Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

THCGTM12A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate tractors, machinery and equipment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency THCGTM12A - Operate tractors, machinery and equipment
Description This unit covers the safe operation of tractors, equipment and machinery. It includes a practical application of skills and knowledge required to carry out pre-operational checks, calibration of equipment, reporting of faults and maintenance of operational records. The unit applies to those operating tractors, equipment and machinery in the maintenance of grounds and property in tourism and hospitality enterprises.
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for operation
  • Identify and select appropriate tractor, machinery or equipment according to job requirements and work plan.
  • Complete routine pre-operational checks and preparations of tractors, machinery or equipment prior to use according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.
  • Calibrate equipment or set it and attach components or implements for operation.
  • Identify and select attached equipment appropriate to work requirements, check it for safety and set it for operation.
  • Identify and report tractor, machinery and equipment faults or malfunctions according to enterprise requirements.
  • Identify OH&S hazards in the work area, assess risk and report to the supervisor or designated person according to enterprise procedures.
       
Element: Operate tractor, machinery or equipment
  • Recognise and avoid risks to self, others and the environment according to OH&S and enterprise requirements.
  • Select, use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment according to OH&S and enterprise requirements.
  • Operate the tractor, machinery or equipment in a safe and controlled manner and monitor it for performance and efficiency.
  • Identify, anticipate and control hazards through the application of safe practices, including defensive driving techniques for tractors.
  • Identify environmental factors which may impact on the operation of tractors, machinery or equipment and follow relevant enterprise procedures.
       
Element: Complete and check tractor, machinery and equipment operation
  • Conduct shut-down procedures according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise requirements.
  • Detail and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage to tractor, machinery or equipment and attach equipment according to enterprise requirements.
  • Clean and decontaminate, secure and store tractor, machinery or equipment where necessary, according to enterprise and OH&S requirements.
  • Maintain operational reports to industry standards according to enterprise requirements.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Essential Knowledge and Skills to Be Assessed

Knowledge and skills in the following areas must be assessed as part of this unit:

components, controls, features and operational functions of tractors, machinery or equipment

steering systems and features

attached equipment, features and operational functions and procedures

operating principles and methods for tractors, machinery or equipment

manufacturer's specifications for servicing tractors, machinery or equipment

load limits and the principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and movement

procedures for cleaning, securing and storing tractors, machinery or equipment

potential risks and hazards associated with operation

environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with the operation of tractors, machinery or equipment

effects of adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions on operation

environmental codes of practice with regard to machinery operation

OH&S legislative requirements, hazard identification and risk assessment

relevant legislation with regard to machinery operation and licensing requirements

OH&S codes of practice including the use and control of hazardous substances.

Linkages to Other Units

This unit has linkages to the following units and combined training and assessment may be appropriate:

THCSTS03A Use small plant and equipment

THCGTM15A Plan and implement environmentally responsible practices

Critical Aspects of Assessment

Evidence of the following is critical:

ability to steer, manoeuvre and position tractor, machinery or equipment in a smooth and controlled manner

safe and effective operation of tractors, machinery or equipment in adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions

safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices.

Context of Assessment and Resource Implications

Assessment must include:

demonstration of the ability to safely operate tractors, machinery or equipment relative to operating conditions, including the application of skills to match and attach equipment appropriate to work requirements, secure loads within working specifications, perform routine pre-operational checks, recognise and control hazards and risks, demonstrate emergency procedures, and monitor and maintain operational records

demonstration of skills in safe workplace with positive environmental practices

ability to operate tractors, machinery or equipment in different work environments, eg using different tractors, working under different terrain and weather conditions.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods must be chosen to ensure that the skills to operate a tractor, machinery or equipment can be practically demonstrated. Methods must include assessment of knowledge as well as assessment of practical skills.

The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate operating a tractor, machinery or equipment for various work projects

review of operational reports written by the candidate for various situations

questions about safety aspects and dealing with potential hazards

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Key Competencies in this Unit

Key Competencies are an integral part of all workplace competencies. The table below describes those applicable to this unit. Trainers and assessors should ensure that they are addressed in training and assessment.

Level 1 = Perform Level 2 = Administer and Manage Level 3 = Design and Evaluate

Key Competencies

Level

Examples

Collecting, Organising and Analysing Information

1

Reading and recording information on tractor, machinery or equipment performance, faults and maintenance requirements for reference

Communicating Ideas and Information

1

Discussing the requirements of a job with others

Planning and Organising Activities

1

Planning and co-ordinating tractor, machinery or equipment operation around work schedules

Working with Others and in Teams

1

Liaising with other employees in the caravan park

Using Mathematical Ideas and Techniques

1

Calculating and measuring load and weight, servicing requirements, and distance and fuel consumption

Solving Problems

1

Making arrangements for repair or replacement to deal with breakdown, faults or malfunctions in order to achieve work schedules

Using Technology

1

Using computers to communicate, measure and record information with regard to maintenance, usage and performance of tractor, machinery or equipment

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Not applicable.

