Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the processes involved with control phase II of mushroom substrate processing and defines the standard required to: differentiate between Phase I substrate and substrate ready for spawning and describe desired parameters of each stage; monitor and manage Phase II process for at least eight crops; assess room or tunnel layout and determine most appropriate locations for taking substrate and air measurements; carry out effective troubleshooting during Phase II process.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to a manager on a mushroom farm.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Confirm the requirements for Phase II mushroom substrate preparation

1.1. Phase II mushroom substrate process is monitored and managed to ensure that process is performed according to farm procedures and schedules, and that all equipment is operated safely and according to manufacturer instructions.

1.2. Checks are made to ensure all temperature probes are functioning correctly.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and hazards associated with Phase II process are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks.

1.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing are selected and used according to farm OHS procedures.

1.5. Site quarantine protocols and farm and personal hygiene requirements are determined, applied and monitored as required by farm procedures.

1.6. Condition and quality of compost are assessed before filling and any required remedial action is communicated according to farm procedures.

2. Carry out Phase II process

2.1. Placement of probes in air and substrate is monitored to ensure placement complies with required farm procedures.

2.2. The evenness of filling and amount filled are checked.

2.3. Room or tunnel is checked at completion of filling to ensure that doors are secure and vents and thermostats are set according to farm procedures.

2.4. Key factors and critical points are measured and recorded legibly and accurately according to farm procedures.

2.5. Equipment settings are adjusted as required and according to farm procedures to ensure optimum conditions for each Phase II sub-stage.

2.6. Random representative samples are taken for laboratory chemical testing.

2.7. Ammonia measurements are taken or ammonia levels assessed prior to cool down for spawning.

2.8. Feedback on performance is provided to personnel under supervision.

2.9. Own performance is assessed, feedback on performance sought and any required improvements are noted for future action.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• accepting responsibility for quality of own work
• contributing to productive work environment
• developing work schedules
• maintaining safety of self and others
• managing own work and that of others
• monitoring and recording key parameters
• OHS, environment and employment legislation and enterprise procedures
• promoting workplace cooperation
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• basic interpretation of chemical test results
• concept of compost selectivity and biological indicators of compost quality
• factors influencing air quantity and distribution
• farm standards and procedures, including those relating to OHS, food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), quality systems, emergency procedures, organisational structure and workplace communication channels and protocols
• industry and workplace awards and conditions
• key parameters to be recorded and monitored relating to temperature, ammonia and moisture content
• knowledge of how different systems (shelf, tray and tunnel) impact on temperature zones in substrate
• knowledge of objectives and desired parameters of each sub-stage of Phase II substrate preparation
• overview of Phase I compost production and how it impacts on Phase II process
• relevant legislation and industry codes of practice
• site quarantine protocols
• understanding of importance of correct probe placement and calibration.

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:

• differentiate between Phase I substrate and substrate ready for spawning and describe desired parameters of each stage
• monitor and manage Phase II process for at least eight crops
• assess room or tunnel layout and determine most appropriate locations for taking substrate and air measurements
• carry out effective troubleshooting during Phase II process.

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.

Mushroom substrate may include:

• the range of ingredients and processes required for Phase II compost preparation.

Unit sector 

Production horticulture

Co-requisite units 

Competency field