RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS NC II – TESDA COURSE MODULE

TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS NC II

The RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS NC II Qualification consists of competencies that a person must achieve in the operation and basic routine maintenance of rice machinery for land preparation, crop establishment, crop care, harvesting and threshing, drying and milling.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the Agri-Fishery Sector

A student who has achieved this Course in RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS NC II is competent to be:

• Rice Land Preparation Machinery Operator (Hand Tractor, 4-Wheel Tractor)
• Rice Crop Establishment Machinery Operator (Manual Seeder, Motorized Seeder, Rice Trans-planter)
• Rice Crop Care Machinery Operator (Irrigation Pump, Cultivator, Sprayer, Fertilizer Applicator)
• Rice Harvesting and Threshing Machinery Operator (Reaper, Stripper, Combine, Thresher)
• Rice Drying Machinery Operator (Batch, Continuous Flow Dryer)
• Rice Mill Machinery Operator (Single-Pass, Multi-Pass)
• Rice Machinery Operator

A person/candidate is granted a National Certificate under this qualification once they achieve all the basic and common units plus any three (3) of the above core units of competency on rice machinery operation.

COMPETENCY STANDARDS

These guidelines are set to provide the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers with information and other important requirements to consider when designing training programs for RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS NC II.

RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS NC II – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration : 232 Hours

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, desirable attitudes and skills of rice machine operator in accordance with industry standards. It covers the operation and basic maintenance of rice machinery for land preparation, crop establishment, crop care, harvesting and threshing, drying and milling.

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to gain entry into this course should possess the following requirements:

• Able to read and write;
• With good moral character;
• Ability to communicate, both oral and written; and
• Physically fit and mentally healthy as certified by a Public Health Officer

NOTE: These lists does not include specific institutional requirements such as educational attainment and others that may be required from the trainees by the training school delivering the TVET Program.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN RICE MACHINERY OPERATIONS NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common, Elective and Core Competencies.

To obtain this course, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (200 Hours)
AGR611361	Operate rice land preparation machinery and equipment
AGR611362	Operate rice crop establishment machinery and equipment
AGR611363	Operate rice crop care machinery and equipment
AGR611364	Operate rice harvesting and threshing machinery and equipment
AGR611365	Operate rice drying machinery and equipment
AGR611366	Operate rice mill machinery and equipment
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (14 Hours)
AGR321201	Apply safety measures in farm operations
AGR321202	Use farm tools and equipment
AGR321203	Perform estimation and basic calculation
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (18 Hours)
500311105	Participate in workplace communication
500311106	Work in a team environment
500311107	Practice career professionalism
500311108	Practice occupational health and safety procedures

CORE COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: OPERATE RICE LAND PREPARATION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR611361

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate rice land preparation machinery and equipment.

1. Assess field/area
   • Field is inspected and prepared as per established practices
   • Obstructions are removed as per established practices
2. Prepare machine for land preparation
   • Machines are checked and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer operator’s manual
   • Tools and materials are prepared as work requirements
   • Implements are checked and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction manual
3. Operate land preparation machinery and monitor performance
   • Personal Protective Equipment are selected and worn as per work requirement
   • Machine is operated according to standard practices
   • Abnormal conditions are identified and corrected in accordance with the standard operating procedures
   • Performances are assessed according to set standards or client’s specification
   • Malfunctions are recorded and referred to appropriate personnel for action
   • Machine is shutdown according to standard practices
4. Perform post-operation activities
   • Waste generated is managed according to environmental regulations
   • Machine and engine are cleaned, checked and stored as per established practices
   • Work area is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements.
   • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format
   • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: OPERATE RICE CROP ESTABLISHMENT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR611362

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate rice crop establishment machinery and equipment.

1. Prepare crop establishment machinery
   • Field and seeds/seedlings are assessed for readiness in planting or transplanting
   • Machines are checked and adjusted for operation in accordance with standard practices
   • Tools and materials are prepared as per work requirements (seedling preparation)
   • Accessories are checked and adjusted in accordance with operating manual
2. Operate machines and monitor performance
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected and worn as per work requirements
   • Machine is operated according to standard farm practices
   • Abnormal conditions are identified and corrected in accordance with the standard operating procedures
   • Performances are assessed according to set standards and client’s specification
   • Malfunctions are recorded and referred for appropriate adjustment by proper personnel
   • Machine is shutdown according to standard farm practices
3. Perform post-operation activities
   • Wastes are managed according to environmental regulations
   • Machine and engine are cleaned, checked and stored as per established practices
   • Work are is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements
   • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format
   • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: OPERATE RICE CROP CARE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR611363

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate rice crop care machinery and equipment.

