22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation This course has been accredited under Parts 4.4 and 4.6 of the Education and training Reform Act 2006. It has been entered on the State Register of Accredited Courses and Recognised Qualifications and the National Training Information Service. Accredited for the period: 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 1 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Document Status This document is an exact copy of the document, which is listed on the State Register of Accredited Courses and Recognised Qualifications and the National Training Information Service. Version 1: Accredited from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 © State of Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) 2010 Copyright of this material is reserved to the Crown in the right of the State of Victoria. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/au/). You are free to use, copy and distribute to anyone in its original form as long as you attribute Department of Education and Early Childhood Development as the author, and you license any derivative work you make available under the same licence. Disclaimer In compiling the information contained in and accessed through this resource, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) has used its best endeavours to ensure that the information is correct and current at the time of publication but takes no responsibility for any error, omission or defect therein. 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Users will need to consult the copyright notice of the third party sites for conditions of usage 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 2 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Table of Contents Section A: Copyright and course classification information ................... 4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Copyright owner of the course ................................................................................................ 4 Address .................................................................................................................................. 4 Type of submission................................................................................................................. 4 Copyright acknowledgement .................................................................................................. 4 Licensing and franchise .......................................................................................................... 4 Course accrediting body ......................................................................................................... 4 AVETMISS information........................................................................................................... 5 Period of accreditation ............................................................................................................ 5 Section B: Course information ................................................................... 6 1. Nomenclature ........................................................................................................................ 6 1.1 Name of the qualification ....................................................................................................... 6 1.2 Nominal duration of the course .............................................................................................. 6 2. Vocational or educational outcomes of the course................................................................. 6 3. Development of the course .................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Industry/enterprise/community needs .................................................................................... 6 3.2 Review for re-accreditation .................................................................................................... 7 4. Course outcomes .................................................................................................................. 7 4.1 Qualification level .................................................................................................................. 7 4.2 Employability skills................................................................................................................. 7 4.3 Recognition given to the course (if applicable)....................................................................... 7 4.4 Licensing/regulatory requirements (if applicable) ................................................................... 7 5. Course rules .......................................................................................................................... 8 5.1 Course structure .................................................................................................................... 8 5.2 Entry requirements ................................................................................................................ 8 6. Assessment........................................................................................................................... 9 6.1 Assessment strategy ............................................................................................................. 9 6.2 Assessor competencies....................................................................................................... 10 7. Delivery ............................................................................................................................... 10 7.1 Delivery modes.................................................................................................................... 10 7.2 Resources ........................................................................................................................... 10 8. Pathways and articulation.................................................................................................... 11 9. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation ..................................................................................... 