Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating seed modification machinery and equipment and defines the standard required to: set up and prepare machinery for use; operate seed modification machinery; complete and report on seed modification machinery and equipment operation.

Application of the unit 

This unit relates to operating seed modification or seed alteration machinery and equipment such as de-awners

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Select and prepare seed modification machinery and equipment for use

1.1. Seed modification machinery is selected and prepared to job requirements and confirmed against work plan.

1.2. Routine pre-operational checks of seed modification machinery and equipment are completed to manufacturers' 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 seed modification machinery and equipment

2.1. Seed modification machinery 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 modification machinery and equipment operation

3.1. Shut-down procedures for seed modification machinery are completed to manufacturers' specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Seed modification machinery operational records are completed and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Malfunctions, faults, observation of irregular performance and damage to seed modification machinery are detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.4. Seed modification machinery 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 

• identify the need for a particular line of seed to be modified
• operate a seed de-awners/clippers
• operate seed scarifiers
• operate huskers and sifters
• 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 - coleoptiles
• the damage caused to seed by modification machinery
• the principles of operation and the expectations and limitations, maintenance and safety associated with an oats de-awner/clipper
• the principles of operation and the expectations and limitations, maintenance and safety associated with scarifiers
• the principles of operation and the expectations and limitations, maintenance and safety associated with rice huskers
• safe machinery operation.

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:

• assessment of the seed for its requirement for modification and risk of potential damage
• set up and prepare machinery for use
• operate seed modification machinery, and
• complete and report on seed modification machinery and equipment 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.

Mechanical modification of seed may include:

• the range of machines which provides mechanical modification of seed to enhance its performance and any variation of these machines, with or without additions, to enhance performance.

Machinery may include:

• all machines and equipment other than standard seed grading equipment which modify the physical characteristics of the seed for the purpose of:
• improving the seed's ability to germinate and grow
• improving the seed's plantability
• improving the seed's appearance
• improving the seed's ability to be graded and or treated.

Unit sector 

Seed processing

Co-requisite units 

Competency field