Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the operation of specialised machinery and equipment and defines the standard required to: prepare and operate the machinery in accordance with manufacturer's specifications; operate the machinery in a safe, efficient and controlled manner; conduct pre and post operational checks; perform minor maintenance and fault finding; record work activities.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in agriculture, horticulture and land management who operate specialised machinery and equipment for the enterprise. A high level of individual responsibility is involved, depending on the level and nature of risk involved and the project. This unit does not cover machinery and equipment described elsewhere in the AHC10 standards at the AQF 3 level.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Select and prepare specialised machinery and equipment for use

1.1. Specialised machinery and equipment is selected and prepared to job requirements and confirmed against work plan.

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

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

2. Operate specialised machinery and equipment

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

2.2. Risks to self, others and the environment are anticipated and minimisation strategies implemented accordingly.

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 reported to the supervisor.

3. Complete and report on specialised machinery and equipment operation

3.1. Shut-down procedures for specialised machinery and equipment are completed to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Specialised machinery and equipment operational records are completed and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Malfunctions, faults, irregular performance and damage to specialised machinery and equipment are detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.4. Specialised machinery and equipment is cleaned, secured and stored according to OHS 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 work procedures
• select the appropriate machinery and equipment for the work plan
• determine and check operating methods with management
• carry out pre-operational checks on machinery
• examine faults or breakdowns and specify repairs
• use machinery or equipment in a safe and controlled manner to perform specific tasks by utilising the various components, controls and features
• maintain and monitor performance and maintenance records
• use environmentally responsible practices for operation of machinery and equipment, and to dispose of used oils and machinery parts
• 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
• basic diagnostic techniques
• equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• components and controls features and functions
• OHS and environmental legislation, Codes of Practice and enterprise requirements
• licensing requirements for machinery.

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:

• prepare and operate the machinery in accordance with manufacturer specifications
• operate the machinery in a safe, efficient and controlled manner
• conduct pre and post operational checks
• perform minor maintenance and fault finding
• record work activities
• Evidence records must include a description 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:

• feed mixers
• specialised turf equipment
• specialised nursery equipment
• livestock feeding systems
• filtering and pumping equipment
• poultry performance monitoring equipment
• fertilising application
• grain handling equipment.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field