LEARNER

GUIDE

Front-End
Loader/Backhoe

National Guidelines for

PO Box 2026
Occupational Health & Safety
Mountain Gate VIC 3156 Competency Standards for the
p: 03 9763 5449 Operation of Loadshifting &
Equipment & Other Types of
ABN: 37 106 951 900
Specified Equipment
RTO: 21396
 Assessor Guidelines – Specific (Performance Assessment)
ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT – SPECIATIONS

The performance assessment covers the following Loadshift elements:

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1 & 3.2

1. This assessment requires the 2. Prior learning & experience

operator to check the 2.1 An applicant who holds a
equipment, plan the work and front-end loader,
to safely and competently excavator, dragline or
operate the front-end dozer certificate do not
loader/backhoe. require assessment in
sections 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9.
The Assessment is performed in 2.2 Applicant who produces
ten sections: satisfactory documentary
evidence (such as a log
1.1 Conduct routine pre-
book) which establishes 50
operational check front-
days experience in front-
end loader/backhoe,
end loader/backhoe
equipment and the security
operations specifically
of attachments.
covering competencies
1.2 Inspect the site, plan work
tested in sections 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
and select and fit
and 9 does not require
appropriate attachments.
assessment in these
1.3 Conduct pre-operational
sections.
and post start up checks.
1.4 Drive to the work area.
3. The performance assessment
1.5 Set up machine and
can be conducted at any
excavate a trench.
location which has:
1.6 Use the front-end
 Sufficient clear space to
loader/backhoe as a crane
operate the machine
1.7 Backfill the trench and load
 Ground suitable for
or simulate lading a truck.
excavating
1.8 Consolidate and level a
surface.
1.9 Pick up and shift material in
the bucket.
1.10 Shut down equipment and
secure site.

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June

1995
 4. Equipment and Resources 8. Safety of personnel:
Required: When an applicant is working
 Front-End dangerously, recklessly or
loader/backhoe and without the necessary co-
equipment. ordination, the assessor must
 A write rope sling, chain direct the applicant to cease
sling, shackle and a work and terminate those parts
fibre rope tag line. of the assessment immediately.
 Suitable loads to sling
(such as a bundle of 9. The items in the shaded boxes
timber and a concrete are critical importance. Failing
pipe). to get any of these correct
 Suitable site on which to means that the competency
use the front-end has not been achieved.
loader/backhoe and
equipment to excavate 10. Where an applicant is assessed
and backfill a trench, as ‘Not Yet Competent’ he/she
use the front-end must be informed of the
loader/backhoe in the reason(s) in order to gain
crane mode and to further appropriate training.
load or simulate loading
of a truck. 11. The full performance
5. Unless other arrangements are assessment can take up to 1
agreed to by the assessor, it will hour and 30 minutes.
be responsibility of the
applicant, applicants employer 12. The general assessment
or trainer to provide the requirements are set out in the
required equipment and Assessor’s guidelines – general.
resources.
13. The applicant’s competence in
6. To be assessed, an applicant each unit is to be summarised
must wear: for both performance and
 Safety helmet (where knowledge on the summary
required) sheet. Competence is
 Appropriate footwear achieved for a unit when the
 Other protective required number of boxes for
clothing and that unit have been ticked or
equipment as marked as ‘NA’.
appropriate
Overall competence is
7. The performance of each achieved when competence
applicant is to be recorded to in all units has been assessed.
the assessors checklist.

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June

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Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June
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Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June
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Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June
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 Conduct Routine Checks:

Performance Criteria 1.1.1 and Checks other equipment for

1.1.2 defects:

1. Conducts routine checks on  Wire slings

vehicle equipment:
 Chain slings
 Tyre condition &  Shackles
inflation
 Other Gear
Checks liquid levels: Checks attachments for
security
 Fuel
 Hydraulic Oil Performance Criteria 1.2.1, 1.2.3
and 1.2.5
 Engine Oil 2. Inspects site and plans work:
 Battery Identifies Hazards:
 Coolant
 Power lines
Checks structure for defects:  Phone Lines
 Service drains
 Damaged or broken
parts  Obstructions
 Loose nuts, bolts and Access and path of movement
couplings is indicated:

 To work area
Checks attachment for defects:
 For loads
 Damage Fits appropriate equipment:
 Bucket for missing, work
or loose teeth  Suitable tools used
 Hoses, fittings, hydraulic  Secures catches
rams for oil leaks
 Correct procedure
 Connections for missing adopted
pins or keepers
 Works safely
 Grease holes and
grease pins