This unit applies to tourism and hospitality enterprises where grounds maintenance involves the use of tractors, machinery or equipment. The following explanations identify how this unit may be applied in different workplaces, sectors and circumstances.

Tractors may be:

two wheel drive

four wheel drive

front wheel assist

articulated, including scrapers, track or crawler-driven

with attached equipment.

Machinery and equipment may be:

hydraulic equipment

stationary engines, generators

spraying equipment

stump grinders

mulchers and chippers

mowers, ride-on mowers

trimmers

earthmoving equipment

trailers, harrows, rakes

rotary hoes.

Safe systems and procedures may related to:

the safe operation of tractors, machinery and equipment, including the fitting of guards and shields

hazard and risk control

safe mounting and dismounting

manual handling, including lifting and carrying

the application of emergency/defensive driving techniques

handling, application and storage of hazardous substances

outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, dust and noise

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment

securing roll-over protection if required

wearing a seatbelt

passengers being carried only when there is a seat approved by manufacturer.

Hazards may include:

exposure to loud noise and fumes

hazardous substances, eg fuel, oils

solar radiation and organic and other dusts

ergonomic hazards associated with posture and mechanical vibration

bystanders, livestock and wildlife

difficult terrain and varying gradients

broken ground, potholes, ditches, gullies, embankments, obstacles

adverse weather conditions

electricity, overhead hazards, including powerlines

loose clothing

speed and fatigue

load shifts

mechanical malfunctions, exposed moving parts including hydraulics

run over by tractor, crushed by roll-over, and other machinery.

Routine checks carried out prior to operation may include:

inspection of working parts, attachments, connections

checking fuel, oil and power source

cabin drills

pre-start and safety checks of tractors and mowers, including an assessment of tyres, wheels, controls and cables, lights, safety mirrors, electrics, safety restraints, chain/driveshaft, chassis, seatbelts, suspension, power take-off equipment and guards, roll-over protection, spark arresters, pneumatic and hydraulic systems

checking of cooling system, fuel, oils and lubricants, battery levels; tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, air conditioning, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting and transmission

inspection of hitch and towing points.

Enterprise requirements applicable to this standard may be:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

industry standards

production schedules

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

work notes and plans

product labels

manufacturers specifications

operators manuals

enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)

oral or written instructions.

Operations using attached equipment may include tractors set up and operated for:

blade

belt pulley

drawbar

front-end loader

power take-off

remote hydraulics

linkage mounted equipment.

Risks associated with the operation of tractors, machinery and equipment may include:

rollover, back flip or getting bogged

entanglement, eg loose clothing, hair

burns, cutting, electrocution

collision

overheating

toxic fumes.

Personal protective equipment may be:

boots with non-slip soles

overalls

seatbelts, gloves

protective eyewear

hearing protection

respirator or facemask

sun protection, eg sun hat, sunscreen.

Environmental implications associated with the operation of tractors, machinery and equipment may include:

excessive noise and exhaust emissions

the unsafe use and disposal of maintenance debris, (eg oil containers, chemical residues), and hazardous substances (eg fuel, oils)

high traffic activity, particularly the repeated use of tracks, which may compact, disturb or negatively impact on soil

dust problems and increased run-off flows from unsafe cleaning and servicing activities.

Shut down procedures may include:

turning the engine/machine off

securing the tractor, machinery or equipment

ensuring hydraulic equipment is lowered to a safe position

parking /locating away from hazards

maintaining a clear thoroughfare

refuelling and cleaning

engaging brake and removing keys.

Reports relevant to this standard may include:

routine checks and maintenance

scheduled maintenance activities

mandatory or statutory inspections

log books

faults, malfunctions and damage details

hazard and incident reports.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify and select appropriate tractor, machinery or equipment according to job requirements and work plan. 
Complete routine pre-operational checks and preparations of tractors, machinery or equipment prior to use according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements. 
Calibrate equipment or set it and attach components or implements for operation. 
Identify and select attached equipment appropriate to work requirements, check it for safety and set it for operation. 
Identify and report tractor, machinery and equipment faults or malfunctions according to enterprise requirements. 
Identify OH&S hazards in the work area, assess risk and report to the supervisor or designated person according to enterprise procedures. 
Recognise and avoid risks to self, others and the environment according to OH&S and enterprise requirements. 
Select, use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment according to OH&S and enterprise requirements. 
Operate the tractor, machinery or equipment in a safe and controlled manner and monitor it for performance and efficiency. 
Identify, anticipate and control hazards through the application of safe practices, including defensive driving techniques for tractors. 
Identify environmental factors which may impact on the operation of tractors, machinery or equipment and follow relevant enterprise procedures. 
Conduct shut-down procedures according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise requirements. 
Detail and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage to tractor, machinery or equipment and attach equipment according to enterprise requirements. 
Clean and decontaminate, secure and store tractor, machinery or equipment where necessary, according to enterprise and OH&S requirements. 
Maintain operational reports to industry standards according to enterprise requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

THCGTM12A - Operate tractors, machinery and equipment
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

THCGTM12A - Operate tractors, machinery and equipment

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: