NZQA registered unit standard
23623 version 2
Page 1 of 4
Title
Operate a mulching machine for rural contracting
Level
4
Credits
12
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: select and
prepare machine for mulching; assess the land and prepare for
the mulching operation; carry out the mulching operation; and
carry out post-operational procedures.
Classification
Rural Contracting > Agricultural Contracting
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
The following legislation and requirements apply to this unit standard:
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992;
Manufacturer’s instructions.
Other requirements applicable to this unit standard may include but are not limited to:
Managing health and safety – A guide for farmers (Wellington: Worksafe, 2014)
Safe use of tractors on farms (Wellington: Worksafe, 2014); and
Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace
(Wellington: Department of Labour, 2002); and
Approved Code of Practice for Operator Protective Structures on Self-Propelled
Mobile Mechanical Plant (Wellington: Department of Labour, 1999); available from
http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/.
Any legislation or other requirement superseding any of the above will apply, pending
review of this unit standard.
2
Assessment against this unit standard must be based on evidence from a workplace
context.
3
Personal protective equipment, appropriate for the work being carried out, is to be
selected and worn in accordance with company requirements and manufacturer’s
instructions.
4
Definitions
Company requirements refer to all policies, procedures, and methodologies the
candidate’s organisation has in place including but not limited to those relating to
health, safety, environment, quality, and operations.
Manufacturer’s instructions may include specifications, installation, handling, use,
and maintenance instructions and safety data sheets.
Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
23623 version 2
Page 2 of 4
Mulching machine includes the use of a wheeled or tracked machine with a mulching
attachment.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Select and prepare machine for mulching.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Machine chosen is appropriate for the work to be carried out.
1.2
Machine is checked for condition, damage, wear, and faults; problems are
identified; and corrective action is taken in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions and company requirements.
1.3
Checks are made and any necessary actions are taken or adjustments made to
ensure the machine complies with legal and company requirements for operator
health and safety.
Outcome 2
Assess the land and prepare for the mulching operation.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Hazards are identified in terms of underground services, surface obstacles, and
contours.
2.2
Ground conditions are checked for suitability of operation.
Range
soil type, soil conditions, terrain, underrunners, rocks or other
obstacles
2.3
Work pattern is developed that minimises empty running and plant wear and
takes into account the terrain, identified hazards, and job requirements.
2.4
Adjustments made are appropriate for the work to be carried out.
Range
top link adjustment, couplings, alignments, flail type
Outcome 3
Carry out the mulching operation.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Plant is monitored during use, and any required set-up adjustments are made in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
3.2
The machine is operated and controlled within safe operating limits to suit
conditions.
conditions may include but are not limited to – ground, rocks or
other obstacles
Range
3.3
Any requirements for maintenance during operations are carried out in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
may include but is not limited to – lubrication
Range
3.4
23623 version 2
Page 3 of 4
Operation is completed in accordance with predetermined work pattern, job
requirements, and company requirements.
Outcome 4
Carry out post-operational procedures.
Evidence requirements
4.1
Shut-down procedures are carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions and company requirements.
4.2
Any damage or faults including any missing, bent, broken, or loose parts are
identified and are repaired, replaced, or reported in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions and company requirements.
4.3
Equipment and machinery is stored in accordance with company requirements.
4.4
Documentation for the operation is completed in accordance with company and
client requirements, and is stored in accordance with company requirements.
Planned review date
31 December 2020
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
25 June 2007
31 December 2016
Review
2
16 July 2015
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0101
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
23623 version 2
Page 4 of 4
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMRs). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Infrastructure ITO at qualifications@connexis.org.nz if you wish to suggest
changes to the content of this unit standard.
Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016