TLIB2907B

TLIB2907B
Use and maintain minor

mechanical equipment
Learner Guide
Contents
What this Learner’s Guide is about ........................................ 1
Planning your learning ........................................................... 2
How you will be assessed ...................................................... 5
Section 1............................................................................................. 7
Select and operate minor mechanical equipment .................. 7
Section 2........................................................................................... 27
Operating, maintaining, storing and securing equipment..... 27
Additional resources ....................................................................... 44
Feedback on activities .................................................................... 46

TLIB2907B Use and maintain minor mechanical equipment
What this Learner’s Guide is about
This learning guide is about the skills and knowledge required to use
and maintain minor mechanical equipment in accordance with
workplace requirements, including carrying out pre-‐operational checks
on equipment, operating mechanical equipment in accordance with
workplace requirements, conducting routine maintenance, and
securing and storing equipment in accordance with workplace
procedures.
The following elements of competency from the unit TLIB2907B use
and maintain minor mechanical equipment are covered in this learning
guide:
Carry out pre-‐operation checks
Operate mechanical equipment
Conduct routine maintenance
Secure and store
This unit of competency is from the Transport and Logistics Training
Package (TLI07).
© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 1

Customised and developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education Pty Ltd April 2009 ADELG1065
Planning your learning
It is important to plan your learning before you start because you may
already have some of the knowledge and skills that are covered in this
Learner’s Guide. This might be because:
• you have been working in the industry for some time,
and/or
• you have already completed training in this area.
Together with your supervisor or trainer use the checklists on the
following pages to help you plan your study program. Your answers to
the questions in the checklist will help you work out which sections of
this Learner’s Guide you need to complete.
This Learner’s Guide is written with the idea that learning is made more
relevant when you, the learner, are actually working in the industry.
This means that you will have people within the enterprise who can
show you things, discuss how things are done and answer any
questions you have. Also you can practise what you learn and see how
what you learn is applied in the enterprise.
If you are working through this Learner’s Guide and have not yet found
a job in the industry, you will need to talk to your trainer about doing
work experience or working and learning in some sort of simulated
workplace.
Page 2 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

ADELG1065 Customised and developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education Pty Ltd April 2009
Section 1: Carry out pre-operation checks
Are you able to: Yes No

1. conduct pre-‐operational checks to
manufacturer's specifications to ensure
optimum functionality of equipment?  
2. make necessary adjustments to equipment
to ensure efficient operation, according to
manufacturer's instructions?  
3. report faulty equipment to relevant person
to ensure equipment is safe and effective
to use?  
Section 2: Operate mechanical equipment

1. operate equipment in accordance with
manufacturer's or workplace operating
instructions to ensure safe and effective
operation?  
2. use appropriate personal safety protection
to minimise the risk of injury to operator?  
3. eliminate or control work operational
hazards appropriately when using
equipment to ensure safe working
conditions?  
4. give clear instructions to assisting
personnel about their duties if required to
ensure safe and effective working
conditions?  

Section 3: Conduct routine maintenance

1. clean and maintain equipment in
accordance with manufacturer's
specifications to ensure optimum
functionality?  
2. maintain detailed and accurate records
according to workplace procedures?  
Section 4: Secure and store

1. handle and transport equipment in a safe,
secure, efficient manner to minimise risk
of injury to personnel and damage to
equipment?  
2. store and secure equipment is according to
manufacturer's or workplace procedures to
prevent damage and losses of equipment?  

How you will be assessed
Assessment of this Unit of Competency will include observation of real
or simulated work processes using workplace procedures and
questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. It must be
demonstrated in an actual or simulated work situation under
supervision.
You will be required to demonstrate that you can:

• select and use minor mechanical equipment appropriate
to the task performed
• perform pre-‐operational checks on equipment and make
necessary adjustments
• maintain mechanical equipment used in the workplace
• secure and store equipment safely
• operate equipment safely including identifying hazards
and eliminating or controlling these hazards during use
• report damaged equipment and arrange for repair.


