Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating chemical application machinery and equipment and defines the standard required to: prepare 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.

Application of the unit 

The operation of specialised liquid chemical and granular application machinery and equipment is likely to be carried out under limited supervision within enterprise guidelines. A high level of individual responsibility is involved to control risks to operators and other exposed workers and the environment, and to minimise the risk of residues levels being exceeded.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare machinery for use

1.1. Select and use appropriate personal 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 impacts.

1.6. Calibrate/set up equipment in accordance with spray/application plan.

1.7. Attach ancillary equipment and check for correct operation.

1.8. Undertake and record pre-operational checks.

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, product integrity and the environment.

2.5. Monitor meteorological conditions during application

2.6. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment during operation and clean up.

3. Complete work

3.1. Follow shut down procedures.

3.2. Clean/flush components in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and chemical label requirements.

3.3. Complete operational records in accordance with legislative and/or regulatory requirements.

3.4. Carry out routine operator servicing.

3.5. 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
• calibration/set up of application components
• 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 

• manufacturers specifications and/or workplace requirements for:

• pre-operational checks
• machinery operation techniques
• operator level servicing
• shutdown emergency procedures

• features and function of application equipment components:

• liquid spray - nozzles, tanks, agitation systems, pumps, filters, pressure regulation valves etc
• granular applicators/dusters - hoppers, flow control valves etc

• effect of meteorological conditions on chemical application
• equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• basic diagnostic techniques
• equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• components and controls features and functions
• environmental impacts including spray drift.

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 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.

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:

• specialised liquid chemical and granular application machinery
• equipment used for crop protection and pest management.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field