Grade 12 - Agricultural Equipment Technician 30 (2022)

Personal Safety (Core)

Hazardous Materials (Core)

Biosecurity and Food Safety (Core)

Pre-delivery Inspection and Transportation of Agricultural Equipment (Optional)

Agricultural Equipment Service Information and Tools (Core)

Agricultural Equipment Diagnosis and Repair Processes (Core)

Advanced Agricultural Equipment Electrical Systems (Optional)

Agricultural Equipment Computer Systems (Optional)

Fuel Delivery Systems (Optional)

Intake, Exhaust and Emission Systems (Optional)

Agricultural Equipment Hydraulic Systems (Core)

Heating and Ventilation Systems (Optional)

Irrigation Systems (Optional)

Emerging Agricultural Technology (Core)

Work Study Preparation (Optional)

Work Study Placement (Optional)

Work Study Follow-up (Optional)

Agricultural Equipment Technician Business Opportunities (Optional)

Extended Study (Optional)

Apply safety standards to prevent injuries in the agricultural equipment technician workspace.

Investigate proper handling of hazardous materials to prevent injury in the workplace.

Examine proper handling of equipment to ensure biosecurity and food safety.

Investigate processes in the pre-delivery inspection and transportation of agricultural equipment.

Locate agricultural equipment service information utilizing appropriate tools and sources.

Investigate common agricultural equipment diagnosis and repair processes.

Examine agricultural equipment electrical systems.

Investigate agricultural equipment computer systems.

Investigate the diagnosis, service and repair of engine fuel delivery systems.

Explore agricultural equipment intake, exhaust and emission systems.

Examine the component parts and operation of agricultural equipment hydraulic systems.

Investigate the diagnosis, service and repair of agricultural equipment heating and ventilation systems.

Examine irrigation systems.

Investigate the use of technology in agricultural equipment.

Prepare for the work placement.

Participate in a work placement experience.

Relate a work placement experience to personal and career goals.

Investigate business opportunities in the agricultural equipment industry.

Discuss worker and employee rights and responsibilities as they relate to workplace safety and how they can prevent injuries.

Identify common safety hazard categories and hierarchy of control common to the agriculture equipment service industry.

Assess and mitigate the risks (e.g., slips, trips, falls, burns) and potential safety hazards (e.g., exposure to chemicals, gasoline, diesel) in the agricultural technician workspace.

Research the benefits of completing the different certifications and programs offered by Work Safe Sask, Sask Safety Council, Motor Safety Association, Agricultural Health and Safety Network, Sask Prevention and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.

Identify and explore basic safety procedures (e.g., storage and maintenance of tools, clean workspace and caution when working at high heights and around large equipment) as they apply to an agricultural equipment technician.

Develop a list of rules for workplace safety including proper personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitation, neat and tidy work area and reporting workplace accidents and safety incidents.

Identify the dangers of working in a confined space (e.g., sprayer tank, combine grain tank and barn manure tank or pit).

Demonstrate the utilization and maintenance of protective devices on equipment.

Perform proper lockout and de-energizing of equipment before beginning inspections or repairs.

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using each category of industry standard personal protective equipment (PPE) for respiratory, hearing, sight and body protection such as masks, ear plugs or earmuff, safety goggles and shields, gloves, footwear and aprons.

Demonstrate PPE cleaning procedures.

Describe hazards from the misuse of oxy-acetylene welding equipment (e.g., tanks, hoses and gauges) and take measures to avoid unintentional injuries caused by flashback and backfire.

Locate and demonstrate the correct use of safety equipment (e.g., eye wash station, shower, first aid station, shop ventilation, fire extinguishers and caging devices) in the workplace.

Post and maintain emergency phone numbers in a visible location

Discuss appropriate actions in the event of an injury in the workplace, including whom to contact, how to report and first-aid procedures.

Describe the importance of and methods used to maintain a clean workplace.

Identify hazardous materials and relevant Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) procedures to manage them in the workspace.

Investigate Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations for the storage of hazardous wastes.

Describe and utilize the four parts of WHMIS 2015 (i.e., hazard identification and product classification, labels with warning symbols, safety data sheets (SDS), worker education and worksite specific training) to handle hazardous materials safely.