Section 1
Select and operate minor

mechanical equipment

Section outline
Areas covered in this section

Selecting and operating minor mechanical equipment
including:
 selecting and locating equipment that suits the task
 pre-‐operational checks
 safe working practices

How do you select and operate minor

mechanical equipment?
How do you locate the right piece of equipment

for the task?
Minor mechanical equipment is defined as a tool of piece of
equipment that uses a power source. This covers equipment
that is powered by:
• electricity (and plugged into or connected to an electrical
supply including a portable generator)
• electricity (powered by a re-‐chargeable battery)
• pneumatically driven (connected to an air hose and
compressor)
• diesel or petrol driven machinery.
Hand tools are defined as those operating without an external
power supply or motor such as hammers, chisels, wrenches,
etc. Minor mechanical equipment may therefore include
power driven versions of hand tools such as:
• power saw
• chain saw
• electric plane
• portable drill/screwdriver set.
The range of such equipment is vast. Hand tools as opposed
to power tools are used where:
• power is not available (although cordless power tools with
a chargeable battery are now widely available)
• a degree of finesse or delicate touch is required that is not
available via a power tool
• the working area will not allow power tools to be used
(power tools tend to be bigger than hand tools of the
same function)
• a risk could be posed through electric sparks
• the power tool version is not available or not yet made.
Minor mechanical equipment may belong to your company or
be hired for a specific task because the specific piece of
equipment is expensive and/or used infrequently.

Some examples include:

• power tools that are connected to electrical outlets –
electric saw, bench saw, pumps, electric planes, sanders,
angle grinder, cement mixer
• power tools that have rechargeable batteries – electric
drill/screwdriver
• fuel driven equipment – pumps, electric generator, chain
saw, whipper-‐snipper.
The type of equipment that you use in your workplace (or hire
for use) will depend on the type of workplace where you are
employed and your job role.
It is important to know what equipment to use for specific
jobs as this can make the task far easier and safer. Seek advice
if you are unsure of how to use a specific piece of equipment
for your safety, that of others and to ensure expensive
equipment is not damaged. If the right piece of equipment
isn’t available, use workplace procedures to ensure that you
can get access through purchase or hiring it.
In the following activities, you are asked to list the types of
equipment that you use in your work role, how you access
equipment and what can go wrong using the wrong
equipment or when the operator of the equipment is
untrained in its use.

Activity 1: Equipment list and equipment access
Over a period of a few weeks, list the types of equipment that you
use in your job. Use the table below to record your findings. The
aim of this activity is to determine the types of equipment you use
and its function (what jobs this equipment is suited to). To
complete the table fill out the equipment’s function, power source
(electrical, rechargeable battery, diesel, petrol) and whether hired
or owned by company. One example is provided as a guide.
Equipment Use Power source Hired or

name owned by
company?
Cement mixer Mix cement, Electrical Owned

other paving
materials

Discuss with your trainer and other relevant people in your

workplace (maintenance supervisor, stores personnel, etc) the
process for accessing equipment (new types of equipment rather
than replacements) that is not available in the workplace.
When is equipment bought rather than hired?
How do you find out if a piece of equipment that you need is

already available? Is there a catalogue or register of equipment?
What do you do if you don’t know what type of equipment you need
for a given task – for example, if a specialised task such as post
hole digging (say a 100 holes) has to be undertaken but the only
way you know how to do this is using a spade and other hand tools
and this is obviously too slow?
Summarise your responses in the space below.

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There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s

Guide.

Activity 2: Wrong piece of equipment for the task
Discuss with your fellow team members what can happen when the
wrong piece of equipment is used for a job. You may also have
some examples that you know of from your past experience.
Use the table below to list these situations. An example has been
provided to guide you.
Equipment Wrong equipment Result

required and used
purpose
Heavy duty whipper- Chain saw Injury to operator

snipper to clear when saw went
blackberries through blackberry
vines and cut thigh
(appropriate PPE not
used also)

Guide.

How do I ensure that I use equipment safely?
Mechanical equipment can be dangerous to use for unskilled

operators but with suitable training in using the equipment and with
suitable caution, this equipment is safe to use. It is good to be safety
conscious at all times when using equipment and to prepare for using
the equipment.
Two aspects of preparation should be undertaken prior to using any
piece of equipment:
• determining the appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment to use
• undertaking a hazard assessment on using the equipment.
Before using a piece of equipment, especially if you have not used this
before, you should do a hazard assessment. This means that you
examine the equipment and check what possible injury or damage
could result from its use.
The following checklist will help you in making this assessment:
Criterion Examples of hand tools

that this may apply to
Does the equipment have the capacity to Power saws, grinders
cut material and therefore the user?
Does the material being worked on present Metal grinder, jack
some hazard? hammer (filings or chips
flying off)
Does the tool have the capacity for impact Impact tools such as jack
injury? hammers (hit toes, feet)
Does the tool present a hazard if dropped Most heavy equipment
on self?
Can the electrical cord be cut when using Power saw
the equipment?
Does the equipment produce high sound Most electric or fuel
levels in use and require hearing driven saws
protection?
Is the equipment capable of falling over Cement mixer, pumps

and causing injury or damage or moving

across the work surface?

