Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Identify daily factory requirements for cane supply

1.1 Workplace information are accessed

1.2 Factors that impact on cane supply are identified

2 Calculate zero hour

2.1 Zero hour is calculated to take account of daily variables

2.2 Relevant personnel are informed of zero hour

3 Amend daily bin allotment and bin allocations

3.1 Bin allotment requirements are determined

3.2 Daily bin allotment and bin allocations are calculated based on amended requirements

3.3 Schedule for bin allocation and loco runs to harvest groups is amended to meet requirements

3.4 Amended schedule is documented and submitted for approval in accordance with workplace procedures

4 Monitor supply and demand to maintain and adjust schedule

4.1 Transport departures and arrivals are co-ordinated and adjusted to meet schedule requirements

4.2 Regular two-way communication with locomotive drivers and harvester operators is used to maintain schedules and safe operations

4.3 Cane stock and deliveries (supply) are monitored against schedule

4.4 Variations between supply and schedule are identified and corrective action is taken

4.5 Resource implications of amended schedules are identified and resources are accessed to meet requirements

4.6 Progress against schedule is monitored

Required skills include:

Ability to: 

• apply workplace information to calculate zero hour according to workplace procedure
• communicate zero hour to affected personnel
• amend daily schedule bin allotments and bin allocations to take account of variables affecting achievement of schedule
• monitor work progress and respond to update schedule as required
• respond to unplanned events to minimise disruption and optimise efficiency
• use communication systems and equipment to inform affected personnel of changes to schedule
• confirm that resources and personnel are available to meet amended schedule and if not, take action to secure requirements
• demonstrate workplace procedures for co-ordinating transport departures and arrivals to meet schedule requirements
• demonstrate workplace procedures for reallocating cane bin deliveries to harvesters in cases of factory/harvester breakdowns
• maintain workplace records and submit amendments for approval as required by workplace procedures

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of: 

• relevant state OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice relating to work responsibilities
• safe work procedures including awareness of health and safety hazards related to work responsibilities and associated control measures
• work schedule planning including the inter-relationships such as:

• planned crushing rate
• current stocks (yards and sidings)
• yard and siding capacities
• average bin weights
• harvesting rosters
• cut-to-crush delays
• loco loads and performance
• bin fleet size and availability
• rail network capacity
• labour requirements and availability

• purpose and procedure for calculating zero hour
• purpose and use of a computerized traffic systems
• factors that can affect the calculation of zero hour including:

• factory performance including planned and unplanned mill stops
• weather
• transport system delays including locomotive/motor truck breakdown
• availability of empty bins, taking into account mixed bin fleet if appropriate
• availability of full-yard space
• availability of empty-yard space
• siding status
• track infrastructure condition
• harvester failure

• relevant personnel and factory departments to be notified of zero hour and related amendments to schedule including an understanding of the information relevant to each group/person
• standard allocation of bins to a group and procedure for adjusting allocations
• communication systems, protocols and standards when using 2-way radios
• awareness of conditions that are unusual or unplanned and related options for response including an understanding of implications of different options for maintaining the continuous and efficient supply of cane
• factors that impact on efficient performance such as:

• labour
• crib breaks
• holding locos
• waiting time (last bin)
• fuel use
• loads
• scheduled cleaning and programmed maintenance

• relevant OH&S and environmental requirements
• procedures for responding to emergency situations

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

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to:

• apply workplace information to calculate zero hour
• amend daily schedule bin allotments and bin allocations
• monitor work progress and respond to update schedule
• use communication systems and equipment
• confirm resources and personnel are available to meet amended schedule
• demonstrate workplace procedures for reallocating cane bin deliveries to harvesters
• maintain workplace records

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

• Transport system and associated information and communication systems and equipment
• Relevant codes of practice and industry standards
• Workplace information required to assess, adjust and monitor work progress against schedule
• Operating procedures related to work responsibilities
• Housekeeping standards and procedures
• Workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures

Method of assessment

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Policies and procedures 

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements.

Codes of Practice 

Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice and sugar industry codes of practice related to cane railway and transport operations.

Workplace information 

Workplace information can include:

• master schedule
• bin allotments
• mill crushing rates
• schedules and harvesting rosters

Teamwork 

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment.

Communication methods 

Communication methods include:

• use of two-way radios used in accordance with workplace requirements and state authority protocols.