Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating screen cleaners to process seed and defines the standard required to: select screens and prepare machinery for use; operate a screen cleaner; complete and report on cleaning operations.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the operation of screen cleaners and aspirators for cleaning or processing commercial quantities of seed.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Select and prepare a screen cleaning machine for use

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

1.2. Routine pre-operational checks of screen cleaning machinery and equipment are completed to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

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

2. Operate a screen cleaning machine

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 the seed cleaning operation

3.1. Shut-down procedures for screen cleaning machinery and equipment are completed to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

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

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

3.4. Screen cleaning 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 

• define the processing requirements of a seed processing job
• determine the limitations of seed cleaning machinery and make adjustments to achieve a desired outcome
• disassemble a screen cleaner
• clean a screen cleaner
• assemble a screen cleaner for operation
• select and place screens appropriate for the cleaning task
• assess the input and outputs of the screen cleaner
• make adjustments to the screen cleaner settings to maximise the output
• operate the screen cleaner effectively
• 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 principles of a screen cleaner
• the different types of screen cleaners available for the task
• the adjustment and effect of airflow within each of the screen cleaner's chambers
• the correct clean down procedure
• possible contamination points
• screen types and designs
• ball trays and their purpose
• required maintenance and usual wear points
• machinery safety
• types of impurities and the machine's ability to handle impurities
• documentation associated with seed cleaning.

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:

• select screens and prepare machinery for use
• operate a screen cleaner
• complete and report on cleaning 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.

Use of screen cleaners may include:

• usage for a wide range of commercially grown seed and include:

• aspirators
• pre-cleaners
• air screen cleaners

• any variation of these machines, both reciprocating and rotary, with or without additions to enhance performance.

Screen cleaning of seed may occur

• on farms using mobile screen cleaners
• in seed processing plants.

Unit sector 

Seed processing

Co-requisite units 

Competency field