This unit applies to correctly setting-up, calibrating and operating a cane harvester to maximise sustainable cane production. The work is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare a cane harvester for operation

1.1. Routine pre-operational checks of cane harvester are completed to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

1.2. Cabin drill is carried out according to enterprise instructions and safety routines.

1.3. Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are recognised, risks assessed and controlled according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

1.4. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained according to OHS requirements.

1.5. Crop class, variety and field for harvest is correctly located and selected.

2. Carry out cane harvesting

2.1. Harvester is set and operated in a safe, controlled and correct manner and monitored for performance and efficiency.

2.2. Harvester is operated in co-ordination with haul out vehicles and other associated harvesting equipment.

2.3. Cane is harvested in a productive, safe and controlled manner and correctly consigned.

2.4. Risks to self, others and the environment are anticipated and minimisation strategies implemented accordingly.

2.5. Environmental implications associated with cane harvesting are identified, assessed and reported to the supervisor.

3. Complete cane harvesting operations

3.1. Shut-down procedures for cane harvester are completed to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Harvester is sterilised at scheduled times according to operators manual and enterprise requirements.

3.3. Records are completed and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.4. Malfunctions, faults, irregular performance and damage to cane harvester are identified, detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.5. Cane harvester is cleaned, secured and stored according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

readily familiarise self with local conditions

perform routine safety, basic service and maintenance procedures on cane harvesters

demonstrate emergency operating procedures

obtain licenses and permits

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

read and interpret property maps, operators manuals, manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and MSDS

communicate faults, malfunctions and workplace hazards, report and maintain operational records

comprehend and apply task instructions

measure and calculate volumes, feed rates, consumption and servicing requirements

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 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

components, controls and features of cane harvesters and their functions

operating principles and operating methods for cane harvesters

cane harvester processes and spillage minimisation techniques

legislative requirements with regard to licensing

harvest and haulage processes and procedures

principles of the safe removal of obstacles from harvesters and adjustment of harvester settings

OHS and environmental protection legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures

environmental impacts and minimisation measures.

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:

conduct pre-start and shut-down procedures

communicate and co-operate with other personnel such as haul-out drivers

control cane spillage

demonstrate emergency driving procedures

effectively sterilise the harvester to prevent cross-property contamination

maintain operational records.

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.

Hazards may include:

disturbance of services

solar radiation

dust

noise

through traffic

uneven surfaces and holes

moving machinery and machinery parts

overhead hazards including powerlines.

Unit sector

Machinery operation and maintenance

This unit contains employability skills.