11 Section C: Unit of competency …………………………………………….. . 12 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 3 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Section A: Copyright and course classification information 1. Copyright owner of the course Copyright of this document is held by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Victoria. © State of Victoria Day to day contact: Primary Industries Curriculum Maintenance Manager CMM Number: 5133 Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE 77-91 St Georges Rd Preston VIC 3072 Email: kateb-rd@nmit.vic.edu.au Telephone: 03 9269 1391 Facsimile: 03 9269 1365 2. Address 3. Type of submission 4. Copyright acknowledgement 5. Licensing and franchise Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Executive Director, Pathways Participation and Youth, GPO Box 266 Melbourne 3001 Accreditation Copyright of this material is reserved to the Crown in the right of the State of Victoria. © State of Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) 2010 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bynd/3.0/au/). You are free to use, copy and distribute to anyone in its original form as long as you attribute the, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development as the author, and you license any derivative work you make available under the same licence Copies of this publication can be downloaded free of charge from the Training Support Network website: http://trainingsupport.skills.vic.gov.au 6. Course accrediting body Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority Level 6, 35 Spring Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Telephone: (03) 9637 2806 Website: http://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/ 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 4 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation 7. AVETMISS information Classification codes for: ANZSCO [Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations] 841611 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer ANZSIC code (Australia and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification – industry type) 0145 Grain-Sheep or Grain-Beef Cattle Farming ASCED Code – 4 digit (Field of Education) 0501 Agriculture National course code 8. Period of accreditation To be provided by the course accrediting body once the course is accredited The period of accreditation is from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 5 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Section B: Course information 1. Nomenclature 1.1 Name of the qualification Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation 1.2 Nominal duration of the course 30 hours 2. Vocational or educational outcomes of the course This course provides individuals with the technical and applied skills and knowledge required to enable them to fulfil the functions of an operator of an agricultural front end loader. The course is designed to provide strong practical and applied complementary knowledge and skills to those who are currently or intending to work in the field of agriculture. 3. Development of the course 3.1 Industry /enterprise/ community needs In 2004, Primary Skills Victoria (PSV), plus representatives of industry and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), identified that the skills and knowledge required to operate an agricultural front end loader were not addressed in the RTE03 Rural Production Training Package. In 2007, a survey was undertaken to identify the specific skills and knowledge required for farmers and those employed in the primary industries sector in the safe operation of front end loaders with agricultural attachments. This involved consultation with representatives from WorkSafe, Victorian Farmers Federation, the tractor machinery industry and their associations and Victorian public RTOs. Units in the existing RTE03 Rural Production Training Package do not adequately address the specific training needs for the operation of a front end loader using attachments. Units in other Training Packages on front end loader operation are industry specific and have requirements not appropriate to the rural sector. Although farms make up ten per cent of Victorian workplaces, they account for at least 25 per cent of all work-related deaths. A major cause of death and injury on farms is machinery-related. Approximately 85% of farm fatalities are caused by run-overs and roll-overs. Fatalities can be prevented by: • keeping machinery in good repair; • fitting safety equipment • operating machinery safely at all times; and, • using equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and for the purpose for which it is designed. Although the safe operation of tractors is addressed in the RTE03 Rural Production Training Package, the operation of front end loaders with agricultural attachments is not adequately addressed. Currently there are seven regional registered training organisations (RTOs) and four metropolitan RTOs delivering training from the RTE03 Rural Production Training Package. It is anticipated that at least four of 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 6 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation these RTOs will deliver this course and that there will 40-60 enrolments in the first year of the course; these numbers are anticipated to rise as awareness of the course increases. Members of the Steering Committee were: Peter Halkier (Chair) PFG Australia - Chair John Curtis Victorian Farmers Federation Tom McCormack Executive Officer, Safe T Training Pty Ltd Ian Lee/Greg Hallihan Primary Skills Victoria Phil Tripp Northern Melbourne Institute TAFE David Foote Wodonga TAFE Representatives from WorkSafe, Bruce Gibson, Agriculture Program Manager, Program and Projects, Worksafe - Victorian Workcover Authority and Dorothea Ferguson, WorkSafe Officer, were consulted throughout the development of this course. The Project Manager was Kate Bryce, Executive Officer, Primary Industries Curriculum Maintenance Manager, Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE. 3.2 Review for re-accreditation 4. Course outcomes 4.1 Qualification level Please refer to the appendices for: • Appendix I: Skills and Knowledge Survey • Appendix II: Minutes and notes of Steering Committee meetings • Appendix III: Course Contents Endorsement forms • Appendix IV: Letters of support from key stakeholders. Not applicable This is a ‘Course in ...’ and as such does not have an AQF level. 4.2 Employability skills Not applicable 4.3 Recognition given to the course (if applicable) 4.4 Licensing/ regulatory requirements (if applicable) Not applicable No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this course at the time of publication. 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 7 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Unit of competency/ module title Prerequisite 3 3 Nominal hours Field of Education code (6digit) Credit Matrix Points Unit of competency/ module code Credit Matrix Level 5. Course rules 5.1 Course structure To be awarded the Statement of Attainment for the Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation, participants are required to successfully complete the unit of competency, VPAU348 Operate agricultural front end loaders. Core units/ modules VPAU348 Operate agricultural front end loaders 30hrs Total nominal hours 30hrs Qualification profile (lowest level then lowest points where there is a choice of electives) Credit Matrix Total Points Level 8 Level 7 Level 6 Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Enabling Total No. of units/modules 3 1 3 1 5.2 Entry requirements This course is open to people who plan to become an operator of agricultural front end loaders or wish to develop their knowledge in this area. Participants enrolling in the Course in Agriculture Front End Loader Operation must be able to demonstrate a range of skills in writing, reading, speaking and the performance of calculations, including the ability to: • read and interpret manuals and operating procedures • communicate clearly with a range of individuals and as part of a team • maintain records and documentation • calculate simple mathematical information. To ensure personal safety and the safety of others, it is recommended that partipants have the ability to: • report and maintain operational records • identify and control risks associated with the operation of machinery and equipment under normal and adverse conditions For those applicants with no experience with the operation of farm machinery the following unit from the RTE03 Rural Production Training Package provides the entry skills recommended for the course: RTC2309A Operate tractors. 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 8 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation 6. Assessment 6.1 Assessment strategy Assessment strategies for the Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation should reflect AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration, Standard 1, Element 1.5 or any replacement standards as approved by the National Quality Council (NQC). Assessment will best occur in a combination of institution-based and work or simulated-work environments. Assessment of the competency of candidates will be based on: • practical demonstration of skill in an industry or simulated environment, as in operating a front end loader to complete a task • completion of written or oral assessment activities, such as hazard identification and control • completion of in-class or workshop based assignments or questions sheets or tests, on legislation relevant to front end loader operation Assessment strategies should be designed to: • cover the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate achievement of the course aims • collect evidence on a number of occasions and in a variety of contexts and situations • be appropriate to the skills, knowledge, methods of delivery and needs/characteristics of the learners • assist assessors to interpret evidence consistently • recognise prior learning • be equitable to all groups of learners. Under the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration, Standard 1, Element 1.5 or any replacement standards as approved by the NQC, training organisations must provide quality training and assessment across all operations. Specifically, assessment, including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), must: • be conducted in accordance with the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence, and • meet workplace and regulatory requirements, where relevant. Where possible, an integrated approach to assessment is suggested in relation to the competency outcomes of the course. Integration, in this instance, refers to Elements and Performance Criteria from the unit of competency being linked together for assessment. Assessment need not be undertaken at the end of each Element. The individual needs of the learner and/or characteristics of the enterprise should be reflected in assessment methods that are chosen for a unit of competency. Assessment methods may include more than one of the following: • practical application and demonstration of skills • oral presentations • written tests • work-based activities, including maintenance of log books • simulations. 