Investigate the correct environmental handling, cleanup and waste disposal of lubricants (e.g., oil and grease), coolants, fuel, filters, cleaners, containers and tires in accordance with local bylaws and provincial guidelines.

Identify control measures according to the hierarchy of controls, to prevent exposure to hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals.

Examine the methods used to remove and dispose of chemical residue (e.g., fertilizer and pesticide spray) from application equipment.

Examine the importance of ensuring biosecurity in agricultural industries.

Outline the management practices that should be put in place when working with agricultural equipment to ensure biosecurity.

Describe the correct environmental handling, cleanup and disposal of waste products found in agricultural equipment being serviced.

Recognize how the Safe Foods for Canadians regulations and Canada Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program may affect a repair technician’s process in servicing agricultural equipment.

Examine the role of the Ministry of Highways, Infrastructure Permit system and the Traffic Safety Act in the transportation of farm equipment on provincial highways and roads.

Describe the purpose of a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) for specific agricultural equipment.

Identify the adjustments (e.g., calibrations, clearance, function tests, hydraulic and electrical connections and speed adjustments) made to specific agricultural equipment.

Perform adjustments to chosen agricultural equipment following the manufacturer’s safety procedures.

Describe the purpose and methods to ballast a tractor according to the operator’s manual.

Summarize the type of information available from common agricultural equipment service information sources (e.g., apps, computers, diagnostic charts, manuals, scan tools and technical bulletins).

Discuss the importance of proper communication with parts personnel.

Explore the use of parts codes and acronyms used in an electronic service tool (EST).

Determine correct service information such as torque specifications, wiring diagrams and disassembly/assembly procedures from appropriate sources

Demonstrate care in handling computers, manuals and scan tools.

Analyze vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and engine emission compliance labels.

Discuss the strategies (e.g., contacting the manufacturer engineers and online forums) used by technicians to gather information that is not readily available from service material.

Identify and follow manufacturer and industry safe work practices when diagnosing and repairing agricultural equipment, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Identify common steps (e.g., identify, diagnose, repair and confirm the repair) of agricultural equipment repair processes.

Describe common practices and procedures (e.g., diagnosing, torquing, measuring, lifting and cutting) involved in agricultural equipment repair.

Use service information to identify proper processes for repairing a specific problem.

Describe the importance of accurate service records for the dealership business processes.

Assess the components of single and multi-segment work orders for different types of repairs.

Follow the path of a work order and its connections to various roles and departments in an agricultural equipment dealership.

Complete a work order for different scenarios indicating the complaint, cause and corrections required.

Identify and document required components, create a parts list and cost estimate for a specific repair or modification.

Describe repair processes for identified issues or modifications.

Identify and follow safe work practices (e.g., ground static electricity, avoid the presence of water and disconnect the batteries) when working with agricultural equipment electrical systems, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Explore the use of electrical and electronic components (e.g., sensors, actuators and switches) in agricultural equipment.

Perform mechanical adjustments (e.g., camera, headlight and sensor alignments) to agricultural equipment electrical system components according to manufacturer’s specifications.

Describe wiring terminology and principles of electrical wiring.

Identify and select appropriate wire gauge, connectors and circuit protection devices like fuses when working on electrical systems

Examine electrical system schematic diagrams and service manuals to help diagnose electrical problems.

Perform common electrical tests (e.g., current, parasitic draw, resistance, voltage and voltage drop) using electrical testing equipment like a multimeter.

Provide examples of common faults (e.g., open circuit, short circuit and burned-out fuse or bulb) that may occur in agricultural equipment electrical circuits.

Identify and follow safe work practices in dangerous situations (e.g., hot components, pinch points, shock hazards and static electricity discharge) when working with agricultural equipment computer systems and their components, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Explain the operation of computer-controlled fuel systems.

Retrieve fault codes from the memory of an agricultural equipment computer system using an electronic service tool (EST) or onboard diagnostic system.

Describe the diagnosis and repair of agricultural equipment computer systems following the appropriate fault code diagnostics.

Explore how to download software updates on agricultural equipment computer systems.

