Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the operation of row crop planting and seeding machinery and equipment and defines the standard required to: 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; record work activities.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in production horticulture and agriculture and requires a high level of individual responsibility for the care and efficient operation of the equipment, the accurate seed or plant placement required for optimal production, and the potential operating hazards involved.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare machinery for use

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards for working with machinery are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.

1.2. Appropriate personnel protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

1.3. Routine pre-operational checks and house keeping tasks are conducted.

1.4. Damaged or worn components are replaced and/or reported.

1.5. Ancillary equipment and check for correct operation is attached.

2. Operate machinery and equipment

2.1. Machinery and equipment is operated in a safe, efficient and controlled manner.

2.2. Machinery is operated in accordance with task requirements, conditions and manufacturer's operating guidelines.

2.3. Machinery performance and efficiency is monitored and adjustments made as required.

2.4. Potential environmental risks of operating sowing equipment are assessed and minimised.

3. Complete work

3.1. Shut down procedures are followed.

3.2. Operational records are completed.

3.3. Routine operator servicing is carried out.

3.4. Malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage are identified and reported.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
• conduct pre-operational checks
• operate machinery in a safe, efficient and controlled manner
• follow planting requirements
• 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 accurately and legible information collected 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's requirements and/or workplace requirements for:
• pre-operational checks
• machinery operation techniques
• operator level servicing
• shutdown
• emergency procedures
• precision agriculture and controlled traffic
• basic diagnostic techniques
• equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• components and controls features and functions
• OHS legislation and requirements for operators
• risks to environment from operating sowing equipment for row crops.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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:

• 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
• 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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Type of machinery may include:

• machinery and equipment used in establishing row planted crops.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field