Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating machinery to harvest horticultural crops and defines the standard required to: 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; and record work activities.

Application of the unit 

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.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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 AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

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.

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:

• 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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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

Co-requisite units 

Competency field