Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating broadacre sowing machinery and equipment and defines the standard required to: conduct pre and post operational checks; operate broadacre sowing 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 requires a high level of individual responsibility for the care and efficient operation of the equipment, the accurate seed placement required for optimal production, and the operating hazards involved.

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.

1.2. Conduct routine pre-operational checks and house keeping 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 in accordance with task requirements, conditions and manufacturers 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 shut down 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 

• identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
• 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 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.

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 broadacre sowing 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.

Types of crops to be sown may include:

• grains
• non-permanent horticultural crops.

It does not cover row crops.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field