Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of maintaining and operating machinery and equipment and defines the standard required to: carry out pre-operational checks and maintenance and report defects if necessary; secure attachments according to manufacturer's directions; operate machinery in a safe and controlled manner; follow procedures to minimise environmental impacts; implement shut-down procedures and store machinery and equipment; record maintenance and operation details.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in agriculture, horticulture and land management who operate machinery and equipment for the enterprise. The unit is likely to be carried out under limited supervision with checking only related to overall progress.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare machinery and equipment for use

1.1. Machine and equipment is selected appropriate to job requirements and confirmed against a work plan.

1.2. Routine pre-operational checks of machinery and equipment are carried out to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

1.3. Equipment is securely attached and calibrated for operation to manufacturer's specifications.

1.4. Faulty machinery and equipment is identified, safety tagged, and reported to supervisor according to enterprise requirements.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.

2. Operate machinery and equipment

2.1. Machinery and equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner, and monitored for performance and efficiency.

2.2. Risk to self, others and the environment are recognised and minimised according to enterprise and OHS requirements.

2.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to procedures.

2.4. Environmental implications associated with machinery operation are identified, assessed and taken into account.

3. Check and complete machinery and equipment operation

3.1. Machinery and equipment shut-down procedures are carried out to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Machinery and equipment operational records are maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Machinery and equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and/or reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.4. Machinery and equipment is cleaned, secured and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• complete pre-operational checks
• recognise and report defects
• operate machinery and equipment to industry standards
• demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
• read and interpret manufacturer's specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• interpret and apply instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, record and report equipment faults, workplace hazards, and accidents
• measure and calculate volumes, consumption and servicing requirements
• 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 

• manufacturers specifications for servicing of machinery and equipment
• operating principles and operating methods for machinery and equipment
• principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and machinery movement
• procedures for cleaning, securing and storing machinery, equipment and materials
• potential risks and hazards associated with the operation of machinery and equipment
• use of hazardous substances
• environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with the operation of machinery and equipment
• OHS and environmental legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice
• relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to licensing, roads and traffic 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:

• carry out pre-operational checks and maintenance and report defects if necessary
• secure attachments according to manufacturer's directions
• operate machinery in a safe and controlled manner
• follow procedures to minimise environmental impacts
• implement shut-down procedures and store machinery and equipment
• record maintenance and operation details
• evidence records must include details of the machinery and equipment that the candidate was assessed on.

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.

Machinery and equipment may include:

• hydraulic equipment
• stationary engines
• spraying equipment
• mulching and chipping equipment
• powered trailers and three point linkage equipment
• excludes chainsaws, tractors, vehicles and earth moving equipment.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field