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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for hydraulic excavator operations
   • Access, interpret and apply hydraulic excavator documentation, and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Identify and address risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Access, interpret and clarify geological and survey data required to complete the allocated work
   • Inspect and prepare work area in coordination with others
   • Select, and check for faults, equipment and/or attachments for work activities
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
2. Operate hydraulic excavator
   • Carry out start-up, park, shutdown and secure equipment procedures
   • Coordinate activities with others at the site prior to commencing, during, and on completion of the work activity
   • Walk excavator and position for operation
   • Select and modify the operating technique to appropriately meet changing work conditions
   • Monitor and manage equipment performance using indicators, and ensure efficiency of operations
   • Act on or report monitoring systems and alarms
   • Distribute bulk materials into materials handling equipment considering load limits, and ensuring equipment stability
   • Side cast bulk materials
   • Continuously monitor hazards and risks, and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
   • Complete the work plan, within the operating capacities of the equipment
3. Carry out operator maintenance
   • Prepare machine for maintenance
   • Conduct inspections and fault finding procedures
   • Carry out scheduled maintenance tasks
   • Return equipment to service
   • Process written maintenance records
4. Carry out housekeeping activities
   • Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials
   • Manage and/or report hazards, and maintain a safe working environment
   • Process written records

Performance Evidence

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of hydraulic excavator operations including:

conducting prestart checks prior to commencing operations and shutdown procedures on completion of operations

carrying out vehicle refuelling requirements and procedures

applying safe work practices and identifying and reporting all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues

applying problem solving and troubleshooting techniques

conducting bucket loading and discharge

side casting bulk materials

distributing bulk materials into materials handling equipment

inspection and preparation of work area

conducting equipment positioning

works effectively with others to undertake and complete hydraulic excavator operations that meets all of the required outcomes including:

using a range of communications techniques and equipment to convey information to others

maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicates with others in and around the trench before commencing work, during and on completion of the work

demonstrates completion of conducting hydraulic excavator operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

driving and operating the excavator for operations

adjusting equipment operations to suit site conditions

walking the machine in a straight line

jump turning the machine

connecting auxiliary hydraulic lines and buckets/attachments

cleaning the undercarriage out as needed

keeping clear of obstacles and not running over items

effectively using the heel of the bucket

correctly shutting down and parking the excavator equipment

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following when conducting hydraulic excavator operations:

complying with worksite inspection requirements

applying signage and barricade requirements

communicating and performing isolation procedures

identifying equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

identifying, interpreting and using geological and technical data (basic)

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

identifying signs of operator fatigue and how it should be managed

applying site quality requirements

applying operational, maintenance and basic diagnostics

completing housekeeping activities

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