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 9 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation 6.2 Assessor competencies 7. Delivery 7.1 Delivery modes Assessor competencies for this course are consistent with the requirements of Standard 1, Element 1.4 of the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration, or any replacement standards as approved by the NQC. Standard 1.4 requires trainers and assessors to: • have the training and assessment competencies determined by the National Quality Council or its successors, • have the relevant vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered or assessed, and • continue to develop their vocational and training and assessment competencies to support continuous improvements in the delivery of RTO services. In addition to the above it is recommended that assessors have comprehensive and current knowledge of the industry and the job or role against which performance is being assessed. Assessors should also have appropriate interpersonal and communication skills. Alternatively, a panel, team or partnership approach involving assessors and technical experts whereby the assessment is conducted by a team/panel/partnership in which at least one assessor has the competencies determined by the National Quality Council, and the other assessor(s) hold relevant vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed. This course is available for part-time study. Providers should endeavour to be flexible in the way the training is delivered to ensure they meet the needs of the client group. This course aims to develop practical competencies within an industry setting. Practical demonstration and opportunity for application are considered to provide the most suitable strategy to achieve the objectives of the course. The use of worksheets, assignments and simulations are also recommended where appropriate. An emphasis on safety must be integrated and reinforced at all times. The following rules apply for contextualisation: • Elements and associated Performance Criteria must not be altered in any way. • The Range Statement may be expanded as long as it does not increase the complexity of the unit. • The Evidence Guide may be expanded as long as it retains the integrity of the unit and does not jeopardise the student’s potential to achieve the competency. • Learning and assessment resources may be tailored to the specific needs of the target group, while maintaining their validity. 7.2 Resources Participants must have access to: • an agricultural front end loader • a range of agricultural attachments • a work environment or simulated-work environment • relevant legislation/regulations, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, this may include Codes of Practice and Guidance Material • personal protective equipment 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 10 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation • • • • • manufacturers’ manuals road rules Log book/diary enterprise policies and procedures www.worksafe.vic.gov.au Access to a classroom, library and audiovisual equipment may be required. Trainer vocational competencies must be as specified in Standard 1.4 of the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration, or any replacement standards as approved by the NQC, i.e. the Registered Training Organisation must ensure that training is delivered by a person who: • has the competencies determined by the National Quality Council, • has the relevant vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered, and • can demonstrate current industry skills directly relevant to the training/assessment being undertaken • continues to develop vocational and training competencies to support continuous improvement in the delivery of training services. 8. Pathways and articulation 9. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation There are no formal articulation and credit transfer arrangements. However, the course is related to other units of competency in the RTE03 Rural Production Training Package. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the course is the responsibility of the Primary Industries Curriculum Maintenance Manager (PICMM). PICMM will ensure that the content remains relevant and that teaching strategies are appropriate to the content. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will ensure that: • the course continues to meet current and changing needs of the agricultural industry • changes in legislation and regulations are monitored • development of any relevant national competency standards are monitored • developments in assessment methodology are reflected • feedback from clients is reflected. To assist with this, a reference committee will be established by PICMM comprising relevant representatives from the agricultural industry and Registered Training Organisations, to advise on any changes relating to ongoing delivery of this course. The committee will meet at the midpoint of the accreditation period to formally review the course. In providing advice for required changes, it will include a consideration of client feedback as provided through training organisations. Any documented changes will be reported to the VRQA. Course maintenance and review procedures may also indicate that the course in total should be expired if a suitable national qualification or units of competency become available through the development, review or continuous improvement process of a Training Package. 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 11 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Section C: Units of competency Unit code VPAU348 Unit title Operate agricultural front end loaders 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 12 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation VPAU348 Operate agricultural front end loaders Unit Descriptor This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate front end loaders using a range of attachments in an agricultural work environment. The unit involves performing pre-operational checks, assessing work requirements for the selected attachment, following work plans and monitoring own performance. Successful completion requires well developed operator skills, a sound knowledge of workplace safety and the ability to comply with enterprise requirements. Employability Skills The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. Application of the Unit This unit is applicable to farmers and individuals employed in an agricultural workplace. Work may be carried out as part of a small team and may involve individual responsibility for work practices and the ability to work under minimal supervision. ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. 1 2 Prepare front end loader for operation Operate front end loader 1.1 Hazards in the work area are identified, risk assessed and controlled. 1.2 Pre-operational checks of front end loader and attached equipment are conducted prior to use according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise requirements. 