This unit relates to the operation and maintenance of front-end loaders used on rural lands.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for operations

1.1. Safety rules and regulations, including site rules and legislation and site specific instructions are observed.

1.2. Pre start checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer's and site authorised procedures.

1.3. Briefings or hand over details are received, interpreted and clarified in accordance with site requirements.

2. Operate front-end loader

2.1. Start-up, park-up, shut-down and communication procedures are carried out in accordance with manufacturers' and/or site specific requirements.

2.2. Front-end loader operations are conducted, controlled and monitored within equipment and operational limitations.

2.3. Safe operating practices, including operating controls, monitoring gauges and systems, conducting safety checks and use of two way radio for communication are carried out within manufacturers' and/or site specific requirements.

2.4. Loading technique is selected and modified to appropriately meet changing work conditions which may include variable grades, work under high faces, work with varying materials, haulage units and materials handling facilities.

2.5. Safe towing practices are demonstrated in accordance with the authorised equipment and connection capabilities.

3. Carry out basic operator maintenance

3.1. Inspection and fault finding are conducted in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and/or site requirements and reported.

3.2. Routine operational servicing and lubrication tasks are carried out to manufacturers' and/or site requirements.

3.3. Minor maintenance is carried out to manufacturers' and/or site requirements.

3.4. Records are maintained in accordance with site requirements.

3.5. Vehicle washing and housekeeping is carried out to manufacturers' and/or site requirements.

Required skills

access, interpret and apply technical information

maintain equipment records

use relevant hand tools

work wearing personal protective equipment

operate front-end loaders in accordance with site/manufacturer's specifications

recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols

interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions

record information accurately or verbally report information

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

site and equipment safety requirement

equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

operational and maintenance procedures.

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:

operate the machine safely

operate the machine's features and attachments consistent with operator manual

carry out day to day servicing and minor maintenance.

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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Applications may include:

all types of projects on farms and rural lands.

Safe operations may include:

safe working limits (SWL) of machine

moving loads

working with other equipment and machinery

working near overhead powerlines and underground facilities.

Unit sector

Machinery operation and maintenance

This unit contains employability skills.