Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:20 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:20 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Operate small plant and equipment
Operate small plant and equipment
Unit of competency
National Code
RIISAM204B
RIISAM204B
State Code
WC369
WC369
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
03/09/2012
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
03/09/2012
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the operating of a range of small plant and equipment in resources and infrastructure industries. It includes the planning and preparation for work, the conducting of pre-operational checks, the use of the plant and/or equipment, and carrying out operator maintenance and cleaning up.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare
- 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to operate small plant and equipment
- 1.2. Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions for the allotted task
- 1.3. Obtain, confirm and apply to the allotted task safety requirements from the site safety plan and organisational policies and procedures
- 1.4. Select plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks are consistent with the requirements of the job
- 1.5. Identify, confirm and apply to the allotted task environmental protection requirements from the project environmental management plan
2. Conduct pre-operational checks
- 2.1. Select fuel and lubricants according to manufacturer's specifications
- 2.2. Check and adjust fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid and water levels according to manufacturer's manual
- 2.3. Secure/tighten and maintain bolts, nuts, guards and attachment couplings in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
- 2.4. Check and adjust function of controls and gauges where necessary to comply with manufacturer's manual
- 2.5. Conduct standard start-up and shutdown procedures according to requirements of operator's manual
3. Use small plant and equipment
- 3.1. Identify site hazards associated with small plant and equipment operations and establish appropriate controls in accordance with the requirements of the site safety plan
- 3.2. Identify and apply operating techniques for small plant and equipment to achieve optimum output in accordance with manufacture's design specifications while maintaining specified tolerances
- 3.3. Operate machine to produce results within design specifications to meet specified tolerances
- 3.4. Safely locate plant and equipment when not in immediate use
4. Carry out operator maintenance
- 4.1. Shutdown plant/equipment and prepare it for maintenance as per manufacturer's manual and organisational requirements
- 4.2. Conduct inspection and fault finding in accordance with the manufacture's specifications and/or organisational requirements
- 4.3. Remove and replace defective parts safely and effectively according to manufacturer's manual and organisational requirements
- 4.4. Carry out regular programmed maintenance tasks in accordance with the manufacturer's and/or organisational requirements
5. Clean up
- 5.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan
- 5.2. Clean, check, maintain and store plant, equipment and tools in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and standard work practices
Relevant compliance documentation
may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Work instructions may include:
verbal or written and graphical instructions, signage, work schedules/plans/specifications, work bulletins, charts and hand drawings, memos, materials safety data sheets (MSDS) and diagrams or sketches
plans and specifications
quality requirements, including dimensions, tolerances, standards of work and material standards
safe work procedures related to the operation of small plant and equipment on construction sites
Safety requirements may include:
protective clothing and equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environment and safety
handling of materials
use of fire fighting equipment
use of First Aid equipment
hazards and risks control, including:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
traffic
embankments
excavations and cuttings
structures and
hazardous materials and substances
safe operating procedures
underground and overhead services
other machines
personnel restricted access barriers
traffic control
working at heights
working in proximity to others
worksite visitors and
the public
emergency procedures, including:
emergency shutdown and stopping
extinguishing equipment fires
organisational First Aid requirements and
evacuation
Environmental protection requirements may include:
organisational/project environmental management plan
waste management
water quality protection
noise, vibration and dust management and
clean-up management
Small plant and equipment must include Power Sources and at least three other categories. These may include but are not limited to:
Power Sources include:
generator
compressor
inverter
solar
Compaction equipment may include:
plate compactor
pedestrian roller
wacker
packer
tamper)
Concrete equipment may include:
concrete mixer
batcher
vibration
trowelling machine (helicopter)
Excavation equipment may include:
mini loader (dingo)
jackhammer
posthole borer
pedestrian trencher
Cutting equipment may include:
masonry saw
construction saw