1.3 Attached equipment is selected appropriate to work requirements and fitted according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise requirements and used for the purpose for which it is designed. 1.4 Work instructions, including plans, specifications, quality requirements and operational details are confirmed. 1.5 Equipment faults and/or malfunctions addressed or reported according to enterprise requirements. 2.1 Risks to self, others and the environment are recognised and controlled according to occupational health and safety and enterprise requirements. 2.2 Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to manufacturer’s instructions and enterprise requirements. 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 13 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation 3 Complete and check front end loader operation 2.3 Front end loader is operated in a safe and controlled manner to achieve optimum output within manufacturer’s specifications. 2.4 Hazards are identified, anticipated and controlled through the application of safe and defensive driving techniques with regard to hierarchy of control principles in the current OHS Act. 2.5 Environmental requirements associated with front end loader operation are recognised and control procedures implemented. 2.6 Work undertaken is within vehicle load limits, observing principles of weight distribution and manufacturers’ specifications. 3.1 Shut-down procedures are conducted according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise requirements. 3.2 Malfunctions, faults, irregular performance, damage and the need for corrective actions are identified and reported according to enterprise requirements. 3.3 Front end loader and attached equipment is cleaned and decontaminated, where required, secured and stored according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise requirements. 3.4 Front end loader operational reports are maintained to industry standards according to enterprise requirements. REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria? What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria? Sound working knowledge of: • front end loader components, controls and operational functions • front end loader steering systems and features • features and functions of attached equipment • front end loader operating principles and methods • load limits and the principles of weight distribution and load shifting • effects of adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions on front end loader operation • environmental impact issues, including traffic management • relevant legislation • licensing requirements • use and control of hazardous substances/dangerous goods • hazard identification and control – apply hierarchy control principles. Ability to: • steer, manoeuvre and position a front end loader in a smooth and controlled manner • safely and effectively operate a front end loader under a range of conditions • safely and effectively use attached equipment to perform 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 14 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation work tasks • demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices • interpret manufacturer’s specifications • record activities and maintain records • measure distance, volume and weight. RANGE STATEMENT The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. Hazards may include: • exposure to loud noises, fumes, hazardous substances, solar radiation, dust • ergonomic hazards related to posture and mechanical vibration • bystanders and/or children • livestock and wildlife • difficult terrain, varying gradients and embankments • broken ground, potholes, ditches and gullies • obstacles • trees • adverse weather conditions • overhead powerlines, underground services • speed and fatigue • load shifts • mechanical malfunctions • exposed moving parts • home versus work area • getting on and off the front end loader • slip, trip and fall from heights • dangerous goods issues, potential for fire whilst fuelling and, depending on attachment, the accumulation grass materials • burns from engine checks • slinging of loads Pre-operational checks may include: • pre-start safety checks include: tyres, wheels, controls and cables, lights, safety mirrors, electrics, safety restraints, chain/drive-shafts, chassis, seatbelts, suspension, power take-off equipment, guards, roll-over protection, spark arresters, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, switches and instruments • pre-service loader safety lock-out, an application of a prop or chock • cooling system • fuel, oils and other lubricants to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise safe operational requirements • battery levels • fan belts, leads, lines and connections • air filters and air conditioning • brakes, clutch, transmission and steering • approved Safe Working Load (SWL) - chains, slings, lifting 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 15 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Front end loaders may include: • • • • devices location and operation of controls ballast end and counter weight fire fighting equipment key components, service and maintenance points • • • • dedicated front end loader articulated loaders tractor with front end loader attachment telehandlers up to 3 tonne capability Front end loaders must be fitted with: • roll-over protective structure (ROPs) Enterprise requirements may include: • • • • • • • • • • • • Standard Operating Procedures industry standards work schedules Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) work notes and plans product labels manufacturer’s specifications tag out system operators manuals for both tractor and attachment policies and procedures for waste disposal, recycling and re-use hazard risk identification and reporting accident incident notification internal/external Attached equipment may include: • • • • • • • • fork lift attachment bucket scrapers fodder handling implements counter weights approved Safe Working Load (SWL) cables, slings and chains rippers scarifiers Work may include: • • • • • • • mixing materials stripping/spreading soil and materials loading cutting/boxing backfilling lifting and carrying materials slinging of material Risks may include: • roll-over caused by traversing steep terrain or cornering too sharply at speed • back flip caused by driving off in high gear with a high engine speed, rapid acceleration driving uphill or pulling a heavy load, attempting to drive forward when wheels are bogged, rapid engagement of clutch • power take-off entanglement (e.g. loose clothing, hair, hands) • faulty or worn equipment • inexperienced, unsupervised operators 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 16 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation • • • • • • • • • • • Occupational health and safety requirements may include safe systems and procedures for: bystanders, including children travelling with load raised at inappropriate/excessive height incorrect ballast and counter weight inappropriate use of counterweight incompatible host tractor to attachment or vice versa crush to operator from falling load. loss of control of load working under a raised load working in isolation manual handling – musculoskeletal injury lack of appropriate guarding of machinery • safe operation of front end loaders and attached equipment including the fitting of guards and shields • hazard and risk control, anticipation, operation and response • emphasis on maintaining loads to a low centre of gravity whilst moving • safe mounting and dismounting • manual handling including lifting and carrying • emergency/defensive driving techniques • handling, application and storage of hazardous substances • outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, dust and noise • use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment • use of roll-over protection and seatbelts • passengers are carried for training purposes only and only when there is a seat and seatbelt approved by the manufacturer • personnel working on the ground and children • use of standard hand signals • identifying and addressing wear or faults • working within safe operating parameters • emergency plan (e.g. access to first aid kit, first aid training, access to emergency telephone numbers, route to nearest hospital, communicability of plan) • equipment and safety training and appropriate supervision of employees 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 17 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation Personal protective equipment may include: • • • • • • • Safe and controlled operation of a front end loader may include: • the appropriate selection and use of controls, features, settings and operational techniques for gravity and the terrain (whilst moving) and weather conditions without damage to loader, equipment, person, property or environment • following manufacturer’s specifications, work and maintenance plans with estimations and calculations to ensure loading within SWL boots with non-slip soles overalls gloves protective eyewear hearing protection respirator or facemask sun protection • • • • • elimination of hazard substitution/isolation engineering administration personal protective equipment Environmental requirements may include: • • • • • • • • excessive noise, dust and exhaust emissions waste management clean-up management water quality protection hazardous substances high traffic activity soil disturbance and erosion spread of environmental weeds Shut down procedures may include: • refuelling • cleaning, removal (separation from tractor) and storage of attachments • parking away from hazards • ensuring hydraulic attachments are lowered to a safe position and neutralised • lowering of attachments • engaging handbrake and removing keys, turning off engine • safe dismounting and securing of front end loader • cleaning of front end loader Reports may include: • • • • • • • • Hierarchy of control principles may include: routine checks and maintenance scheduled maintenance activities mandatory or statutory inspections log books faults malfunctions and damage details hazard and incident reports, e.g. tag out system OHS statutory reporting/incident reporting 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 18 of 19 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation EVIDENCE GUIDE The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment section in Section B of the accreditation submission. Overview of Assessment This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function. Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit In order to confer competency, evidence must prove that the candidate is able to: • • • • • operate an agricultural front end loader in a safe and controlled manner select appropriate equipment for work requirements apply safe and defensive driving techniques with regard to hierarchy of control principles follow shutdown procedures record work activities Context of and specific resources for assessment The context for assessment of this unit may be in a real or simulated workplace where agricultural activities would be undertaken. Assessment must ensure: • access to a front end loader • a range of agricultural attachments • manufacturer’s manuals • enterprise policies and procedures • access to relevant legislations and regulations Method of assessment For valid and reliable assessment, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance and should closely replicate the work environment, circumstances and equipment likely to be encountered in the workplace. Evidence may include direct observation, third party reports, work documentation, response to questions that address the performance criteria and critical aspects for assessment. Guidance information for assessment To ensure consistency, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time. The skills and knowledge required to operate front end loaders must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. 22089VIC Course in Agricultural Front End Loader Operation © State of Victoria 2010, Version 1, July 2010 Page 19 of 19