Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating and maintaining the equipment used for effluent removal from the production shed, and monitoring its efficiency and defines the standard required to: operate machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner; dispose of effluent cleanly and efficiently resulting in minimal impacts on the surrounding environment; maintain equipment and site hygiene consistent with enterprise requirements.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to removing and facilitating reuse of effluent and manure from an intensive production system.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to work with effluent disposal equipment

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

1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the maintenance activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the production process.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

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

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

2. Maintain and operate effluent storage and disposal system

2.1. Organisational OHS procedures, practices, policies and precautions are observed and followed, including the use of personal protective equipment.

2.2. Effluent removal and disposal equipment is correctly serviced and maintained.

2.3. Effluent disposal systems are used according to system design in compliance with approval granted by local government and State environment protection authority.

2.4. When liquid effluent storages are used, recognised techniques for irrigation are carried out according to establishment practice.

2.5. In-shed effluent pits are flushed and drained as required.

2.6. When effluent is composted, turning is done in accordance with establishment practice, State environment protection authority recommendations, and OHS procedures.

3. Monitor effluent disposal system

3.1. Organisational OHS procedures, practices, policies and precautions are observed and followed, including the use of personal protective equipment.

3.2. Flow rates, pit levels, compost temperatures and equipment are regularly checked to maintain effective operation of the system.

3.3. Cleaning procedures and hygiene practice are carried out according to established practice.

3.4. Monitoring reflects an understanding of the environmental duty of care.

4. Conduct hygiene and administration activities

4.1. Equipment is cleaned in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

4.2. Attachments and other ancillary equipment are cleaned and stored in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

4.3. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the operations are disposed of safely and appropriately.

4.4. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with organisational requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• maintain production shed environment and system through an efficient effluent handling program
• read and interpret cost sheets, production information, target statistics, quantities of feed and other inputs, job performance audits, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• prepare and present production and other information in a manner that is readily accessible for both management and operators
• maintain and monitor gauges and instruments that control the effluent disposal system
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• 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 

• effluent handling systems
• factors affecting effluent degradation
• environmental codes of practice, and local and State government regulations
• environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
• the organisations livestock production and management plans - sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
• OHS legislation, codes of practice and enterprise 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:

• operate machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner
• dispose of effluent cleanly and efficiently resulting in minimal impacts on the surrounding environment
• maintain equipment and site hygiene consistent with enterprise requirements.

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.

Intensive production systems may include:

• piggeries
• poultry farms
• dairies
• feedlots.

Disposal/recycling methods may include:

• machine spreading
• spray or flood irrigation
• effluent ponds
• collection for manufacture of commercial fertilisers and fuels.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field