Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate compost processing plant, machinery and equipment to prepare raw materials to produce compost products.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Organise plant, machinery and equipment operations | 1.1 Review job sheet or work order to identify operating requirements 1.2 Organise equipment, materials and personnel requirements 1.3 Select, use, maintain and store personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Prepare plant, machinery and equipment for use | 2.1 Check service log to ensure service requirements have been maintained 2.2 Check communication equipment, safety devices, lighting and alarm systems for correct operation 2.3 Carry out routine pre-operational checks 2.4 Check and calibrate operational systems for correct operation 2.5 Identify and safety tag faulty plant, machinery or equipment safety 2.6 Identify and risk assess hazards associated with plant, machinery and equipment operation |
3. Start and operate plant, machinery and equipment | 3.1 Check operational area and inform personnel of start of operation 3.2 Operate plant, machinery and equipment in a safe and controlled manner 3.3 Monitor input materials and identify non-conformances 3.4 Monitor processing outputs and adjust plant operation to meet job specifications 3.5 Identify, rectify and report out-of-specification product or process outcomes to maintain the process within specification |
4. Shut down plant, machinery and equipment | 4.1 Shut down plant, machinery and equipment 4.2 Remove debris and contaminants from plant, machinery and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation 4.3 Clean, secure and store plant, machinery and equipment 4.4 Tag or lock unsafe plant, machinery or equipment |
5. Maintain records | 5.1 Maintain plant, machinery and equipment operational records 5.2 Record maintenance, damage, malfunctions or irregular performance, and unsafe plant, machinery or equipment |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
determine appropriate operating methods
implement work and equipment maintenance plans
monitor input materials and report non-conformances
monitor outputs and report out-of-specification product
perform shutdown procedures and maintain records
select and use a range of compost processing plant, machinery and equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for operating compost processing plant
enterprise guidelines associated with operation of plant, machinery and equipment
environmental licenses, impacts and procedures identification of contaminants
legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to operator licensing, roads and traffic requirements
legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace health and safety and the use and control of hazardous substances, such as fuel and recipe inputs
lock-out and tag-out procedures for plant, machinery and equipment
manufacturer specifications for servicing of plant, machinery and equipment
operating principles and operating methods for plant, machinery and equipment
potential risks and hazards associated with operation of plant, machinery and equipment
principles of weight distribution with regard to load-shifting and machinery movement
procedures for cleaning, securing and storing machinery, equipment and materials
product types and characteristics
raw material types and characteristics
workplace health and safety legislation, codes of practice and specific hazards such as hazardous substances and exposure to organic micro particles
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Composting (COM)