This unit applies to workers in agriculture, horticulture and land management who operate machinery and equipment for the enterprise. The unit is likely to be carried out under limited supervision with checking only related to overall progress.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare machinery and equipment for use

1.1. Machine and equipment is selected appropriate to job requirements and confirmed against a work plan.

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

1.3. Equipment is securely attached and calibrated for operation to manufacturer's specifications.

1.4. Faulty machinery and equipment is identified, safety tagged, and reported to supervisor according to enterprise requirements.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.

2. Operate machinery and equipment

2.1. Machinery and equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner, and monitored for performance and efficiency.

2.2. Risk to self, others and the environment are recognised and minimised according to enterprise and OHS requirements.

2.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to procedures.

2.4. Environmental implications associated with machinery operation are identified, assessed and taken into account.

3. Check and complete machinery and equipment operation

3.1. Machinery and equipment shut-down procedures are carried out to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Machinery and equipment operational records are maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Machinery and equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and/or reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.4. Machinery and equipment is cleaned, secured and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

complete pre-operational checks

recognise and report defects

operate machinery and equipment to industry standards

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

read and interpret manufacturer's specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

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

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

Required knowledge

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

use of hazardous substances

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

OHS and environmental legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice

relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to licensing, roads and traffic requirements.

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 and report defects if necessary

secure attachments according to manufacturer's directions

operate machinery in a safe and controlled manner

follow procedures to minimise environmental impacts

implement shut-down procedures and store machinery and equipment

record maintenance and operation details

evidence records must include details of the machinery and equipment that the candidate was assessed on.

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.

Machinery and equipment may include:

hydraulic equipment

stationary engines

spraying equipment

mulching and chipping equipment

powered trailers and three point linkage equipment

excludes chainsaws, tractors, vehicles and earth moving equipment.

Unit sector

Machinery operation and maintenance

This unit contains employability skills.