Other hazards may be involved in using the tools in a specific location.
For example, working at height, working on roofs, etc. These potential
hazards are not considered in this Learner’s Guide but should be
addressed in using the equipment in a given situation.
Once the hazards are identified, the next question is to consider how
to prevent these happening.
As an example, if you were using an electric pump to drain out a
flooded area, , you would identify the following hazards:
• short circuits through water
• pump in operation ‘floating’ across work surface
• sucking up items into pump that may cause damage to
pump
• contact of body parts or clothing with pump inlet.
Pre-‐operational checks will eliminate some of the hazards mentioned

above. Checking the pump and the electrical supply for bare wires and
then operating the pump at low speed to check that it will work as
intended is a safe practice to get into then habit of doing. Securing the
pump with clamps or similar anchoring devices will ensure pump does
not ‘float’ away. Using a filter of some sort over pump inlet will mean
safer operating conditions as material including clothing and body
parts will not be able to get sucked into the pump.
Hazard identification looks at:

• what can happen
• how likely this is to happen
• consequences if it does happen
• total risk associated with use of equipment, process used.
In safety, a hierarchy of control is applied. This involves controlling

hazards by following a stepped process in that order:
• elimination hazard (e.g. change process altogether so that
this process is no longer done)
• substitution (e.g. use a different piece of equipment that is
not as hazardous)
• engineering (e.g. place guards around equipment)
• administrative (e.g. provide training for use of equipment)
• PPE (see below)
• risk transfer (e.g. hire an experienced external operator to
complete task).

Choosing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will help to

control some of the hazards that you identify with use of particular
pieces of equipment.
Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that you are required to
wear at all times is designed to make your job safer. This may include:
• uniform
• safety glasses (eye-‐wear)
• safety boots (you will probably be required to wear these
throughout your working day)
• gloves
• hearing protection.
Other PPE may be required depending on the location of the work site,
such as:
• sun screen for sunny weather in outdoor location
• high visibility clothing for outdoor work
• we t weather gear
• jacket (cold weather)
• hard hat (building sites and locations where debris might
fall on you such as tree trimming using a chain saw)
• breathing apparatus and face mask when exposed to dust
or chemicals.
The PPE required would depend on the assessment you make of the
hazards present in the job. Other hazards may be encountered
according to the type of materials being used (glass, splinters from
wood, etc) and any chemicals and solvents being used (Paint and paint
thinners when using a spray unit for painting, etc.)
Other hazards may involve you working near others. Care and being
observant will help prevent hurting others. If you are constantly aware
of where your fellow workers are located, you will avoid accidents.
Part of your induction and further training within your workplace
should have included Occupational Health and Safety and will have
addressed some of the issues being raised in this Learner’s Guide. The
next activity asks you to practice hazard identification and determining
appropriate PPE.

Activity 3: Personal Protective Equipment
Respond to the following questions. Talk to your supervisor, team

members, OHS representative, others in the workplace if you need
help answering the questions.
What equipment are you required to wear at all times?
What other equipment are you required to wear when performing

tasks involving the use of minor mechanical equipment? List four
examples of different tasks you have completed using different
pieces of equipment and the hazards that you identified before
commencing the task and how you considered what PPE would
help to minimise hazards.
Use the table below to fill out your responses.

Task description Equipment used Potential hazards Ways to minimise Other ways to
potential injury from eliminate or control
hazards through hazards
PPE
There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s Guide.

As well as undertaking an assessment to identify potential hazards

with the use of equipment, you should ensure that you can use the
equipment in an efficient and effective manner.
Your should approach your trainer or an experienced person in the
workplace such as a qualified tradesperson or your trainer to seek help
if you are required to use a piece of equipment that you have never
used before.
It may help to get off-‐cuts or samples to practice using the equipment
until you feel confident of using it properly. The time spent practicing
could save money, in the end, with not having to do the job a second
time or wasting materials.
In the next activity, you are asked to keep a list of the equipment that
you can competently use.

Activity 4: An inventory of your skills at using equipment
Complete the following table that lists equipment that you use (do this over a few weeks or a month). The fourth column
is for tips on how to use the equipment effectively and the last column is your own assessment at your confidence and
competence to use that equipment. Talk to your trainer if you need help filling out the table. An example has been filled
out as a guide.
Equipment Uses Safety issues Comments on use Competence?
Jack hammer Break up hard ground, Noise, damage to Don’t try to dig deeply in one YES
asphalt and concrete limbs - use safety go. Stop and clear material
boots and hearing regularly to maintain clear
protection. access to surface being
worked on

Equipment Uses Safety issues Comments on use Competence?