Identify and follow safe work practices (e.g., handle and store fuel safely, and be aware of pressurized fuel and fire hazards) when working with fuel delivery systems, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Explain the operation of fuel delivery systems (e.g., high pressure commonrail, lift-pump, mechanical and unit injectors).

Identify different fuel types and additives (e.g., anti-gel and lubricant) used in agricultural engines.

Describe the benefits of using fuel additives.

Use appropriate equipment (e.g., fuel pressure gauge) to test fuel delivery systems.

Perform fuel delivery system scheduled maintenance (e.g., fuel filter change and system flush).

Diagnose, repair, and confirm the repair of common fuel delivery system faults (e.g., faulty filters, clogged injectors, leaks and lift-pump replacement).

Identify and follow safe work practices (e.g., be aware of hot surfaces and use of pipe bending equipment) when working with intake and exhaust systems, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Describe the components and structure of agriculture equipment intake systems.

Discuss the importance of the air intake system to the performance of the engine.

Summarize the regulations governing emission control of diesel engines.

Identify exhaust system components such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Explain the purpose of the components such as diesel nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensors, DPF, mixing chambers and diesel engine fluid (DEF) injectors of the emission control system in diesel engines.

Describe the common issues (e.g., putting DEF into the diesel tank, contamination and improper storage) related to the use of DEF.

Explain how to regenerate a DPF.

Inspect and evaluate exhaust systems for blockage, corrosion, leaks, mounting issues and noise.

Identify the hazards associated with operating engine exhaust systems, including carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces and excessive noise levels.

Identify and follow safe work practices (e.g., avoid contact with pressurized hydraulic fluids and brake fluids contacting painted surfaces) when working with hydraulic systems, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Explain the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic systems.

Describe the uses of pneumatic systems.

Identify the properties of different hydraulic fluids (e.g., brake, power steering, transmission and lifting systems) including the three main varieties (e.g., petroleum, mineral and synthetic).

Explain why one hydraulic fluid cannot be used for all applications including why an application-specific additive package may be required by a manufacturer.

Demonstrate the proper disposal of used hydraulic fluids.

Summarize potential environmental concerns of hydraulic fluids.

Identify the parts (e.g., reservoir, pump, valves and actuator) of a hydraulic system.

Describe the different types of fittings including thread style, function and uses

Explain how Pascal’s law applies to hydraulic systems.

Investigate common hydraulic system component failures (e.g., filter, hose and pump) recognizing to never use a part of the body to detect a hydraulic leak. (e.g., never use your hand to run along a pressurized line).

Identify the advantages of a hydrostatic drive.

Explain how a hydrostatic drive works.

Identify and follow safe work practices (e.g., check coolant pressure and temperature and watch for pressurized refrigerants and moving components) when working with agricultural equipment heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Demonstrate the proper disposal of used coolants.

Explain the potential environmental concerns of coolant disposal.

Identify how the cooling and heating systems are connected.

Perform common HVAC system tests (e.g., visual inspection, coolant and pressure tests and leak detection) and maintenance procedures (e.g., flushing the heater core and checking fluid levels).

Identify the importance of following the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, maintenance and replacement of cab ventilation filters.

Research the history and development of agricultural irrigation systems.

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using irrigation systems.

Describe the common types (e.g., surface, sprinkler, drip and subsurface) of irrigation systems.

Identify the components of typical irrigation systems.

Describe the fundamental operation of the different types of irrigation systems.

Identify possible problems that can develop with irrigation systems and the processes required to repair them

Investigate how a need in agriculture drives the development of new technologies.

Identify the current uses of technology (e.g., GPS, sensors and self-driving) in agricultural equipment.

Research and describe the use of emerging technologies designed to improve agricultural equipment.

Describe the environmental impact of emerging technologies.

Analyze the benefits, disadvantages and cost of self-driving, autonomous and robotic vehicles in agricultural operations.

Explore the development and use of new fuels to power agricultural equipment.

Explain the benefits of using telematics and hyper precision to monitor and regulate movement (e.g., turn compensation) of agricultural equipment.

Examine technology such as electric drives and header height control.

