Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating specialised seed processing machinery and equipment and defines the standard required to: set up and prepare machinery for use; operate seed modification machinery; complete and report on seed modification machinery and equipment operation.

Application of the unit 

This unit relates to operating specialised seed processing machinery and equipment such as spiral and colour separators. This unit also covers the storage and bulk handling of processed seed and include all the methods of transfer of the product from grading or storage to packaging to storage.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Select and prepare specialised seed processing machinery and equipment for use

1.1. Specialised machinery and equipment is selected and prepared to job requirements and confirmed against work plan.

1.2. Routine pre-operational checks of specialised machinery and equipment are completed to manufacturers' specifications and enterprise requirements.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the workplace are recognised, risk assessed and minimised according to enterprise requirements.

2. Operate specialised seed processing machinery and equipment

2.1. Machinery and equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner and monitored for performance and efficiency.

2.2. Risks to self, others and the environment are anticipated and minimisation strategies implemented accordingly.

2.3. Suitable personal protective clothing and equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to OHS requirements.

2.4. Environmental implications associated with machinery operation are identified, assessed and reported to the supervisor.

3. Complete and report on specialised seed processing machinery and equipment operation

3.1. Shut-down procedures for specialised machinery and equipment are completed to manufacturers' specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Specialised machinery and equipment operational records are completed and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Malfunctions, faults, observation of irregular performance and damage to specialised machinery and equipment are detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.4. Specialised machinery and equipment is cleaned, secured and stored according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• operate an airleg machine
• operate seed spirals machines
• operate seed dryers
• operate colour sorters
• operate seed sizing equipment
• operate velvet rollers
• operate magnetic rollers
• operate floatation tanks
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• the legislative and legal requirements of information relating to domestic and international requirements
• the basic principles and operation of airlegs
• the basic principles and operation of seed spirals
• the basic principles and operation of seed dryers
• the basic principles and operation of colour sorters
• the basic principles and operation of seed sizing equipment
• the basic principles and operation of velvet rollers
• the basic principles and operation of magnetic rollers
• the basic principles and operation of floatation tanks
• safe operation of machinery.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

In order to confer competency evidence must prove that the candidate is able to:

• set up and prepare specialised seed processing machinery for use
• operate specialised seed processing machinery
• complete and report on specialised seed processing machinery and equipment operation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Specialised seed processing machinery may include:

• all the procedures and equipment involved in the packaging, labelling and palletising of processed seed.

Specialised seed processing machinery includes

• any non-standard seed processing equipment that improves seed quality or marketability apart from standard seed processing procedures.

Sorting may be done by

• colour, sizing, polishing, drying, removing fines, separation using liquid and removing metal contaminants.

Unit sector 

Seed processing

Co-requisite units 

Competency field