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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for excavator operations
   • Access, interpret and apply excavator operations documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Identify and address risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Obtain, identify and implement traffic management signage requirements
   • Select, and check for faults, equipment and/or attachments for work activities
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
2. Operate excavator
   • Carry out pre-start, start-up, park, shutdown and secure equipment procedures
   • Coordinate activities with others at the site prior to commencement of, and during, the work activity
   • Continually monitor hazards and risks, and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
   • Drive and operate excavator, and modify the operating technique to meet changing work conditions
3. Lift, carry and place materials
   • Conduct communication practices associated with transportation and lifting of materials
   • Establish weight of load and ensure it is within safe operational limits of the machine
   • Select, attach and use slings and lifting gear in accordance with safe working load requirements
   • Position machinery and ensure stability and locate to effectively shift materials according to job specifications
   • Shift load safely and effectively
   • Move load using hand/audible/communication signals
4. Select, remove and fit attachments
   • Select attachment for the task
   • Remove and fit attachment according to manufacturer's manual and site requirements
   • Test attachment and ensure correct fitting and operation
   • Use attachment in accordance with recommendations and design limits
   • Remove, clean and store attachments in designated location
5. Prepare to relocate the excavator
   • Prepare excavator for relocation
   • Move excavator safely within and/or between work areas, observing relevant codes and traffic management requirements
   • Load and unload machine from float/trailer
6. Carry out machine operator maintenance
   • Prepare machine for maintenance
   • Conduct inspection and fault finding
   • Carry out scheduled maintenance tasks
   • Process written maintenance records
7. Conduct housekeeping activities
   • Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials
   • Process records

Performance Evidence

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of excavator operations including:

conducting prestart checks prior to commencing operations and shutdown procedures on completion of operations

driving and operating the equipment to site conditions

applying safe work practices and identifying and reporting all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues

applying problem solving and troubleshooting techniques

applying levelling techniques

selecting and using the required tools and equipment

working safely around other machines and personnel

safely parking and securing equipment

applying methods of changing machine attachments

works effectively with others to undertake and complete excavator operations that meet all of the required outcomes including:

using a range of communications techniques and equipment to convey information to others

maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

organising work activities to meet all task requirements

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

demonstrates completion of conducting civil construction excavator operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

completing operations to specification using a variety of material types and activities including:

loading, cutting/boxing

stripping/spreading

lifting and carrying materials

bulk excavation

mixing/backfilling

trench excavation

stockpiling

battering

benching

site clean up

fitting and removal of a variety of attachments selected from the following:

tilt bucket

buckets

lifting device

vibrating compaction wheel

ripper/tyne

compaction plate

compaction wheel

rock breaker

auger

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following when conducting civil construction excavator operations:

ground conditions

isolation procedures

equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

preparartion for fire/accident/emergency

signs of operator fatigue and how it should be managed

drawings and sketches

site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

civil construction terminology

project quality requirements

basic principles of soil technology and soil compaction for civil works

basic earthworks calculations

Civil construction activity sequences of road construction, earthworks and drainage

vehicle refuelling requirements and procedures

using methods for calculating safe working loads

operational, maintenance and basic diagnostics

housekeeping activities

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