Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a front end loader in an agricultural environment.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures and any local, state and federal government regulations, legislation and codes of practice.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context. Appropriate licences for the operation front-end loaders must be obtained where required.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for operations | 1.1 Read or listen to supervisor’s instructions and seek clarification where necessary 1.2 Read the front end loader operation manual and observe manufacturer’s instructions 1.3 Identify and report potential site, work health and safety hazards 1.4 Assess the work site and confirm the suitability of the machinery for the task 1.5 Conduct routine pre operational checks 1.6 Observe safety rules and regulations, including site rules and legislation and site specific instructions |
2. Operate front-end loader | 2.1 Undertake start-up, park-up, shut-down and communications procedures in accordance with manufacturers’ and site specific requirements 2.2 Conduct Front-end loader operations within equipment and operational limitations 2.3 Use safe work practices 2.4 Select loading technique and modify where required to meet changing work conditions 2.5 Use attachments in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and site requirements 2.6 Use safe towing practices in accordance with the authorised equipment and connection capabilities 2.7 Undertake work in accordance with the agreed plan and within the operating capacities and manufacturer's specifications 2.8 Carry out all work with consideration of environmental impact |
3. Carry out basic operator maintenance | 3.1 Follow shut down procedures in line with manufacturers' specifications and site requirements 3.2 Perform routine operational servicing and minor maintenance 3.3 Identify and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage 3.4 Clean, secure and store machinery 3.5 Apply enterprise biosecurity policies where required 3.6 Maintain machinery use records |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify and report potential work health and safety hazards on the site
read the front end loader operation manual and observe manufacturer’s instructions
conduct pre-operational checks
operate front-end loaders safely
operating the front-end loader features and attachments consistent with manufacturer’s operator manual
use safe towing practices
carry out day to day servicing and fault finding and minor maintenance
communicate with supervisor and work team
apply enterprise environmental policies
apply enterprise biosecurity policies where required
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
front-end loader operations as stated in the relevant manufacturers operation manual
front-end loader and site safety requirements
hazards and risks associated with front-end loader operations
characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of front-end loaders
operational and maintenance procedures
enterprise biosecurity and environmental policies and protocols
relevant State/Territory legislation related to the operation of front-end loaders
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must be conducted in a range of surface conditions and on a range of different terrains.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Machinery operation and maintenance (MOM)