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June

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 Performance Criteria 1.3.1
 Secures and mounts
3. Conducts pre-operations and
backhoe seat
post start-up checks in
accordance with  Check controls
manufacturers  Lowers stabilisers (lowest
specifications/operating side first)
manual
 Back wheels of ground
 Mounts correctly Smoothly operates
 Adjusts seat controls

 In neutral  Tackles task in logical

sequence
 Warning device
 Engine start  Uses sufficient revs for
work
 Gauges  Uses correct bucket
 Warm-up allowed angle
 Attachment movement  Crowds sufficiently to fill
Clear for travel bucket
 Foot brake Deposits full buckets of
 Holding brake soil
Deposits soil away from
 Steering trench

SHIFT LOAD: Keeps persons out of

Performance Criteria 2.1.1 & 2.1.3 operating radius
4. Drives to the work area:  Cuts trench to
 Raises attachments specifications
smoothly  Demonstrates digging
 Secures backhoe around a pipe
bucket
Ensures travel direction Performance Criteria 2.1.2
clear 6. Operates front-end
loader/backhoe as a crane:
 Selects appropriate
route  Checks sling
Travels at safe speed attachment point
 Establishes weight of
5. Sets up backhoe and load
excavates:
Position backhoe
 Load not more than
SWL for the operation
competently
Applies brake
 Selects appropriate
slings and gear
Lowers bucket
 Raises bucket to
connect load

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June

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  Supervises correct 8. Consolidates and levels
slinging of the load surface:

 Ensures tag line  Consolidates fill with

connected (if required) loader

 Trial lifts load  Levels surface with

Moves load to hand bucket blade
signals  Leaves excess fill for
Moves load safely natural compaction
Lowers load to  Maintains level surface
designated location to work from

7. Backfills trench and loads 9. Picks up and shifts material in

truck: the bucket:
 Bucket at correct level  Picks up material
and angle
 Shifts material in bucket
 Uses sufficient revs and
speed Performance criteria 2.1.1, 2.1.4,
 Avoids excessive wheel 2.1.5 and 2.1.6
spin General performance sections of 4,
5, 6, 7, 8 and
 Crowds bucket to fill 9
Ensures direction of
travel clear 10. Operates front-end
 Travels with bucket low loader/backhoe as a crane:
Acceptable and safe  Equipment suitable for
speed the work
 Minimises spillage and  Machine suitable for
ground damage ground conditions
 Uses appropriate path Competently shifts
of travel material
 Approaches trench or Equipment operated at
truck correctly a safe speed
Smoothly raises and Signals are interpreted
dumps load and observed
 Repositions bucket  Loads placed to ensure
ready for reload stability
 Maintains stockpile and  Loads placed to avoid
working surface causing hazard

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June

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 SHUT DOWN EQUIPMENT AND
SECURE SITE
Performance Criteria 3.1.1, 3.1.2
and 3.2.1
11. Shuts down equipment and
secures site:
Parks equipment:
 Machine parked in
suitable area
Attachments lowered
to ground
 Cutting edge of bucket
on ground

Shuts down equipment:

 Neutralises controls
Applies holding break
 Idles to stop, locks
ignition
 Moves controls to
release pressure
Applies safety lock
(where applicable)

Avoid hazards:
Parks away from
danger areas
 Removes keys
 Locks cabin (if
applicable)

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June

1995
 Assessor Guidelines – Specific (Knowledge Assessment)
ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT – SPECIATIONS

The performance assessment covers the following Load shift elements:

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1 & 3.2

1. Knowledge assessment for Front-end

Unit 2.0
Loader/Backhoe is divided into three
units and seventeen sections 2.1 Shift load
(performance criteria 1.1.1, 1.1.2 etc).
2.1.1 (select 1)
2. To satisfy the requirements for
competency the applicant must 2.1.2 (select 3)
correctly answer (either in writing or
2.1.3 (select 1)
orally) the specified number of
questions in each of the following 2.1.5 (select 1)
sections:
2.1.7 (select 2)
Unit 1.0
Unit 3.0
1.1 Conduct routine checks
3.1 Shut down equipment
1.1.1 (select 4)
3.1.1 (select 1)
1.1.2 (select 1)
3.1.3 (select 1)
1.2 Plan work
3.2 Secure site
1.2.1 (select 2)
3.2.1 (select 1)
1.2.2 (select 3)
3. Prior learning and experience:
1.2.3 (select 1)
An applicant who holds a front-end
1.2.4 (select 1) loader, excavator, dragline or dozer
certificate who answers questions for
1.2.5 (select 1)
performance criteria 1.1.1, 2.1.2 and 2.1.5
1.3 Check controls and equipment satisfactorily is not required to complete
the rest of the assessment.
1.3.1 (select 1)
4. The full knowledge assessment of
1.3.2 (select 1) twenty six questions can take up to
thirty minutes.

