Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of safely preparing storages, surrounding areas and equipment in readiness for receiving grain at an acceptable level of hygiene, and defines the standard required to: prepare the storage area for access by grain carriers; comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements for working in confined spaces; prepare grain storages by removing all residues and checking structures; erect simple temporary bulk material storages; prepare and test grain handling machinery and perform routine safety, servicing and maintenance procedures on tools, equipment and machinery.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in specialist grain storages or on grain farms who would normally operate under routine supervision with intermittent checking. Responsibility for some roles and co-ordination within a team may be required. Preparing bulk material storages is usually within established routines, methods and procedures.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to work in bulk material storage area

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program where necessary, and confirmed with supervisor.

1.2. OHS hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.3. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

1.4. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked and maintained, if necessary.

1.5. Environmental implications of undertaking work in the bulk material storage area are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action taken.

2. Prepare storage area

2.1. Storage site is cleaned of weeds, dust and spillage to organisation requirements.

2.2. Refuse is disposed of according to regulatory requirements.

2.3. Site is maintained in a clean and tidy condition according to organisation requirements.

2.4. Storage site is prepared to meet OHS standards.

3. Prepare storages

3.1. Bulk material storages are prepared according to OHS standards.

3.2. Bulk material storages are cleaned of all residues according to organisation requirements.

3.3. Bulk material storages are checked for structural safety, damage or deterioration, and repaired or reported as required according to organisation requirements.

3.4. Temporary storages are prepared and erected to meet the needs of the organisation according to OHS standards.

4. Prepare bulk material handling machinery

4.1. Bulk material handling machinery is cleaned free of contamination and residues according to organisation requirements.

4.2. Bulk material handling equipment is adjusted and set according to organisation requirements.

4.3. Bulk material handling equipment is prepared ready for use according to manufacturer's instructions and OHS standards.

5. Complete maintenance operation

5.1. Workplace information is recorded clearly and accurately in the format and at the time required by the organisation.

5.2. Waste is collected and disposed of or recycled to minimise damage to the external environment.

5.3. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored according to organisation work procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and follow safe work procedures
• erect simple temporary bulk material storages
• check equipment and storage facilities, and identify current or impending faults
• handle and manoeuvre equipment
• complete pre-operational checks on basic tools and equipment
• perform routine safety, service and maintenance procedures on tools, equipment and machinery
• operate hand and independently powered tools and cleaning equipment to industry standards
• clean, secure and store machinery and equipment
• perform basic trouble shooting
• recognise and rectify minor operational faults
• handle hazardous substances (fuels) safely
• work in confined spaces
• use communication systems
• interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents.
• read and interpret manufacturer's specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets.

Required knowledge 

• range of construction methods, potential hazards, safety and structural requirements for storage
• erection/dismantling for types of temporary storage used by organisation
• organisation and commodity quality requirements for grain storage
• organisation hygiene requirements
• typical signs of structural damage to be documented and reported
• pre-operational and safety checks, servicing and maintenance procedures for tools and equipment
• general machine maintenance procedures
• machinery operating principles and operating methods
• machinery storage and protection methods
• cleaning and storage of machinery, equipment and materials
• environmental impacts associated with the operation of machinery and equipment
• appropriate action in contingency situations
• organisation requirements for protective equipment and safe practices in relation to OHS
• potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools and equipment
• relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS, environment and the use and control of machinery and equipment
• appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturer's instructions and organisation procedures/ instructions
• personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used
• organisational recording and reporting procedures.

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 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• prepare the storage area for access by grain carriers
• comply with OHS requirements for working in confined spaces
• prepare grain storages by removing all residues and checking structure
• erect simple temporary bulk material storages
• prepare and test grain handling machinery
• perform routine safety, service and maintenance procedures on tools, equipment and machinery.

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.

Storage areas may include:

• permanent and/or temporary storages
• the surrounding areas
• entry, exit and site roads.

Storage equipment may include:

• fixed and/or portable grain handling equipment.

Unit sector 

Broadacre cropping

Co-requisite units 

Competency field