AHCTRF309 — Implement a grassed area maintenance program

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• clarified the maintenance requirements for a grassed area with supervisor
• conducted a risk assessment and implemented controls for grassed area maintenance work
• identified fixed and temporary obstacles, and implemented procedures to avoid damage to obstacles
• identified and selected equipment and resources required for the maintenance activities
• prioritised and scheduled maintenance activities
• ensured workplace safety practices were implemented for all grassed area maintenance works
• selected, checked and used personal safety equipment
• selected, checked and adjusted equipment and machinery.
• operated equipment and machinery safely to maintain at least 100 square metres of grassed area and has performed the following tasks:
• used mowers and trimmers to cut grass to a specified height
• used coring or scarifying equipment to manage thatch
• used mechanical spreader to apply fertilisers or amendments at a specified rate
• used manual methods to control broad leaf and grass weeds
• used manual or mechanical equipment to apply liquid treatments to control weeds at a specified rate
• followed operating procedures for pre-start checks, start-up, operation and shut-down for all machinery and equipment used
• reviewed grassed area maintenance activities and recommended changes to the maintenance plan with supervisor
• recorded and reported grassed area maintenance activities.

Knowledge evidence

• maintenance and management of grassed areas, including:
• recognising local turf grass species
• growing conditions and cultural requirements of warm and cool climate turf grass species
• purpose of grass and selection of mowing height
• thatch and impact on grass health and vigour, and methods for reducing thatch
• basic nutrient requirements of grass and commonly used fertilisers
• fertiliser application methods and rates
• turf grass physiology as it applies to grassed area maintenance
• methods of applying fertiliser and chemical treatments to grassed areas, including:
• liquid treatments using drenches and sprayers and basic application equipment
• broadcasting granular and powder applications by hand or mechanical means
• health, safety and environmental policies and procedures in a workplace, including:
• identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risk
• protecting the environment during operations and waste
• personal protection and equipment
• methods and practices for mowing grassed areas, including:
• setting the height of cut
• obtaining uniform cut
• maintaining consistent pattern
• variation of cut direction to reduce wear and tear
• tools, equipment and machinery used for grass maintenance, including:
• rotary and cylinder mowers and other grass cutting and trimming equipment
• operation of coring or scarifying equipment, including the potential damage to irrigation and drainage infrastructure
• mechanical spreaders
• hand or motorised spray equipment
• equipment operation and maintenance, including:
• pre-start checks, start-up and shut-down procedures
• clean-up and storage
• impediments to safe maintenance activities and action to be taken, including;
• people and animals
• proximity to roadways, pathways and other public spaces
• assets and other facilities that may be damaged
• weed species and control strategies in turf grasses, including:
• broad leaf weeds
• grass weeds
• mosses and other invasive plant species
• record keeping and recording procedures.

Foundation skills

• Reading: Accurately interpret maintenance plans and operator instructions
• Writing: Accurately record and update maintenance plans and schedules using clear language and correct spelling, grammar and industry terminology
• Numeracy: Make calculations, including distance, area, volume, ratio, percentage and time

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Questions about assessing AHCTRF309