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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for operation
   • Identify and select appropriate tractor, machinery or equipment according to job requirements and work plan.
   • Complete routine pre-operational checks and preparations of tractors, machinery or equipment prior to use according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.
   • Calibrate equipment or set it and attach components or implements for operation.
   • Identify and select attached equipment appropriate to work requirements, check it for safety and set it for operation.
   • Identify and report tractor, machinery and equipment faults or malfunctions according to enterprise requirements.
   • Identify OH&S hazards in the work area, assess risk and report to the supervisor or designated person according to enterprise procedures.
2. Operate tractor, machinery or equipment
   • Recognise and avoid risks to self, others and the environment according to OH&S and enterprise requirements.
   • Select, use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment according to OH&S and enterprise requirements.
   • Operate the tractor, machinery or equipment in a safe and controlled manner and monitor it for performance and efficiency.
   • Identify, anticipate and control hazards through the application of safe practices, including defensive driving techniques for tractors.
   • Identify environmental factors which may impact on the operation of tractors, machinery or equipment and follow relevant enterprise procedures.
3. Complete and check tractor, machinery and equipment operation
   • Conduct shut-down procedures according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise requirements.
   • Detail and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage to tractor, machinery or equipment and attach equipment according to enterprise requirements.
   • Clean and decontaminate, secure and store tractor, machinery or equipment where necessary, according to enterprise and OH&S requirements.
   • Maintain operational reports to industry standards according to enterprise requirements.

Required Skills

Not applicable

Evidence Required

Essential Knowledge and Skills to Be Assessed

Knowledge and skills in the following areas must be assessed as part of this unit

components controls features and operational functions of tractors machinery or equipment

steering systems and features

attached equipment features and operational functions and procedures

operating principles and methods for tractors machinery or equipment

manufacturers specifications for servicing tractors machinery or equipment

load limits and the principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and movement

procedures for cleaning securing and storing tractors machinery or equipment

potential risks and hazards associated with operation

environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with the operation of tractors machinery or equipment

effects of adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions on operation

environmental codes of practice with regard to machinery operation

OHampS legislative requirements hazard identification and risk assessment

relevant legislation with regard to machinery operation and licensing requirements

OHampS codes of practice including the use and control of hazardous substances

Linkages to Other Units

This unit has linkages to the following units and combined training and assessment may be appropriate

THCSTSA Use small plant and equipment

THCSTS03A Use small plant and equipment

THCGTMA Plan and implement environmentally responsible practices

THCGTM15A Plan and implement environmentally responsible practices

Critical Aspects of Assessment

Evidence of the following is critical

ability to steer manoeuvre and position tractor machinery or equipment in a smooth and controlled manner

safe and effective operation of tractors machinery or equipment in adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions

safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

Context of Assessment and Resource Implications

Assessment must include

demonstration of the ability to safely operate tractors machinery or equipment relative to operating conditions including the application of skills to match and attach equipment appropriate to work requirements secure loads within working specifications perform routine preoperational checks recognise and control hazards and risks demonstrate emergency procedures and monitor and maintain operational records

demonstration of skills in safe workplace with positive environmental practices

ability to operate tractors machinery or equipment in different work environments eg using different tractors working under different terrain and weather conditions

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods must be chosen to ensure that the skills to operate a tractor machinery or equipment can be practically demonstrated Methods must include assessment of knowledge as well as assessment of practical skills

The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate operating a tractor machinery or equipment for various work projects

review of operational reports written by the candidate for various situations

questions about safety aspects and dealing with potential hazards

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Key Competencies in this Unit

Key Competencies are an integral part of all workplace competencies The table below describes those applicable to this unit Trainers and assessors should ensure that they are addressed in training and assessment

Level Perform Level Administer and Manage Level Design and Evaluate

Key Competencies	Level	Examples
Collecting Organising and Analysing Information		Reading and recording information on tractor machinery or equipment performance faults and maintenance requirements for reference
Communicating Ideas and Information		Discussing the requirements of a job with others
Planning and Organising Activities		Planning and coordinating tractor machinery or equipment operation around work schedules
Working with Others and in Teams		Liaising with other employees in the caravan park
Using Mathematical Ideas and Techniques		Calculating and measuring load and weight servicing requirements and distance and fuel consumption
Solving Problems		Making arrangements for repair or replacement to deal with breakdown faults or malfunctions in order to achieve work schedules
Using Technology		Using computers to communicate measure and record information with regard to maintenance usage and performance of tractor machinery or equipment

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Range Statement

This unit applies to tourism and hospitality enterprises where grounds maintenance involves the use of tractors, machinery or equipment. The following explanations identify how this unit may be applied in different workplaces, sectors and circumstances.

