Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare and operate cotton ginning machinery and perform relevant operator level maintenance. It includes the appropriate recycling and waste disposal processes.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to operating cotton ginning machinery and performing relevant operator processes including checking the seed cotton for ginning requirements.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

• requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment
• standard operating procedures
• work instructions
• oral, written and visual communication
• quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output
• housekeeping
• tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling.

This unit requires problem solving skills to assess the condition of cotton for ginning and the application of skills associated with planning and organising for the safe and effective use of cotton ginning technology and operations. This unit also requires an ability to interpret job specifications and communicate process information, check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to own work, cotton condition and machinery operation.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Check seed cotton for moisture

1.1 Appropriate test equipment is prepared and checked 

1.2 Seed cotton is tested for moisture content  and results recorded or reported according to workplace procedures

2 Evaluate trash  condition of cotton modules

2.1 Types of trash in the cotton seed are identified

2.2 Trash types are quantified relative to cotton processing requirements

2.3 Outcome of evaluation is recorded or reported

3 Operate cotton ginning machinery

3.1 All necessary settings and preparation  for machinery  operation are identified and assessed in accordance with specification and workplace standard procedures

3.2 Ginning machinery is started in accordance with workplace standard operating procedures

3.3 Work area around machinery is cleaned and maintained to meet workplace and safety requirements

3.4 Machinery is stopped or shut down in accordance with all OHS practices  and workplace standard operating procedures

4 Carry out operator maintenance

4.1 Minor running problems are identified and reported in accordance with workplace and machinery manufacturer procedures

4.2 Major machinery or product faults are reported

4.3 Minor maintenance and cleaning are performed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

5 Dispose of waste materials

5.1 Waste is kept to a minimum through correct application of workplace run out procedures

5.2 Waste is recycled where possible

5.3 Machine waste is disposed of in accordance with environmental and safety procedures

6 Monitor product quality

6.1 Quality requirements for cotton ginning are correctly identified and applied for all stages of the process

6.2 Cotton flow is monitored to meet enterprise standard operating procedures

6.3 Cotton quality is visually checked continuously to ensure standard is maintained

6.4 Any deviations from normal are recognised, isolated and reported

7 Communicate process information

7.1 Records and other documentation are clearly and accurately completed where required

7.2 Information regarding production status or problems is accurately transferred between changes in shifts

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• industry and product processes and equipment
• machinery preparation, operation, maintenance procedures and level of operator responsibility
• procedures for monitoring
• quality requirements for each stage of the process
• safety and environmental aspects related to machinery operation and handling of materials
• waste disposal procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• prepare equipment
• carry out tests following established procedures
• document and report test results
• interpret specifications and set machine for operation
• identify minor running problems and perform operator maintenance
• provide information in the form and level of detail required, particularly regarding production status or problems, and between-shift changes
• apply the quality requirements for each stage of the process
• identify, interpret and assess procedures
• analyse and evaluate information
• read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• maintain accurate records
• communicate within the workplace
• sequence operations
• meet specifications
• clarify and check task-related information
• carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• test and evaluate seed cotton for ginning requirements
• prepare and operate cotton ginning machinery
• monitor product and process quality
• dispose of waste appropriately
• transfer relevant information between shift changes, where required

Consistency in performance 

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks
• identifying improvements
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions
• completing work systematically with attention to detail and without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications 

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment 

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Prepare and check includes:

• preparing test equipment
• ensuring equipment is functioning correctly and calibrated accurately

Test for moisture content tests includes:

• preparing seed cotton for tests
• checking moisture content prior to ginning
• taking accurate readings

Evaluate trash may include:

• identifying types of trash
• quantifying trash types
• evaluating trash level of cotton seed prior to ginning

Settings and preparation may include:

• pre-start up visual checks, including safety requirements
• maintenance checks and product setting requirements
• start up procedures
• machine cleaning
• minor running problems - this may refer to adjustments causing non-conforming outcomes

Machinery may include:

• feeder system
• gin stand
• cleaners
• lint cleaner
• battery condenser
• air and drying system

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

• manual handling techniques
• standard operating procedures
• personal protective equipment
• safe materials handling
• taking of rest breaks
• ergonomic arrangement of workplaces
• following marked walkways
• safe storage of equipment
• housekeeping
• reporting accidents and incidents
• other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector 

Cotton Ginning