Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate row crop planting and seeding machinery and equipment.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety requirements manufacturer’s specifications and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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 machinery for use | 1.1 Identify and report work health and safety hazards 1.2 Select and use appropriate personnel protective equipment 1.3 Carry out and record routine pre-operational checks and housekeeping tasks 1.4 Replace and record damaged or worn components 1.5 Attach ancillary equipment and check for correct operation |
2. Operate machinery and equipment | 2.1 Operate machinery and equipment in a safe, efficient and controlled manner 2.2 Operate machinery in accordance with task requirements and conditions 2.3 Monitor machinery performance and efficiency and make adjustments as required 2.4 Assess and minimise potential risks to self, others and the environment |
3. Complete work | 3.1 Follow shut down procedures including biosecurity procedures where required 3.2 Complete operational records 3.3 Carry out routine operator servicing 3.4 Identify and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be observed operating agricultural or horticultural row crop planting and seeding machinery and equipment.
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 hazards and implementing safe work procedures
conduct pre and post operational checks
operate planting and seeding machinery and equipment in a safe, efficient and controlled manner
perform minor maintenance and fault finding
follow planting requirements
attach and uncoupling associated equipment
record work activities
follow enterprise work health and safety policies
follow enterprise biosecurity procedures where required.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
manufacturer's requirements and workplace requirements for:
pre-operational checks
machinery operation techniques
operator level servicing
shutdown
emergency procedures
precision agriculture and controlled traffic
diagnostic techniques for operational performance
equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
components and controls features and functions of equipment
work health and safety legislation and requirements for operators
risks to environment from operating sowing equipment for row crops.
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting. All evidence collected must meet minimum requirements including industry standard timeframes for performance of tasks.
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)