Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Prepare for agricultural crop  harvesting operations

1.1

Instructions  about crop harvesting activities are interpreted and clarified with the supervisor.

1.2

Machinery, equipment and tools  are selected and prepared for the task being undertaken.

1.3

OHS hazards  are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.

1.4

Suitable personal protective equipment  is selected, used and maintained.

2

Prepare harvesting machinery and vehicles for crop harvesting  operations

2.1

Harvesting machinery and vehicles are fuelled and routine checks are made for oil levels, tyre pressures, and water levels and greasing points.

2.2

Instructions are received concerning location of the day's harvesting program, special operating instructions or work procedures.

3

Complete harvesting operations

3.1

Harvesting machinery and vehicles are cleaned according to enterprise procedures and the manufacturers specifications.

3.2

All containers, leftover fluids, waste and harvest debris are disposed of safely and appropriately.

3.3

All required workplace records are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with enterprise requirements.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole ?

Competence in establishing crops requires evidence that a person can interpret a site map, clear the site of old plantings, prepare the soil and site for plantings, prepare the plants, plant the crop and maintain the new crop.

The skills and knowledge required to establish crops must be transferable  to a different work environment. For example, this could include different crops, regions, harvesting methods and enterprise procedures.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria ?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

communicate with team members and supervisor

read and interpret a range of workplace information

calibrate equipment

measure quantities of treatment

operate machinery to manufacturers specifications and enterprise procedures

safely apply appropriate agricultural chemicals.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard ?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies , although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information  (1 ) be applied?

Ideas and information relating to crop harvesting and crop care, and problems encountered, should be discussed with other members of the work team and the supervisor.

2. How can information be collected , analysed and organised  (1 )?

Enterprise work procedures, such as a daily harvesting plan should be consulted, interpreted and applied to crop harvesting activities with further clarification sought from the supervisor where necessary.

3. How are activities planned and organised  (1 )?

Materials, tools, equipment and work activities for crop harvesting routines may need to be arranged around seasonal requirements, and there may be some responsibility for co-ordinating work activities with other members of the work team.

4. How can team work  (1 ) be applied?

Crop harvesting activities may involve working with other members of a team to complete operations within the daily work routine.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques  (1 ) be applied?

Calibrating seeding equipment and determining quantities and application rates for treatment or fertiliser will require mathematical application.

6. How can problem -solving skills  (1 ) be applied?

Problems relating to site preparation, crop planting, treatments, machinery and equipment, workplace safety and other team members may arise during the harvesting of crops, which may require problem-solving skills.

7. How can the use of technology  (1 ) be applied?

Technology may be applied in the preparation, use and harvesting of agricultural equipment and machinery used for land preparation, seeding, spreading of fertiliser or other crop treatments.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one ?

This competency standard could  be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance  and where and how it may be assessed , in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access  to the Assessment Guidelines . Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet .

Range of Variables 

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What agricultural crops  does this unit cover?

Agricultural crops covered by this unit include wheat and coarse grains, cotton, grain legumes, oilseeds, sugar, temperate and tropical pastures.

What instructions  may be relevant to this standard?

Instructions may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), company policy and procedures in regard to crop harvesting, work locations, work notes, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), manufacturers instructions, product labels, or verbal directions from the manager, supervisor, or senior operator.

What machinery , equipment and tools  are likely to be used?

Harvesting machinery, equipment and tools may include harvesters, tractors, trucks, utilities, field bins, augers and associated crop harvesting machinery.

What OHS  hazards may be associated with crop harvesting?

Hazards may include use of machinery, moving machinery and machinery parts, and plant debris, chemicals and hazardous substances, manual handling, solar radiation, dust, and noise.

What are the environmental implications  associated with agricultural crop harvesting?

Environmental implications may include.

What personal protective equipment  may be required to undertake turf renovation?

Personal protective equipment may include hat, boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, respirator or face mask, hearing protection, sunscreen lotion.

What activities are associated with assisting in agricultural crop harvesting 

Agricultural crop harvesting includes preparation of machinery, tools and equipment, driving trucks and vehicles, using field augers, moving field storage bins, communicating with other staff regarding the progress of work.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.