Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating a gravity table to clean or process seed defines the standard required to: set up and prepare gravity table for use; operate a gravity table to process seed; complete and report on seed cleaning operations.

Application of the unit 

This unit relates to the operation of gravity tables to clean or process seed.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Set up and prepare gravity table for use

1.1. A gravity table is and set up and prepared to job requirements and confirmed against work plan.

1.2. Routine pre-operational checks of the gravity table are completed to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

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

2. Operate a gravity table to process seed

2.1. The gravity table 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 seed cleaning operation

3.1. Shut-down procedures for the gravity table are completed to manufacturers' specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Operational records are completed and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Malfunctions, faults, observation of irregular performance and damage to the gravity table are detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.4. The gravity table is cleaned according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• assemble a gravity table for operation
• disassemble a gravity table after operation
• correctly set the air flow appropriate for the task
• assess the product input and outputs of the gravity table
• make adjustments to the gravity table settings to maximise the output
• operate the gravity table effectively
• perform basic maintenance of gravity table
• 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 

• seed biology and damage to seed by mechanical action
• the principles of gravity separation
• types of gravity tables available
• the adjustment and effect of airflow, oscillation and deck angle
• deck types and designs and their effects on operational effectiveness
• machinery safety
• machine capabilities and settings
• cleaning strategies.

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 

In order to confer competency, evidence must prove that the candidate is able to:

• set up and prepare gravity table for use
• operate a gravity table to process seed, and
• complete and report on seed cleaning operations.

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.

Gravity table operations may include:

• all gravity type separators using the principles of stratification which involves dividing seed into a series of graded statuses by the use of air
• shake and angle to achieve a separation of seed density or specific gravity
• any variation of these machines, with or without additions, to enhance performance.

Unit sector 

Seed processing

Co-requisite units 

Competency field