terminology and techniques;

• Access, interpret and apply four wheel drive vehicle documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant.
• Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional two wheel drive and a 4WD vehicle.
• Identify and demonstrate the purpose and use of front wheel hubs.
• Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating, and pressure.
• Identify, recovery hooks and mounting features.
• Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment.

Plan for minimal environmental impact;

• Determine types of impact likely to occur during four-wheel driving activities.
• Demonstrate compliance with land management principles and policies when planning exploration activities.
• Comply with policies and management plans relevant to the activity area.
• Plan and conduct activities in a manner which minimises environmental impact.
• Adopt and implement procedures to ensure minimisation of harm to the environment from 4WD activities.
• Demonstrate cooperation and consideration towards other land users.

Perform pre-departure checks;

• Perform pre-departure checks under the bonnet, under the body, on external & internal items and accessories.
• Take action to correct any deficiency.
• Determine food and water requirements for journey.
• Select navigation equipment.
• Interpret weather conditions, determine suitability for driving.
• Apply safe vehicle loading practices.
• Secure items of personal luggage.
• Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain.

Use four-wheel drive mode;

• Operate  4WD both on and off road, in accordance with road rules, principles of 4WD and WHS regulations.
• Apply smooth accelerator control strategies over a range of terrain types.
• Demonstrate recommended braking techniques for hard top surfaces and off road conditions.
• Identify situations where the engagement of four-wheel drive is required.
• Engage four-wheel drive mode.
• Survey track to identify hazards, asses risk and select a best route.
• Select routes to minimise damage to the environment.
• Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique, negotiate a range of terrain types whilst maintaining control of vehicle, being aware of contextual/environment issues.
• Maintain appropriate hand positioning on steering wheel.
• Check brakes & undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain.
• Assess and perform repairs to damaged tracks.
• Use standard operating procedures when travelling in company with other vehicles.

Coordinate and recover a vehicle (A4ADE will conduct vehicle recovery in accordance with company requirements);

• Apply work procedures to ensure risk assessment, safe operating practices, and communication requirements are adhered to.
• Identify equipment and methods to recover a stuck vehicle.
• Identify risks associated with vehicle recovery and develop and implement strategies to minimise risks.
• Identify correctly rated recovery equipment and attachment points.
• Demonstrate procedures for preparing vehicles for recovery.
• Identify techniques to minimise impact on the environment during vehicle recovery.
• Coordinate safe recovery of a four-wheel drive vehicle using designated equipment and recovery method.
• Perform post recovery checks and report any vehicle or environmental repairs needed.
• Return recovery equipment to a reusable condition.

Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four-wheel drive vehicles;

• Select/access maintenance equipment, including spares and fluids, prior to departure, considering contextual issues of the trip
• Check vehicles prior to trip, and perform routine maintenance/repair tasks and submit vehicle written performance reports
• Demonstrate safe use of a jack to change a wheel on a four-wheel drive vehicle.