Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety requirements manufacturer’s specifications and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare machinery and equipment for use | 1.1 Identify and report potential workplace health and safety hazards 1.2 Conduct routine pre operational checks as described in operator manual 1.3 Replace and report damaged or worn components 1.4 Select and use appropriate personnel protective equipment 1.5 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. Check and complete machinery and equipment operation | 3.1 Follow shut down procedures 3.2 Perform routine operational servicing and minor maintenance 3.3 Identify and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage 3.4 Clean, secure and store machinery 3.5 Maintain machinery use records |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be observed operating and maintaining agricultural or horticultural machinery and equipment.
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
complete pre-operational checks
attach ancillary equipment and checking for correct operation
recognise and reporting defects
operate machinery and equipment to industry standards
apply safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
implement shut down procedures
clean, secure and store machinery
record maintenance and operation details
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
manufacturers specifications for servicing of machinery and equipment
operating principles and operating methods for machinery and equipment
principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and machinery movement
procedures for cleaning, securing and storing machinery, equipment and materials
potential risks and hazards associated with the operation of machinery and equipment
environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with the operation of machinery and equipment
work health and safety and environmental legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice
relevant State or Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to licensing, roads and traffic requirements
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting. All evidence collected must meet minimum requirements including industry standard timeframes for performance of tasks.
Evidence records must include details of the machinery and equipment that the candidate was assessed on.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Machinery operation and maintenance (MOM)