What pre-operational checks should I make

when using equipment?
In the previous section of this Learner’s Guide, pre-‐operational checks

were mentioned, and an example given of preparing to operate an
electrical pump.
The required checks will be listed with the manufacturer’s instructions
for use. The instructions are designed to maximise safety for yourself
as the operator, your colleagues and those working around you and to
get the maximum operating life from the equipment. If the
instructions are missing from equipment, report this situation and do
not use the equipment unless you are an experienced operator and
already know what pre-‐operational checks are required.
The instructions may also outline operating conditions for the

equipment such as:
• required PPE
• environmental information (e.g. disposal of consumables,
fumes, etc)
• operating limits (e.g. loads, size of material handled by
equipment, etc)
• maintenance after use
• cleaning down instructions.
Part of the pre-‐operational checking process may involve using a

checklist to ensure the check is methodical.
Checks might include:

• wiring on electrical equipment to ensure insulation is
intact
• oil levels for machinery requiring lubrication when in use
• other consumables are loaded into equipment (e.g. nails
for a nail gun)
• tightness of all equipment components bolted or
otherwise secured within equipment
• movement or play in moving parts outside recommended
tolerance (e.g. with power saw if blade is ‘wobbly’ or able
to be moved out of alignment by even a small amount,
saw could be damaged and not safe to use)

• breakages or missing parts (e.g. guards used to protect

operator)
• adjustments are set at required levels (e.g. electric plane
will not cut too deep when operated)
• operating machinery at low speed or not under load to
check for unusual noises, vibration, movement, etc.
When a problem is identified, you should follow workplace procedures

to respond to this situation. Some problems may be easily fixed and
within the expected competence of the operator to rectify (e.g.
adjusting depth of cutting blade on plane) while others may require
maintenance by more experienced and qualified repairers.
Cyclical checking of equipment may also be carried out and a ticket or
tag added to the machinery to indicate that this process has been
completed. If tags are attached to equipment, these should be
checked for currency.
The next activity asks you to summarise required pre-‐operational

checks on two different pieces of equipment and the reason for these
checks being made.

Activity 5: Pre-operational checks

Select two items of equipment that you use in the workplace. Choose two different types of equipment (use a different example to
that given) and complete the following table. The fourth column is for you to give a reason for making this check and the fifth (last)
column is to tick off that you can perform the required checks. Talk to your trainer if you need help filling out the table. An example
has been filled out as a guide.
Equipment Uses Required pre-operational Reason for making check Competence?

checks
Chain saw Trimming trees Chain sharpness & tightness, Ease of operation and safety YES
safety guard working

Activity 6: Case Study of equipment use
Consider the following Case Study and answer the questions that
follow the detail given about the situation.
Robin works with a transport company that has a depot at a main

junction point of the rail network in the suburbs. The manager has
noticed that a tree has a broken branch that is hanging over the
roof of a storage shed. The company owns a chainsaw and has a
variety of ladders and other equipment including a cherry-picker
(tower for high work). Robin is told to ‘fix this up’.
Summarise what Robin should do before actually tackling the task.

Guide.


Section 2
Operating, maintaining, storing

and securing equipment

Section outline
Areas covered in this section

Operating, maintaining, storing and securing equipment
including:
 cleaning and maintenance of equipment
 safe use of equipment
 transporting and storing equipment

How do you operate, maintain, store and secure

equipment?
What are the requirements for safe operation of

equipment?
Certain pieces of equipment and equipment used in certain

environments require licences. The conditions for use of larger pieces
of equipment should be checked with your trainer or with your local
WorkCover authority (see Additional Resources for a web link to these
authorities).
Equipment and conditions where permits or licences are required

includes:
• scaffolding and rigging situations
• enclosed space environments
• elevated platforms
• cranes and hoists
• pressure equipment.
If you are unsure about whether a license is required to operate a
particular piece of equipment, check with your workplace or
WorkCover.
In previous sections of this Learner’s Guide, the need for training to
use specialised equipment was detailed. This training might be
supplied by your company and be delivered on-‐site or you may be sent
to be trained by a training organisation outside your workplace.
If you are trained by your own workplace, the checklist that follows is
useful to guide you and your trainer to ensure that your training is
complete. Make copies of this checklist and use it as you learn how to
operate particular pieces of equipment.
The activity that follows the checklist asks you to continue with your
learning and to practice using this checklist as you learn to use specific
pieces of equipment. Note that as you learn to competently use
equipment, you should add this information into your responses for
Activity 4.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
1. Fill in the name of the piece of equipment you are learning about,
at the top of the checklist under ‘EQUIPMENT’
2. Review your own learning and as you reach each level for each
aspect of the required learning, put a tick in that box. Check with
your trainer to make sure that your trainer agrees with your own
assessment of your competence to use the equipment.
3. The rating scale is as follows: 1 = beginning to learn this; 2 = can do
the basics in this area; 3 = can do this but not solve problems in this
area; 4 = can do this and solve problems that arise.
EQUIPMENT:
Required learning Rating (tick as

you reach level)
1 2 3 4
Workplace procedures for accessing equipment
are followed
Required PPE is selected and worn
Pre-‐operational checks are undertaken
Faults, damage to equipment is reported
according to workplace procedures
Hazard assessment is undertaken
Equipment is used according to manufacturer’s
instructions
Equipment is used in compliance with
environmental considerations (fumes, waste, run-‐
off, fuel spills contained, etc)
Equipment is cleaned after use
Required maintenance is performed on equipment
used
Equipment is stored and transported so that
damage is avoided or prevented
Equipment is checked after use
Equipment is returned as required and in timely
manner according to workplace procedures

Activity 7: Learning to use equipment competently
Make copies of the checklist that is given above. Use this checklist
to assess your own competence at learning to use specific pieces
of equipment. Discuss your assessment with your trainer to ensure
that there is agreement between your trainer and yourself about
your competence at using the equipment. When you have learnt
how to use the equipment, add this item of equipment to your list in
Activity 4.

Guide.

How do you maintain equipment after use?
If you look at equipment catalogues or price lists for equipment, you
will soon realise that equipment purchases are not cheap and
represent a major investment for a self employed person, home
handyperson or for an organisation to supply. Given their cost or
value, it is important to look after the equipment that you use.
After use, equipment should be cleaned off and left dry. The
manufacturer’s instructions will provide advice on how to look after
the piece of equipment. A coating of oil or rust inhibitor (e.g. WD40)
on metal parts is a good way of finishing off the cleaning process.
Cleaning may involve removing the materials you have been working
with and using. The table below gives a range of materials and
solvents that can be used to remove these materials (space is allowed
to fill in any additional tips you pick up in the workplace):
Material Solvent/cleaning process
Water based paint Water or if dried methylated spirits*
Oil based paint Turps or if dried paint stripper or scrape off*
Silicone sealant Turps
Wood filler Scape off and use water
Liquid nails, PVA Scrape off
Grease Hand cleaner or warm soapy water

* Paint brushes that are left too long without being cleaned can be
reconditioned using a mixture of half water and half (clothes) washing
powder

Eucalyptus oil is a useful solvent for some adhesives and can be tried if
other methods of removing material do not work.
The instructions for use of the equipment might include routine
maintenance to be carried out as they are put back into storage so
that they are in good condition for the next user. This may involve:
• sharpening of blades such as in planes, chisels, saws, etc
• draining fuel tanks or reservoirs of material being applied
by the equipment
• cleaning off
• lubrication of moving parts and those parts that are prone
to rust
• tightening of bolts, screws, guards, etc that may have
vibrated loose during operation
• adjustments and checking of tolerances.
Some workplaces will send off saws and other tools for sharpening or
have an external person come into the workplace to do this on a
regular basis or have a person in charge of tools and equipment
sharpening these. Blunt tools and equipment can be dangerous to use
besides being frustrating as they are slower to get the job done.
If each user is expected to maintain equipment and does return
equipment ‘as they found it’ you will need to learn how to do this.
Specific tools might be required to be taken with you or to be used on
site such as:
• an oilstone and oil for sharpening
• saw files
• saw set for setting saws
• drill gauges (to check angles of bits, etc)
• verniers to check thicknesses and tolerances
• grinding wheel
• WD40 or other rust preventer/lubricant.
Ask your trainer or an experienced colleague to help you learn how to
sharpen and check the equipment you use.
The next exercises ask you to list the required procedures (cleaning,
sharpening, checks) that you are required to undertake for specific
pieces of equipment after use.