5. The items in the shaded boxes are of

critical importance. Failing to get any

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June 1995

 of these correct means that 6. What safety precautions should be
competency has not been achieved. taken to inflate split rim wheels?

6. The applicant's competence in each Do not stand in front of the wheel

unit is to be summarised for both
performance and knowledge on the and inflate tyre in a cage if
summary sheet. Competence is available.
achieved for a unit when the required
7. Is it permissible to join a chain sling
number of boxes for that unit have
with a bolt?
been ticked or marked `N/A'.
No.
Overall competence is achieved
when competence in all units has 8. What % of broken wires within a lay or
been assessed. in eight diameters of a wire rope sing
would cause it to be discarded?
CONDUCT ROUTINE CHECKS:
Performance criteria 1.1.1 (select 4 10% of the wires.
including 1 with a shaded box)

1. What precaution must be taken when Performance criteria 1.1.2 (select 1)

inspecting under a raised
attachment? 9. What must be done to a lowered
backhoe bucket before travelling?
Provision provided to prevent
attachment descending. Raise the bucket and secure it.

2. Name three defects to look for in the 10. What shall be provided on a front-
hydraulic system. end loader/backhoe before it is used
as a crane?
Oil leaks, loose connections, splits,
fractures or bulges in hoses. Special provision to attach the
slings to and the SWL marked on
3. When should slings be inspected? the equipment.

Prior to their use. (AS1666)

4. What % wear in a shackle would PLAN WORK:

cause it to be discarded? Performance criteria 1.2.1 (select 2)

10% wear.
11. In built-up areas what checks should
5. Briefly describe how you would be made before excavating?
check the air pressure of water filled
tyres. Check for power, telephone, gas or

Check with the valve at the top of drainage lines.

the wheel.
12. What would you refer to in order to
establish the location of underground
services?

Supply authority or council maps.

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June 1995
13. Name two methods that you would 20. What is the minimum type of
use to prevent a cave in of a trench footwear that an operator should
or excavation? wear to operate loadshifting
equipment?
Shoring, battering or benching.
Non-slip footwear that encloses the
14. If you accidentally damaged an foot.
underground electrical cable who
would you immediately contact to
render the power supply safe?
Performance criteria 1.2.3 (select 1)
The electrical supply authority.
21. Which is the preferred route of travel,
diagonally across or directly down
sloping surface?
Performance criteria 1.2.2 (select 3
including 1 with a shaded box) Directly down the sloping surface.

15. What shall be provided to prevent a 22. What gear should be selected to
person falling into a trench? travel down a steep sloping surface?

Barricades or guardrails or fencing. A low gear. The gear required to

climb the sloping surface.

16. When should ear protection be worn?

Performance criteria 1.2.4 (select 1)
Where the noise could contribute
to the loss of hearing. 23. What would you be required to
obtain from the Relevant Authority to
operate a machine in a hazardous
working area?
17. What is the danger of loading a truck
across a sloping surface? The required permits.
The loader could overturn. 24. What Government licence do you
require to drive a front-end
18. When should an operator wear a
loader/backhoe over 4.5 tonnes on a
safety helmet?
public road?
Where the person could be struck
The appropriate heavy vehicle
on the head.
licences.
19. In doubtful soil, what depth trench is
required to be shored before it is
entered?

Trenches over 1.5m deep.

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June 1995

Performance criteria 1.2.5 (select 1) SHIFT LOAD:
Performance criteria 2.1.1 (select 1)
25. What attachment would you use to
break up reinforced concrete?
30. Is it permissible to hoist persons with
Hydraulic hammer attachment. the bucket of a front-end
loader/backhoe?
26. When a front-end loader/backhoe
is used in a demolition process what No.
shall be provided to the machine to
protect the operator? 31. Is it permissible to attach slings to the
teeth of the bucket?
An overhead protective structure.
(AS 2601) No.

