This unit applies to the operation of machinery and related equipment used in the harvest of horticultural crops. This unit does not cover the harvesting of broadacre crops or sugar cane.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare machinery for use

1.1. Select and use appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE).

1.2. Conduct routine pre-operational checks and housekeeping tasks.

1.3. Replace and/or report damaged or worn components.

1.4. Identify and report potential Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards.

1.5. Identify and report potential environmental implications.

1.6. 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 according to task requirements, conditions and manufacturer operating guidelines.

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 shutdown procedures.

3.2. Complete operational records.

3.3. Carry out routine operator servicing.

3.4. Identify and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage.

Required skills

conduct pre-operational checks

operate machinery in a safe, efficient and controlled manner

perform operator maintenance tasks

attach and uncouple associated equipment

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record information collected accurately and legibly, and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

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

manufacturer and/or workplace requirements for pre-operational checks, machinery operation techniques, operator level servicing, and shutdown and emergency procedures

basic diagnostic techniques

equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

components and controls features and functions

horticulture quality assurance and hygiene 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:

operate horticultural harvesting machinery and equipment in a safe, efficient and controlled manner

conduct pre and post operational checks

perform minor maintenance and fault-finding

record work activities.

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.

Mechanical harvesting may include:

machinery and equipment used in harvesting root and leafy vegetables and tree crops, including fruits and nuts.

Unit sector

Production horticulture

This unit contains employability skills.