Tractors may be:

two wheel drive

four wheel drive

front wheel assist

articulated, including scrapers, track or crawler-driven

with attached equipment.

Machinery and equipment may be:

hydraulic equipment

stationary engines, generators

spraying equipment

stump grinders

mulchers and chippers

mowers, ride-on mowers

trimmers

earthmoving equipment

trailers, harrows, rakes

rotary hoes.

Safe systems and procedures may related to:

the safe operation of tractors, machinery and equipment, including the fitting of guards and shields

hazard and risk control

safe mounting and dismounting

manual handling, including lifting and carrying

the application of emergency/defensive driving techniques

handling, application and storage of hazardous substances

outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, dust and noise

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment

securing roll-over protection if required

wearing a seatbelt

passengers being carried only when there is a seat approved by manufacturer.

Hazards may include:

exposure to loud noise and fumes

hazardous substances, eg fuel, oils

solar radiation and organic and other dusts

ergonomic hazards associated with posture and mechanical vibration

bystanders, livestock and wildlife

difficult terrain and varying gradients

broken ground, potholes, ditches, gullies, embankments, obstacles

adverse weather conditions

electricity, overhead hazards, including powerlines

loose clothing

speed and fatigue

load shifts

mechanical malfunctions, exposed moving parts including hydraulics

run over by tractor, crushed by roll-over, and other machinery.

Routine checks carried out prior to operation may include:

inspection of working parts, attachments, connections

checking fuel, oil and power source

cabin drills

pre-start and safety checks of tractors and mowers, including an assessment of tyres, wheels, controls and cables, lights, safety mirrors, electrics, safety restraints, chain/driveshaft, chassis, seatbelts, suspension, power take-off equipment and guards, roll-over protection, spark arresters, pneumatic and hydraulic systems

checking of cooling system, fuel, oils and lubricants, battery levels; tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, air conditioning, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting and transmission

inspection of hitch and towing points.

Enterprise requirements applicable to this standard may be:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

industry standards

production schedules

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

work notes and plans

product labels

manufacturers specifications

operators manuals

enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)

oral or written instructions.

Operations using attached equipment may include tractors set up and operated for:

blade

belt pulley

drawbar

front-end loader

power take-off

remote hydraulics

linkage mounted equipment.

Risks associated with the operation of tractors, machinery and equipment may include:

rollover, back flip or getting bogged

entanglement, eg loose clothing, hair

burns, cutting, electrocution

collision

overheating

toxic fumes.

Personal protective equipment may be:

boots with non-slip soles

overalls

seatbelts, gloves

protective eyewear

hearing protection

respirator or facemask

sun protection, eg sun hat, sunscreen.

Environmental implications associated with the operation of tractors, machinery and equipment may include:

excessive noise and exhaust emissions

the unsafe use and disposal of maintenance debris, (eg oil containers, chemical residues), and hazardous substances (eg fuel, oils)

high traffic activity, particularly the repeated use of tracks, which may compact, disturb or negatively impact on soil

dust problems and increased run-off flows from unsafe cleaning and servicing activities.

Shut down procedures may include:

turning the engine/machine off

securing the tractor, machinery or equipment

ensuring hydraulic equipment is lowered to a safe position

parking /locating away from hazards

maintaining a clear thoroughfare

refuelling and cleaning

engaging brake and removing keys.

Reports relevant to this standard may include:

routine checks and maintenance

scheduled maintenance activities

mandatory or statutory inspections

log books

faults, malfunctions and damage details

hazard and incident reports.

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