band saw
Maintenance equipment may include:
mower
brushcutter
mulcher
Water equipment may include:
pump
spear
pressure cleaner
Lighting equipment may include:
mobile lighting plant
Lifting and materials handling
pedestrian forklift
pallet trolleys
hoist
Traffic Management may include:
mobile variable message sign
Operator maintenance is to include:
cleaning
authorised servicing
the monitoring, recording and reporting of faults
Operator maintenance may also include:
the conduct of authorised minor replacements
Materials may include:
water
clays, silts, stone, gravel, mud, rock sand, topsoil
bituminous mixes
timber
fuels and oils
power leads
replacement parts and consumables
may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Work instructions may include:
verbal or written and graphical instructions, signage, work schedules/plans/specifications, work bulletins, charts and hand drawings, memos, materials safety data sheets (MSDS) and diagrams or sketches
plans and specifications
quality requirements, including dimensions, tolerances, standards of work and material standards
safe work procedures related to the operation of small plant and equipment on construction sites
Safety requirements may include:
protective clothing and equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environment and safety
handling of materials
use of fire fighting equipment
use of First Aid equipment
hazards and risks control, including:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
traffic
embankments
excavations and cuttings
structures and
hazardous materials and substances
safe operating procedures
underground and overhead services
other machines
personnel restricted access barriers
traffic control
working at heights
working in proximity to others
worksite visitors and
the public
emergency procedures, including:
emergency shutdown and stopping
extinguishing equipment fires
organisational First Aid requirements and
evacuation
Environmental protection requirements may include:
organisational/project environmental management plan
waste management
water quality protection
noise, vibration and dust management and
clean-up management
Small plant and equipment must include Power Sources and at least three other categories. These may include but are not limited to:
Power Sources include:
generator
compressor
inverter
solar
Compaction equipment may include:
plate compactor
pedestrian roller
wacker
packer
tamper)
Concrete equipment may include:
concrete mixer
batcher
vibration
trowelling machine (helicopter)
Excavation equipment may include:
mini loader (dingo)
jackhammer
posthole borer
pedestrian trencher
Cutting equipment may include:
masonry saw
construction saw
band saw
Maintenance equipment may include:
mower
brushcutter
mulcher
Water equipment may include:
pump
spear
pressure cleaner
Lighting equipment may include:
mobile lighting plant
Lifting and materials handling
pedestrian forklift
pallet trolleys
hoist
Traffic Management may include:
mobile variable message sign
Operator maintenance is to include:
cleaning
authorised servicing
the monitoring, recording and reporting of faults
Operator maintenance may also include:
the conduct of authorised minor replacements
Materials may include:
water
clays, silts, stone, gravel, mud, rock sand, topsoil
bituminous mixes
timber
fuels and oils
power leads
replacement parts and consumables
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions to operate small plant and equipment
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operating of small plants and equipment
working with others to operate small plants and equipment that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely operating of small plants and equipment that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to operate small plants and equipment
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions to operate small plant and equipment
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operating of small plants and equipment
working with others to operate small plants and equipment that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely operating of small plants and equipment that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to operate small plants and equipment
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB726 | RIISAM204A | Operate small plant and equipment | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH655 | RIISAM204D | Operate small plant and equipment | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W984 | SFI20111 | Certificate II in Aquaculture | Qualification |
| W982 | SFI10111 | Certificate I in Aquaculture | Qualification |
| W661 | RII20809 | Certificate II in Bituminous Surfacing | Qualification |
| D793 | RII20712 | Certificate II in Civil Construction | Qualification |
| D796 | RII30912 | Certificate III in Civil Construction | Qualification |
| W676 | RII31209 | Certificate III in Civil Foundations | Qualification |
| W684 | RII32009 | Certificate III in Drilling Oil/Gas (On shore) | Qualification |
| J440 | SIT31212 | Certificate III in Holiday Parks and Resorts | Qualification |
| J431 | SIT20512 | Certificate II in Holiday Parks and Resorts | Qualification |
| W653 | RII10109 | Certificate I in Resources and Infrastructure Operations | Qualification |
| W680 | RII31609 | Certificate III in Trenchless Technology | Qualification |