Elements and Performance Criteria
- Confirm customer requirements.
- Confirmation is sought from customer that fertiliser or soil ameliorant products to be spread are those that were ordered.
- Verification is obtained from customer that technical specification of product is acceptable for job.
- Customer's written fertiliser order is confirmed with customer and documented to enable trace back to depot or factory if required.
- Agreement for spreading services is documented according to enterprise or industry codes of practice.
- Identify features of the target area.
- Location and boundaries of area to be treated are identified, agreed with customer and recorded according to relevant industry codes of practice.
- Soil type and condition are assessed visually or advice is sought from customer.
- Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and operations are planned to ensure minimum adverse impact and to comply with any required buffer zones.
- Features that may present a hazard to the operation are identified by inspection and by discussion with customer and appropriate action is taken.
- Location of services and utilities are identified from customer advice or local maps, and proposed spreading operation is adjusted if required.
- Local weather and climate conditions are identified and taken into account when preparing to begin operations.
- Perform pre-spreading checks.
- Rate of spreading is determined and buffer allowance is calculated.
- Before being moved onto site, machinery and equipment are confirmed to be clean of soil and/or plant material.
- Machinery and equipment are prepared according to enterprise procedures and manufacturer instructions to ensure they are serviceable and are set up and calibrated.
- Spread fertiliser
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing are selected and used by self and all personnel involved in spreading tasks.
- Fertiliser or soil ameliorant is applied in a manner that complies with guidelines on buffer zones, to minimise run-off into waterways and drains.
- Weather and other conditions are monitored to ensure that variations that may alter limits to operation are taken into account, and that operations are adjusted accordingly.
- Any existing site quarantine or biosecurity protocols are followed as required.
- All work is monitored to ensure that it is performed in an environmentally aware and safe manner and according to industry codes of practice.
- Perform follow up and clean-up activities on completion of spreading operations
- Machinery, equipment and hand tools are returned to depot or storage area after cleaning, checking for future serviceability, and carrying out basic preventative maintenance according to enterprise procedures.
- Faults are noted for remedial action.
- Records are completed legibly and accurately, according to enterprise procedures and industry codes of practice.