Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use and maintain garden hand tools and equipment. It requires knowledge of the correct purpose and function of garden hand tools and equipment and their maintenance needs.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
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. Identify and describe uses of tools | 1.1 Correctly identify garden hand tools and equipment 1.2 Describe the correct purpose of each tool and how to use it correctly 1.3 Describe the maintenance and storage requirements for the tools |
2. Use tools for their designed purpose | 2.1 Ensure safe work practices are complied with 2.2 Undertake tasks using garden hand tools and equipment correctly 2.3 Return tools used to the storage area and stow correctly |
3. Clean, maintain and store garden hand tools and equipment | 3.1 Identify tools that need repairs or maintenance 3.2 Undertake regular tool maintenance tasks 3.3 Store garden hand tools and equipment properly to ensure long service |
Evidence of Performance
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:
describe uses of tools and equipment
use a range of garden hand tools and equipment properly
clean, maintain and store garden hand tools and equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices related to garden tool use and maintenance
principles of sustainable horticultural practices
ergonomics
garden hand tools and equipment used in permaculture systems, such as:
spades and shovels
forks
trowels
rakes
scythes and sickles
hand mowers
secateurs & loppers
picks & mattocks
pruning saws and bow saws
club hammer and sledge hammer
maintaining tools and equipment in good condition, such as:
replacing dulled blades
replacing broken handles
lubricating moving parts
adjusting mechanisms
sharpening and honing blades
storage techniques for hand tools and equipment
carrying and transporting hand tools and equipment safely
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III qualification (or higher) in Permaculture and/or have completed a Permaculture Design Course (PDC).
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)