CHECK CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT: Performance criteria 2.1.2 (select 3)

Performance Criteria 1.3.1 (select 1)
32. What effect would sloping ground
have on the load that you would
27. What action would you take if you hoist and carry with the front-end
noticed a bulge form in a hydraulic loader/backhoe?
hose?
It would reduce the load that
Replace the hose before the could be safely carried.
machine is used.
33. What is the approximate weight of
28. When should tests, checks and cubic metre of concrete?
inspections be made by the
operator on the front-end 2.4 tonnes.
loader/backhoe that is to be
34. What is the approximate SWL of a
operated?
12mm diameter wire rope?
Daily before use.
12 x 12 x 8 = 1152kg.

35. Of topsoil or clay which is more

Performance criteria 1.3.2 (select 1) cohesive and harder to excavate,
push and spread?
29. What action would you take with
damage and defects found on the Clay.
machine?
36. What effect does a choker hitch
Report the damage and defects to around a square load have on the
authorised person and ensure SWL for the sling?
safety is not jeopardised.
Reduces the SWL by 50%.

37. State the rule of thumb formula to

calculate the SWL of wire rope.

Diameter in mm squared x 8 = SWL

in kgs.

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June 1995

Performance criteria 2.1.3 (select 1) 44. If the machine contacted a live
power line which could not be
38. Before reversing the machine what released or the power turned off, how
precaution should be taken? would you dismount the machine?

Ensure the direction of travel is Jump clear ensuring contact with

the ground and machine is not at
clear.
the same time.
39. What is the added danger when a
45. If the slings shifted on a load being
trench is under cut?
hoisted, what action would you take?
The trench is more likely to cave in.
Stop the crane, warn people in the
area, then carefully lower the load
and have the slings re-positioned
Performance criteria 2.1.5 (select 1) and secured.

40. Applicant to state the meaning of the SHUT DOWN EQUIPMENT:

hand signal for "hoisting lower" Performance criteria 3.1.1 (select 1)
demonstrated by the assessor.

Hoisting lower. 46. Name three areas where you would

not park the front-end
41. Applicant to state the meaning of the loader/backhoe.
hand signal for "hoisting raise"
demonstrated by the assessor. Access ways, near overhangs,
refuelling sites, tidal or flood areas,
Hoisting raise. adjacent to an excavation.

42. Applicant to state the meaning of the 47. When leaving the loadshifting
hand signal of "stop" demonstrated equipment what should be done with
by the assessor. all hydraulically raised attachments?

Stop. Attachments lowered and pressure

removed from hydraulic lines.

Performance criteria 2.1.7 (select 2)

Performance criteria 3.1.3 (select 1)
43. What action would you take if a
hydraulic hose sprung a leak while 48. What post-operational checks should
the bucket was raised? be carried out by the operator on the
front-end loader/backhoe to prepare
Lower bucket and have repairs
it ready to be reoperated?
carried out.
Check the structure and equipment
for defects and wear and the oil,
fuel and water levels.

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June 1995

SECURE SITE:
Performance criteria 3.2.1 (select 1)

49. What shall be provided when a front-

end loader/backhoe has to be
parked on or protrudes onto an
access way?

Barricades, lights and signs.

50. For what reason should the key be

removed from the ignition of the
machine?

To prevent unauthorised
movement.

51. Before leaving the site what must be

provided to restrict access to the site?

Barricades or fences.

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June 1995

 Unit Form of Total Number of Number of Were all Assessment
assessment number of boxes boxes critical standard
boxes in given or required to boxes given requirement
the NA meet or NA? s achieved *
assessme standard
nt

Performance 40 36 Yes No Yes No

Knowledge 15 10 Yes No Yes No

Assessment completed within time allowed Yes No NA

Performance 59 54 Yes No Yes No

Knowledge 8 5 Yes No Yes No

Assessment completed within time allowed Yes No NA

Performance 11 9 Yes No Yes No

Knowledge 3 2 Yes No Yes No

Assessment completed within time allowed Yes No NA

*Performance standard = Number of items required to meet standard

(including all critical boxes)
Knowledge standard = Number of questions required to meet standard
(including all critical boxes)

Summary
Candidate is:
 COMPETENT Date:_____________________________________________
 NOT YET COMPETENT
Name of Assessor:__________________________________ Signature: ____________________________

Name of Candidate_______________________________ Signature: ____________________________

Comments/feedback:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Front-End Loader/Backhoe Learner Guide June

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1995
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