This unit applies to workers who operate and maintain machinery and equipment for agricultural, horticultural or land management enterprises. It is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare basic machinery and equipment for use

1.1. Machinery and equipment are identified and selected in accordance with supervisor's instructions.

1.2. Routine pre-operational checks of machinery and equipment are carried out to manufacturer's specifications and/or enterprise procedures.

1.3. Unsafe or faulty machinery and equipment are identified and segregated for repair or replacement in line with enterprise requirements.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and safety concerns reported to the supervisor.

2. Operate basic machinery and equipment

2.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and maintained according to procedures.

2.2. Machinery and equipment are operated to manufacturer's specifications and in accordance with supervisor's instructions.

2.3. Work is completed to supervisor's satisfaction and in accordance with OHS requirements.

2.4. Environmental implications associated with machinery operation and maintenance are identified and accounted for.

3. Check, clean and store basic machinery and equipment

3.1. Machinery and equipment use is detailed and recorded in accordance with enterprise requirements.

3.2. Machinery and equipment are cleaned, secured and stored to manufacturer's specifications and supervisor's instructions.

3.3. Malfunctions, faults, wear or damage to machinery and equipment are identified and reported in line with enterprise requirements.

3.4. Workplace areas are cleaned and maintained in line with OHS and enterprise requirements.

Required skills

use, maintain and store personal protective clothing and equipment

use safe operating procedures for basic machinery and equipment

carry out pre start checks for basic machinery and equipment

carry out basic servicing and maintenance of basic machinery and equipment

operate basic machinery and equipment

recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols

interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions

record information accurately or verbally report information

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

pre-operational and safety checks for basic machinery and equipment

hazards associated with the operation of basic machinery and equipment

operating principles and operating methods for basic machinery and equipment

procedures for cleaning, securing and storing basic machinery and equipment

risks associated with the operation of machinery and equipment in different weather and difficult terrain conditions

relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to workplace OHS requirements, and the use and control of hazardous substances

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

enterprise policies with regard to machinery and equipment use, recording and reporting routines.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

carry out pre-operational checks and maintenance

tag and report defects if necessary

secure attachments according to manufacturer's directions

operate machinery in a safe and controlled manner

implement shut-down and storage procedures

record maintenance and operation details.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Basic machinery and equipment may include:

lawn mowers

line cutters

lawn edgers

mechanized horticultural tillage equipment

motorised machinery used in landscape and turf construction projects

motorised machinery used in nursery production

pneumatic pruners and cutters

power tools

conveyors and pumps as used in agriculture, horticulture and land management.

Basic machinery and equipment does not include:

chainsaws

tractors

vehicles

earth moving equipment

other machinery described elsewhere in these standards.

Unit sector

Machinery operation and maintenance

This unit contains employability skills.