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Title / Operate a bale wrapper
Level / 4 / Credits / 8
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to: carry out initial preparation for bale wrapping; carry out field preparation; operate a bale wrapper; and carry out post-operational procedures.
Classification / Rural Contracting > Agricultural Contracting
Available grade / Achieved
Entry information
Critical health and safety prerequisites / Driver licence and any driver licence endorsement appropriate to the machine or vehicle being used.
Explanatory notes
1The following legislation and requirements apply to this unit standard:
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992;
Managing health and safety – A guide for farmers(Wellington: Worksafe, 2014); and
Safe use of tractors on farms(Wellington: Worksafe, 2014);and
Approved Code of Practice for Roll Over Protective Structures on Tractors in Agricultural Operations(Wellington: Department of Labour, 2001); and
Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace(Wellington: Department of Labour, 2002); all available from
Manufacturer’s instructions.
Any legislation or other requirement superseding any of the above will apply, pending review of this unit standard.
2Assessment against this unit standard must be based on evidence from a workplace context.
3Personal protective equipment, appropriate for the work being carried out, is to be selected and worn in accordance with company requirements and manufacturer’s instructions.
4Definitions
Company requirementsrefer to all policies, procedures, and methodologies the candidate’s organisation has in place including but not limited to those relating to health, safety, environment, quality, and operations.
Manufacturer’s instructions may include specifications, installation, handling, use, and maintenance instructions and safety data sheets.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Carry out initial preparation for bale wrapping.
Evidence requirements
1.1Wrapping requirements and end purpose are confirmed in accordance with client specifications and company requirements.
1.2Wrapper selected is suitable in terms of wrapping requirements.
1.3Wrapper is checked for condition, damage, wear, and faults; problems are identified; and corrective action is taken in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and company requirements.
1.4Checks are made and any necessary actions are taken or adjustments made to ensure the machinery complies with legal and company requirements for operator health and safety.
Rangemay include but is not limited to – fire extinguisher, first aid equipment, seat, safety belt, mirrors, controls, climate control, sound equipment, communications equipment.
Outcome 2
Carry out field preparation.
Evidence requirements
2.1Hazards are identified and controlled in accordance with company requirements.
2.2Site and bales are assessed to identify favourable and/or unfavourable conditions for bale wrapping, and any problems are responded to in accordance with company requirements.
Rangesite conditions may include but are not limited to – sharp objects, free drainage or ponding, presence or absence of shade, ground grub damage;
bale conditions – moisture, materials, insects.
2.3Logistical readiness is established in accordance with company requirements.
Rangemay include but is not limited to – access, fuel and oil supplies and storage, communications, wrapping material.
Outcome 3
Operate a bale wrapper.
Evidence requirements
3.1Machine is operated in a safe, smooth, and stable manner with no risk of harm to people or damage to equipment or property structures.
3.2Baling operation is checked and the machine is adjusted, as required, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and client specifications.
3.3Bales are wrapped in accordance with company requirements and client specifications.
3.4Wrapped bales are placed in a secure manner, in accordance with client specifications.
3.5Equipment and machinery are monitored during operation for damage, wear, and faults, and are replaced, repaired and/or reported in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and company requirements.
Outcome 4
Carry out post-operational procedures.
Evidence requirements
4.1Equipment and machinery are shut down and stored in accordance with company requirements.
4.2 Equipment is cleaned and lubricated, and any damage or faults are repaired, replaced or reported in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and company requirements.
4.3Documentation for the operation is completed in accordance with company and client requirements, and is stored in accordance with company requirements.
Planned review date / 31 December 2020Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 25 June 2007 / 31 December 2016
Review / 2 / 16 July 2015 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0101
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMRs). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Infrastructure ITO at you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Infrastructure ITOSSB Code 101813 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018