Investigate the development of automation to increase the production and efficiency of specialized agricultural industries.

Research a recent development in agricultural equipment technology.

Describe tasks that would benefit from technological advancement.

Predict future trends in technologies used in agricultural equipment.

Describe and reflect on the three basic rights that all workers have under Part III – Occupational Health and Safety in The Saskatchewan Employment Act, 2019: the right to know - the hazards at work and how to control them; the right to participate - in finding and controlling workplace hazards; and, the right to refuse – work that you believe is unusually dangerous

Explain the roles and responsibilities of each partner (e.g., student, parent, teacher or other school staff, employer) involved in the work placement

Research the business/organization to become familiar with its operations.

In collaboration with all partners, develop personal and learning goals for the work placement.

Develop a procedural guide for the work placement that includes items such as: transportation to and from the work placement; hours of work; guidelines for absence and tardiness; dress code; job description; and, conflict resolution

Compile an employer information package that includes documents needed for the work placement (e.g., personal career documentation such as a resume or portfolio, permission forms, logs, self- and employer evaluation forms).

Brainstorm a list of questions to ask the employer before beginning the work placement; these may include: What is my schedule of work hours?, Who is my supervisor?, What should I wear? ,When will I be provided with safety training?, What potential hazards might I encounter in the work placement?, Where do I find fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency assistance?, What type of safety gear am I expected to wear? Is it provided?, What should I do if I get injured or have an accident in the workplace? How can I contact my health and safety committee or representative?, Are there any health and safety procedures I should follow?, Who is the first aid person?, Where are safety notices posted? andWhat should I do in case of a fire or emergency?

. Develop a list of questions that could potentially be asked by the employer/work placement in an interview situation as well as answers to the questions.

Participate in an interview with the employer prior to beginning the work placement.

Reflect upon one’s performance during the interview.

Apply relevant skills and abilities during the work placement experience.

Document one’s experience using electronic and other tools (e.g., vlogs, blogs, log sheets, reflective journals) to summarize and reflect upon items such as: hours of work including breaks; responsibilities and tasks performed; interactions with the employer, staff, customers and others; company or organization’s ‘raison d’être;’ and, skills developed and demonstrated during the work placement that enhance one’s employability.

Document knowledge and awareness of employment standards, safety, workplace ethics, rights and responsibilities, occupational health and safety, and networking observed during the work placement.

Showcase personal skills and abilities demonstrated during the work placement using artifacts, evidence of skill development and personal reflections on aspects of the work experience such as: hours worked; responsibilities and tasks performed; the importance of attitude towards work and taking responsibility for what needs to be done; details about the entry level wage, salary scales and earning potential; worker rights and responsibilities and the role of the union, if applicable; ownership structure (e.g., corporation, franchise, sole proprietorship, partnership); and, opportunities for advancement at the workplace and elsewhere in the industry.

Reflect on the attainment of personal and learning goals

Update personal career documentation (e.g., resume, portfolio) following the work placement.

In appreciation prepare a letter, note, card or other communication for the work placement employer.

Develop and/or revise personal and career goals based on the work placement experience.

Research the types (e.g., dealerships and specialty shops) of business opportunities available in the agricultural equipment industry.

Explore agricultural equipment-related business opportunities in sectors such as automotive, leisure or heavy machinery.

Explore business opportunities in servicing agricultural equipment in specialty (e.g., apiculture, berry farms, sod farms and dairy farms) agriculture operations.

Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different business ownership models, including sole proprietorship, partnerships and private corporations.

Explore the role of franchises as a business ownership model in the agricultural equipment industry.

Research the requirements (e.g., registering business name, collecting and remitting taxes, registering with WCB, licensing and zoning) for establishing a business in one’s community

Research the importance of sustainable business practices such as providing quality customer service, following environmental guidelines and employing qualified and certified personnel.

Explain the advantages of and requirements for obtaining Blue Seal certification.

Explain the responsibility of a business owner to employ individuals with various levels of training (e.g., apprentice, Red Seal or non-certified) and to provide quality customer service.

Outline an entry level business plan that may include start-up costs, location, customer base, advertising and an exit plan.