Activity 8: An inventory of your skills at maintaining equipment
Complete the following table that lists equipment that you use (do this over a few weeks or a month) and required
maintenance after use. The third column is used to list the required maintenance and checks to be performed on
equipment after use. The last column is your own assessment at your confidence and competence to maintain that
equipment. Talk to your trainer if you need help filling out the table. An example has been filled out as a guide.
Equipment Uses Required maintenance and checks Competence?
Electric plane Surface wood Check sharpness and condition of blade, check wiring YES
and for loose screws, etc. Sharpen as required.

Equipment Uses Required maintenance and checks Competence?

What are you required to do when you identify a

broken piece of equipment?
As you check equipment that you are either about to use or have used,
you may identify a piece of equipment that is no longer functional or
damaged in some way so that it is unsafe to use.
The next activity asks you to determine your responsibilities when you
identify equipment that is defective, damaged or unsafe to use.

Activity 9: RRR – repair, replace and report
Discuss with your trainer or other relevant persons in your

workplace, what you are required to do when you identify a piece of
equipment that is not functional. Respond to the following
questions and use the space to record your answers.
Do you have to repair broken equipment?
Do you have to report damaged equipment? How is this done? (if

a form is required to be filled out, ask your trainer to provide you
with an example of a damaged piece of equipment so you can
practice filling out this form and having it processed)
Do you (personally) have to replace equipment that was broken

while in your use?
How are you trained to repair equipment (if this is part of your
role)?
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Guide.

How do you store and secure equipment?
The value of your equipment has been discussed in previous sections
of this Learner’s Guide. As well as maintaining equipment, it is
important to store and secure equipment correctly to gain the
maximum life out of these valuable assets.
Equipment that has sharp cutting edges will blunt if stored for
transport with other tools and materials. To avoid this, covers and
protective guards should be put around equipment. Pieces of soft
cloth make an excellent protector during transport.
Some pieces of equipment will be supplied with a carrier or protective
pouch made of leather or plastic for transporting. A piece of PVC pipe
cut down its length can make a good ‘scabbard’ for a saw blade on a
piece of equipment.
Smaller pieces of equipment can be stored in the workplace on a
‘shadow board’. This is a board fixed to the wall with nails or other
fixings to place tools on and the outline of the tool is painted (often in
black) onto the board. This enables tools and minor equipment to be
easily replaced in the same place and any missing items to be easily
identified. When tools are replaced, if the replacement tool has a
different shape to the original tool, the new shape can be painted onto
the board. A mechanic’s workshop or a carpenter’s shed will often
feature a shadow board.
Lockers or ‘pigeon holes’ may also be used to store equipment that is
smaller such as power tools. The advantage of a locker is that security
is greater if a lock is placed on the storage container.
Larger items of equipment might be chained to a fixed post or point to
avoid theft.
Perhaps the best tip for maintaining equipment is to make sure you
still have it at the end of the day’s work, particularly if you are working
off-‐site. The greatest risk of theft of equipment will be in this
situation. . Some tradespeople use a strip of brightly coloured tape of
fluoro paint to mark their tools and equipment for easy identification.
Always keep your tools and equipment within eyesight and if you leave
the area, take precautions to ensure you are not inviting someone else
to add to their collection.
A chain and heavy-‐duty padlock may be a useful accessory to take with
you when working off-‐site. Take special care if you walk away from
your equipment and take a moment to assess the risk and act

accordingly – for example, put a padlock on your equipment when

going off to lunch, etc.

Activity 10: Equipment storage
Discuss with your trainer, supervisor or other relevant persons in

your workplace, useful hints for securing, storing and transporting
equipment. Respond to the following questions and use the space
to record your answers.
Where is equipment located between uses?
What sorts of ‘clever devices’ are used to store equipment (shadow

board, lockers, etc)?
How are tools and equipment checked on return and removal from
workplace storage area? Do you have to sign tools and equipment
out under your own name?
What other checks are made on the equipment stored in the

storage area or toolkits and what should be there?
What strategies do you employ to ensure that tools and equipment

are secure, particularly when working off-site?
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Guide.

How do you work with others in using

equipment?
Working with others is both an advantage and a disadvantage. An old
saying is that” two people do the work of three when they work well
together”. Having someone to work with can be more enjoyable,
make the job easier if lifting and more strenuous tasks are involved
and can sometimes be essential to get the job done.
The disadvantage is that with two or more people working together,
there is an element of risk introduced as each person might do
something to cause injury to the other.
Being aware of this increased risk is important so that the advantages
of working together outweigh the disadvantages.
Some useful strategies for working with others include:

• be aware of where your colleagues are working, especially
if your activity has an element of risk or has potential
hazards (e.g. if welding and there is a danger of arc flash
to others’ eyes)
• communicate what you are doing to other colleagues
• provide clear instruction to others that you are supervising
• check for understanding of instruction through the use of
techniques such as clarifying (“So, explain to me what you
need to do before you operate that piece of equipment”.)
• monitor and support those you have instructed or given a
task to perform.
In the next activity, you are asked to gain feedback from others that
you work with and supervise to ensure that your instructions are clear.