1. Prepare crop care machinery
   • Machines are checked and adjusted for operation in accordance with standard farm practices
   • Accessories are checked, cleaned and installed as per operating manual
   • Engine is check for operation in accordance with the standard practices
   • Resources needed are available to meet the work requirements
   • Tools and materials are prepared based on work requirements
2. Operate machines and monitor performance
   • Personal protective equipment are selected and worn as per work requirement
   • Machine is operated according to standard practices
   • Abnormal conditions are identified and corrected in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Performance are assessed according to set standards or client’s specification.
   • Malfunctions are recorded and referred for appropriate action by the proper personnel
   • Machine is shutdown according to standard practices
3. Perform post-operation activities
   • Wastes are managed according to environmental regulations
   • Machines and engine are cleaned and stored as per established practices
   • Work are is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements
   • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format
   • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: OPERATE RICE HARVESTING AND THRESHING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR611364

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate rice harvesting and threshing machinery and equipment.

1. Prepare harvesting and threshing machinery
   • Machines are checked/adjusted for operation in accordance with standard practices
   • Tools and materials are prepared as per work requirements
   • Accessories are checked and adjusted according to manufacturer operator’s manual
   • Matured grain plants are inspected as per established practices
2. Operate machines and monitor performance
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected and worn as per work requirements
   • Machine is operated according with standard farm practices
   • Abnormal conditions are identified and corrected in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Performances are assessed according to set standards and client’s specifications
   • Malfunctions is recorded for appropriate adjustment by proper personnel
   • Machine is shutdown according to standard practices
3. Perform post-operation activities
   • Wastes are managed according to environmental regulations
   • Machine and engine are cleaned and stored as per established practices
   • Work area is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements
   • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format
   • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: OPERATE DRYING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR611365

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in operating rice drying machinery and equipment.

1. Prepare rice drying machinery
   • Machines are checked/adjusted in accordance with established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Accessories are prepared and checked as per work requirement and established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Tools and materials are prepared as per work requirements
2. Operate machines and monitor performance
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)are selected and worn as per work requirement
   • Machine is operated according to established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Abnormal conditions are identified and corrected in accordance with the standard operating procedures
   • Performances are assessed according to set standards and clients’ specifications
   • Malfunctions are recorded for appropriate adjustment by proper personnel
   • Machine is shutdown according to established standards and manufacturer’s manual
3. Perform post-operation activities
   • Wastes are managed according to environmental regulations
   • Machine and engine are cleaned and stored as per established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Work area is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements
   • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format
   • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : OPERATE RICE MILL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR611366

This unit covers the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to operate rice milling machinery and equipment.

1. Prepare rice milling machine
   • Machines are checked and adjusted in accordance with established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Accessories and components are checked and adjusted according to established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Tools and materials are prepared as work requirements
2. Operate machine and monitor performance
   • Personal Protective Equipment are selected and worn as per work requirements
   • Machine is operated according to established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Abnormal conditions are identified and corrected in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Performances are assessed according to set standards and client’s specification
   • Malfunctions are recorded for appropriate adjustment by concerned personnel
   • Machine is shutdown according to established standards and manufacturer’s manual
3. Perform post-operation activities
   • Wastes generated from operation and cleaning procedures is reused or recycled according to environmental regulations
   • Machines and engine are cleaned and stored as per established standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Work are is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements
   • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format
   • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : APPLY SAFETY MEASURES IN FARM OPERATIONS
UNIT CODE : AGR321201

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform safety measures effectively and efficiently. It includes identifying areas, tools, materials, time and place in performing safety measures.

1. Determine areas of concern for safety measures
   • Work tasks are identified in line with farm operations
   • Place for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
   • Time for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
   • Appropriate tools, materials and outfits are prepared in line with job requirements
2. Apply appropriate safety measures
   • Tools and materials are used according to specifications and procedures
   • Outfits are worn according to farm requirements
   • Effectivity/shelf life/expiration of materials are strictly observed
   • Emergency procedures are known and followed to ensure a safe work requirement
   • Hazards in the workplace are identified and reported in line with farm guidelines
3. Safe keep/dispose tools, materials and outfit
   • Used tools and outfit are cleaned after use and stored in designated areas
   • Unused materials are properly labeled and stored according to manufacturers recommendation and farm requirements
   • Waste materials are disposed according to manufacturers, government and farm requirements

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : USE FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR321202

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to use farm tools and equipment. It includes selection, operation and preventive maintenance of farm tools and equipment.

