This unit applies to individuals developing basic skills and knowledge to use a variety of business equipment in preparation for working in a broad range of settings.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select equipment or resources

1.1. Identify and access business equipment or resources required to complete task under direct instructions

1.2. Estimate quantities and resources correctly to complete the task

1.3. Check equipment for serviceability in accordance with equipment instructions

2. Operate equipment

2.1. Operate equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and under direct instructions

2.2. Identify equipment faults accurately and take action to ensure equipment is repaired in accordance with manufacturer's specifications

2.3. Report repairs outside area of own responsibility to appropriate persons

3. Maintain equipment or resources

3.1. Maintain equipment or resources to support completion of tasks under direct instructions

3.2. Undertake maintenance to ensure equipment meets manufacturer's specifications

3.3. Maintain records concerning equipment or resources under direct instructions

3.4. Store equipment and resources under direct instructions

Required skills

literacy skills to identify work requirements and to process basic, relevant workplace documentation

communication skills to identify lines of communication, to request advice, to effectively question, to follow instructions, to receive feedback and to report equipment faults

problem-solving skills to solve routine problems related to business equipment and to determine appropriate fault repair actions while under direct supervision

technology skills to use business equipment under direct supervision.

Required knowledge

key provisions of relevant legislation from all levels of government that may affect aspects of business operations, such as:

occupational health and safety (OHS)

functions of a range of business equipment

correct shut-down procedures for a range of business equipment

common equipment faults

routine maintenance procedures.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

demonstrated application of appropriate maintenance procedures.

knowledge of the functions of a range of business equipment

operation of a range of business equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to an actual workplace or simulated environment

access to office equipment and resources

examples of operational and maintenance manual and records.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios

observation of demonstrated techniques in operating and maintaining business equipment

oral or written questioning to asses knowledge of the operation and maintenance of business equipment

review of records concerning equipment or resources.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

other general administration units.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Business equipment may include:

answering machine

binder

fax machine

photocopier

printer

telephone

Resources may include:

equipment

facilities

human resources

OHS resources

stock and supplies

Equipment instructions may include:

manufacturers guidelines

OHS guidelines and procedures

procedures manual

training notes

Appropriate persons may include:

colleagues

external organisations

line management

supervisor

Maintenance may include:

adding toner

cleaning equipment regularly

clearing paper jams

organising service calls

replacing paper

Records may include:

equipment service call forms

purchase orders

service repair forms

warranties

Unit sector

Administration - General Administration

This unit contains employability skills.