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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare machinery and equipment for use
  2. Operate machinery and equipment
  3. Check and complete machinery and equipment operation

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in the operation of machinery and equipment requires evidence of the ability to select and utilise various features and controls of a range of machinery and equipment to carry out tasks It involves the ability to carry out work and maintenance plans determine appropriate operating methods carry out routine maintenance and basic repairs report faults and workplace hazards monitor operation and maintain records Evidence must also be demonstrated in safe workplace and environmentally responsible practices The skills and knowledge required to operate machinery and equipment must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different machinery and equipment workplaces and conditions of use

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

Manufacturers specifications for servicing of machinery and equipment

Operating principles and operating methods for machinery and equipment

Principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and machinery movement

Procedures for cleaning securing and storing machinery equipment and materials

Potential risks and hazards associated with the operation of machinery and equipment

Legislation regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to workplace OHS and the use and control of hazardous substances

Relevant StateTerritory legislation regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to licensing roads and traffic requirements

Environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with the operation of machinery and equipment

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

Operate machinery and equipment to industry standards

Demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

Read and interpret manufacturers specifications work and maintenance plans and Material Safety Data Sheets

Interpret and apply instructions communicate with work team and supervisor record and report equipment faults workplace hazards and accidents

Measure and calculate volumes consumption and servicing requirements

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information and ideas with regard to machinery and equipment safety procedures and their application may be discussed with colleagues and the supervisor

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information with regard to the performance and efficiency of machinery and equipment may be observed and recorded for analysis and organised by reports

How are activities planned and organised

Activities involving maintenance and repairs to machinery and equipment may be planned and coordinated around work schedules or sequenced as required

How can team work be applied

Team work may be applied in methods and procedures to complete maintenance and job functions to achieve work plan requirements

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematics may be applied in the calculation and measurement of load weights distance consumption and oil and fuel requirements

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Machinery and equipment breakdown faults or malfunctions will need to be arranged for repair or replacement to achieve work plan requirements

How can the use of technology be applied

To communicate measure and record information with regard to maintenance usage and performance of machinery and equipment

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet


Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available

What range of machinery and equipment may be applicable to this standard?

Hydraulic equipment, stationary engines, spraying equipment, stump grinders, mulchers and chippers equipment, powered trailer and three point linkage equipment. Excludes chainsaws, tractors, vehicles and earth moving equipment.

What may be included in a work plan?

Pre-operational and safety checks, routine maintenance procedures, designated job tasks, equipment, resources and materials for use, supervisors instructions, timeframe for work completion and reporting requirements.

What may be involved in routine pre-operational checks of machinery and equipment?

Pre-start and safety checks including the service and maintenance of cooling system.

Checking fuel, oils and lubricants, electrolyte levels, wheels, tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting, and transmission.

Inspection of safety guards, PTO stubs and shafts, and hitch and towing points.

Checking and confirming equipment calibration settings and operating methods for turbo-charged engines.

Observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation.

Preparation of independently powered tools may include cleaning, priming, tightening, basic repairs and adjustments.

Identify and segregate unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement.

What enterprise requirements may apply to this standard?

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), industry standards, production schedules, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), work notes, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), OHS procedures, supervisors oral or written instructions, work and routine maintenance plans.

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

Systems and procedures for:

the safe operation and maintenance, machinery and equipment including hydraulics, and guarding of exposed moving parts.

hazard identification, assessment and reporting.

emergency operating and defensive driving procedures.

ensuring working loads are secure and within working specifications.

safe lifting, carrying and handling.

appropriate use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment.

outdoor work including protection from solar radiation.

passengers only been carried where there is a seat provided by manufacturer.

protection of people in the workplace.

protection from hazardous noise, mechanical vibration, and organic and other dusts.

What OHS hazards may be encountered in the workplace?

This may include exposure to loud noise and fumes, solar radiation, dust, ergonomic hazards associated with posture and vibration, hazardous substances (fuel, oils, fertiliser), oil and grease spills. It may also include the presence of bystanders, livestock and wildlife, difficult terrain and varying gradients, potholes, ditches, gullies, embankments, obstacles (rocks, logs, fences, debris, buildings), extreme weather conditions, electricity, overhead powerlines, mechanical malfunctions and exposed moving parts, and other machinery including hydraulics.

How might safe and controlled operation of machinery and equipment be demonstrated?

This may include:

Appropriate selection and use of machinery and equipment.

Using operational techniques for the specific terrain (on and off-road environments) and weather conditions.

Maintaining working loads within specifications including ensuring hitch-points are operated at the correct height..

What personal protective clothing and equipment may be relevant to this standard?

Boots, hat/hard hat, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What environmental implications may be associated with the operation of machinery and equipment?

Negative environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions, the incorrect use and disposal of maintenance debris (oils containers, chemical residues), and hazardous substances (fuel, fertiliser). Impacts may also include run-off flows of water and cleaning agents from servicing, maintenance and cleaning activities, soil disturbance and dust problems from high speed and frequent traffic (including irrigation equipment).

What procedures may be included in the shut-down of machinery and equipment?

Safe dismount procedures (including turning engine off), maintaining a clear thoroughfare, parking away from hazards, securing, engaging handbrake, removing keys, refuelling and cleaning.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.