1. Select and use farm tools
   • Appropriate farm tools are identified according to requirement / use
   • Farm tools are checked for faults and defective tools reported in accordance with farm procedures
   • Appropriate tools are safely used according to job requirements and manufacturers conditions
2. Select and operate farm equipment
   • Identify appropriate farm equipment
   • Instructional manual of the farm tools and equipment are carefully read prior to operation
   • Pre-operation checkup is conducted in line with manufacturers manual
   • Faults in farm equipment are identified and reported in line with farm procedures
   • Farm equipment used according to its function
   • Safety procedures are followed.
3. Perform preventive maintenance
   • Tools and equipment are cleaned immediately after use in line with farm procedures
   • Routine check-up and maintenance are performed
   • Tools and equipment are stored in designated areas in line with farm procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM ESTIMATION AND BASIC CALCULATION
UNIT CODE : AGR321203

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform basic workplace calculations.

1. Perform estimation
   • Job requirements are identified from written or oral communications
   • Quantities of materials and resources required to complete a work task are estimated
   • The time needed to complete a work activity is estimated
   • Accurate estimate for work completion are made
   • Estimate of materials and resources are reported to appropriate person
2. Perform basic workplace calculation
   • System and units of measurement to be followed are ascertained
   • Calculation needed to complete work tasks are performed using the four basic mathematical operation
   • Calculate whole fraction, percentage and mixed when are used to complete the instructions
   • Number computed is checked following work requirements

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311105

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

1. Obtain and convey workplace information
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used together and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
   • Team meetings are at ended on time
   • Own opinions are clear expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
   • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are asked and responded to.
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 500311106

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources.
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified.
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized.
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified.
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives.
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context.
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures.
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM
UNIT CODE : 500311107

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals
   • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
   • Intra- and interpersonal relationships is are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance evaluation
   • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
2. Set and meet work priorities
   • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
   • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
   • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
3. Maintain professional growth and development
   • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
   • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
   • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEVELOP CAREER AND LIFE DECISIONSUNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE  OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : 500311108

This unit covers the outcomes required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and safety.

1. Identify hazards and risks
   • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
   • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
   • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedures
2. Evaluate hazards and risks
   • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
   • Effects of the hazards are determined
   • OHS issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OHS legislation
3. Control hazards and risks
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently
     followed
   • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OHS policies
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices
   • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
4. Maintain OHS awareness
   • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
   • OHS personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

• Engine – mechanical device that converts heat energy produced by combustion of fuel into mechanical energy
• 4-Wheel Tractor – wheeled power source having two axles, design to carry work by pulling or propel various agricultural machines and implements. They are classified according to horsepower rating
• Hand Tractor – machine with power ranging 3 – 16 hp used for tilling and other form of farm task such as cultivating, planting, irrigating and harvesting. These are also known as power tiller, two- wheel tractor or walking tractor
• Land Preparation Machinery – machines designed to carry out farm work either by pulling or propel agricultural implements for the purpose of preparing the soil for seedbed
• Crop Establishment Machinery – machinery device whether self-propelled or pulled/hitch to a wheeled vehicle, used to place seeds or plant into the soil for propagation and production of crops
• Crop Care Machinery – machinery device whether self-propelled or hitch to a wheeled vehicle, to provide plant condition free from weeds, pest diseases, including provision to supply for water and nutrients
• Dryer Machinery – machinery device powered either by electric motor or internal combustion engine used to lower down or remove available water from the grains through evaporation by the application of heated air
• Rice Mill Machinery – machinery device to process conversion of paddy into rice which involves the removal of husk and bran to produce milled rice
• Moldboard Plow – an implement consisting of a warped surface equipped with a cutting edge which crumbles and inverts the soil
• Tillage Implements –implement pulled either by a four or two- wheel tractor used to break and loosen the soil to a desired depth. It includes the mould-board, disc, chisel, subsoiler and middle-breakers
• Field Pattern – an established and efficient plowing pattern, the objective is to minimize the amount of non-working turns and travel distance in a turn
• Harvesting – the process of gathering the useful portion of the crop from the field. In the case of rice, it refers to the gathering of the matured panicles preparatory to threshing
• Combine Harvesting – harvesting and threshing are done by a single machine called combine
• Stripping – the method of removing or gathering the grains from the panicles without cutting or uprooting the plants
• Threshing – involves the detachment of the seeds from the panicles either by rubbing, impact and stripping