Range of Variables The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available |
What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard? | Safe systems and procedures for: the safe operation of tractors and attached equipment including the fitting of guards and shields hazard and risk control safe mounting and dismounting manual handling including lifting and carrying the application of emergency/defensive driving techniques handling, application and storage of hazardous substances outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, dust and noise the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment roll over protection secured if required wearing a seatbelt passengers only been carried when there is a seat approved by manufacturer. |
What hazards may be associated with the operation of tractors? | Hazards may include exposure to loud noise and fumes, hazardous substances (fuel, oils), solar radiation and organic and other dusts. It may also include ergonomic hazards associated with posture and mechanical vibration. Other hazards may include bystanders, livestock and wildlife, difficult terrain and varying gradients, broken ground, potholes, ditches, gullies, embankments, obstacles, adverse weather conditions, electricity, overhead hazards including powerlines, loose clothing, speed and fatigue, load shifts, mechanical malfunctions, exposed moving parts including hydraulics, run over by tractor, crushed by roll-over, and other machinery. |
What routine checks might be carried out prior to operation? | This may include cabin drills, pre-start and safety checks including an assessment of tyres, wheels, controls and cables, lights, safety mirrors, electrics, safety restraints, chain/driveshaft, chassis, seatbelts, suspension, power take-off equipment and guards, roll-over protection, spark arresters, pneumatic and hydraulic systems. It may also include checking of cooling system, fuel, oils and lubricants, battery levels; tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, air conditioning, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting and transmission. Inspection of hitch and towing points. |
What operational characteristics may vary in tractors? | Tractors may be two wheel drive, four wheel drive, front wheel assist, articulated tractors including scrapers, track or crawler driven. Steering systems may include conventional front-wheel steering, all wheel steering and articulated. Variational characteristics also include rated horsepower and complexities of operations and controls. |
What enterprise requirements may be applicable to this standard? | Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), industry standards, production schedules, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), work notes and plans, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), and supervisors oral or written instructions. |
What range of operations may be conducted using attached equipment? | Tractors may be set up and operated for blade, belt pulley, drawbar, front-end loader, power-take-off, remote hydraulics, linkage mounted equipment. |
What risks may be associated with the operation of tractors? | Tractor rollover, which may be caused by traversing a steep slope or cornering too sharply at speed. Tractor back flip which may be caused by driving off in low gear but with high engine speed, rapid acceleration (particularly when driving uphill or pulling a heavy load), attempting to drive forward when the wheels are unable to move forward (bogged), rapid engagement of the clutch of the tractor. Power-take-off entanglement (loose clothing). |
What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard? | Boots with non-slip soles, overalls, seatbelts, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen). |
How might the operation of a tractor be demonstrated in a safe and controlled manner? | Appropriate selection and use of tractor controls, features, settings and operational techniques for the terrain and all weather conditions without causing damage to tractor, equipment, person, property or environment. |
What environmental implications may be associated with the operation of tractors? | Negative environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions, the unsafe use and disposal of maintenance debris (oil containers, chemical residues), and hazardous substances (fuel, oils). High traffic activity, particularly the repeated use of tracks, may negatively impact in soil disturbance, dust problems and increased run-off flows from unsafe cleaning and servicing activities. |
What may be involved in shut down procedures for tractors? | This may include turning the engine off, safe dismounting and securing the tractor, and ensuring hydraulic equipment is lowered to a safe position. It may also include parking away from hazards, maintaining a clear thoroughfare, refuelling and cleaning the tractor, engaging handbrake and removing keys. |
What reports may be relevant to this standard? | This may include routine checks and maintenance, scheduled maintenance activities, mandatory or statutory inspections, log books, faults, malfunctions and damage details, and hazard and incident reports. |
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For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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