Activity 11: Providing instructions
Feedback is useful to check that you are providing clear and

accurate instructions to your colleagues. Feedback can be gained
through discussion but sometimes people will be more open and
honest if they can provide anonymous feedback. The feedback
sheet below is one way of doing this.
Make copies of this feedback sheet and ask some of your

colleagues who you have instructed in the use of equipment to fill
this out and return it to you. When you get the feedback (either
through discussion or using this sheet), look at the feedback and
list any improvements you can make in how you give instructions.
Feedback on instructional skills
Key to 1 = not very much 4 = regularly

responses: 2= starting to do this 5 = consistently
3 = most of the time
No. Aspects of how instruction is given: 1 2 3 4 5
1 Are instructions given clearly?
2 Are instructions provided at the right

time and at a pace that suits you?
3 Are instructions checked with you to

make sure you understand what is
required?
4 Are safety requirements clear and their

importance stressed?
5 Is assistance provided with hazard

identification and control?
6 Is further support given to make sure

you are operating equipment as
instructed?
7 Are required maintenance and cleaning

instructions provided?
8 Is feedback provided to you about your

performance in operating the
equipment?

Use this space to list any improvements in your instructional

methods and skills as a result of feedback obtained:
In the future, I intend to improve my instructional skills by:

Guide.

Additional
resources

Web sites:
• Equipment suppliers and hirers (available through web search or
White Pages/Yellow Pages directory for local area.
Organisations:
• Hire companies and training providers offer training in use of
specialised equipment.
• For information about permits to operate specialised equipment
such as elevated platforms, see WorkCover authority in relevant
state or territory:
 Workcover Authority of NSW
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/
 Victorian WorkCover Authority
http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au/
 WorkCover Queensland
http://www.workcover.qld.gov.au/
 WorkCover WA
http://www.workcover.wa.gov.au/
 WorkCover Corporation of SA
http://www.workcover.wa.gov.au/
 ACT WorkCover
http://www.workcover.act.gov.au/
 Workplace Standards Tasmania
http://www.wst.tas.gov.au/node/WST.htm
 Work Health Authority NT
http://www.deet.nt.gov.au/wha/index.html
Paper-‐based resources:
• Instructions supplied with equipment for use and maintenance.

Feedback on
activities
The responses provided in this section are suggested responses.
Because every workplace is different, your responses may vary
according to your specific workplace procedures, the equipment
available and the nature of the business.

Activity 1: Equipment list and equipment access
Your list of equipment that you use in your job will depend on the
type of company you work in and the associated tasks. The aim of
this activity is to determine the types of equipment you use and its
function (what jobs this equipment is suited to).
Equipment is usually registered so that when it is used, its location

is known and if the equipment comes back damaged, this can be
followed up appropriately.
Ordering new equipment will probably have to be justified and a

decision might be made to hire rather than purchase based on
frequency of use, cost to purchase as opposed to hiring,
availability, etc.
Registering equipment use assumes that all equipment is listed.

This may be via a paper-based list or a database or computer
based list.
Your trainer or the person responsible for equipment may be able

to help. Experienced tradespersons and operators will be bale to
provide advice on equipment. A further source of advice can come
from equipment hirers (see additional resources).
Activity 2: Wrong piece of equipment for the task
Generally using the wrong equipment for a task results in damage

to the equipment or the task not being completed satisfactorily or in
the extreme, as in the given example, personal injury. The right
equipment for the job is an important rule to follow to avoid
damaging equipment.
Activity 3: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE that you are required to wear at all times might include safety
boots, gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection. For some
tasks high visibility clothing, hard hat, etc may be required.
Hearing protection will generally be required, as mechanical

equipment tends to produce more noise that hand tool use. Eye
protection will be required where particles, dust and metal shavings
are produced. Gloves should be worn for protection where the
materials being used have splinters or are breakable such as glass.
Other PPE used will depend on tasks undertaken and job role.

Activity 4: An inventory of your skills at using equipment
Responses will vary widely depending on tasks performed and job

role. Check your answers with your trainer or supervisor.
Activity 5: Pre-operational checks
Responses will vary widely depending on tasks performed and job

role. Check your answers with your trainer or supervisor.
Activity 6: Case Study of equipment use
Robin should check the task and what is involved and do a hazard
assessment. This will consider what hazards are involved in
trimming the broken branch including the use of minor mechanical
equipment such as chain saws and cherry-pickers. A special
permit is required for use of this piece of equipment.
If a ladder or other piece of equipment is used that does not involve

a license, then before operating the chain saw, pre-operational
checks should be completed. Required PPE should be determined
and worn for the job.
Activity 7: Learning to use equipment competently
Use the checklist to assess your own competence at learning to

use specific pieces of equipment. Discuss your assessment with
your trainer to ensure that there is agreement between your trainer
and yourself about your competence at using the equipment.
When you have learnt how to use the equipment, add this item of
equipment to your list in Activity 4.
Activity 8: An inventory of your skills at maintaining

equipment
This list is to help you record the checks and routine maintenance
required after use of equipment. Discuss your responses with your
trainer.

Activity 9: RRR – repair, replace and report
Responses will depend on workplace procedures and how

equipment is accessed in your workplace. Basis maintenance
such as sharpening and replacing consumable parts such as
blades is an essential skill to have when equipment as waiting for
someone to do such basic maintenance tasks may delay the
completion of your assigned work.
Activity 10: Equipment storage
What sorts of ‘clever devices’ are used to store equipment (shadow

board, lockers, etc)?
How are tools and equipment checked on return and removal from
workplace storage area? Do you have to sign tools and equipment
out under your own name?
What other checks are made on the equipment stored in the

storage area or toolkits and what should be there?
What strategies do you employ to ensure that tools and equipment

are secure, particularly when working off-site?
Responses might include:

• tool boxes, shadow boards, lockers, dedicated tool and
equipment store rooms, etc
• equipment and tool registers, lists, etc.
• periodic maintenance schedules for equipment and tools and
checking of tool kit contents
• locks on tool boxes during off site use, guidelines in not leaving
tools unattended, etc.
• taking padlocks for securing equipment when working off-site.
Activity 11: Providing instructions
Seek help with this exercise from your trainer, as required. The
aim is to evaluate your skills at providing instructions to others on
how to use equipment and to summarise the information given in
this Learner’s Guide about using and maintaining equipment.


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Use and maintain minor

Additional resources ....................................................................... 44

Feedback on activities .................................................................... 46

What this Learner’s Guide is about

Carry out pre-­‐operation checks

Operate mechanical equipment

Conduct routine maintenance

Secure and store

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 1

Planning your learning

Page 2 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

Section 1: Carry out pre-operation checks

Are you able to: Yes No

Section 2: Operate mechanical equipment

Are you able to: Yes No

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 3

Section 3: Conduct routine maintenance

Are you able to: Yes No

Section 4: Secure and store

Are you able to: Yes No

Page 4 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

How you will be assessed

You will be required to demonstrate that you can:

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 5

Page 6 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

Select and operate minor

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 7

Areas covered in this section

Page 8 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

How do you select and operate minor

How do you locate the right piece of equipment

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 9

Some examples include:

Page 10 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

Activity 1: Equipment list and equipment access

Equipment Use Power source Hired or

Cement mixer Mix cement, Electrical Owned

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 11

Discuss with your trainer and other relevant people in your

When is equipment bought rather than hired?

How do you find out if a piece of equipment that you need is

Summarise your responses in the space below.

There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s

Page 12 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

Activity 2: Wrong piece of equipment for the task

Equipment Wrong equipment Result

Heavy duty whipper- Chain saw Injury to operator

There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 13

How do I ensure that I use equipment safely?

Mechanical equipment can be dangerous to use for unskilled

Criterion Examples of hand tools

Is the equipment capable of falling over Cement mixer, pumps

Page 14 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

across the work surface?

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 15

Pre-­‐operational checks will eliminate some of the hazards mentioned

Hazard identification looks at:

In safety, a hierarchy of control is applied. This involves controlling

Page 16 © Australian National Training Authority 2003

Choosing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will help to

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 17

Activity 3: Personal Protective Equipment

Carry out pre-‐operation checks

Pre-‐operational checks will eliminate some of the hazards mentioned

In the previous section of this Learner’s Guide, pre-‐operational checks

Part of the pre-‐operational checking process may involve using a

The next activity asks you to summarise required pre-‐operational