Elements and Performance Criteria
- Confirm status of system requirements for mushroom substrate preparation
- Mushroom substrate preparation processes are overseen and managed to ensure that work is performed according to farm procedures, and that all equipment is operated according to manufacturer instructions and at a speed that maintains safe and continuous operation.
- Details of quantities of substrate required and dates/times to be achieved for each process stage are determined and communicated to personnel involved in the various stages of substrate preparation.
- Availability, quality, serviceability, and cleanliness of all rooms, work areas, machinery, equipment and materials required for mushroom substrate preparation are ascertained.
- Staff duties and responsibilities are allocated.
- Where problems with process are identified, remedial action is initiated as required and according to farm procedures.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing are selected and used by all personnel involved in mushroom substrate processing tasks.
- Impact of mushroom substrate preparation processes on other enterprise activities is determined, personnel advised and adjustments to schedules and operations are made where required and according to farm procedures.
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and hazards associated with each task are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.
- Site quarantine protocols and farm and personal hygiene requirements are determined, applied and managed as required.
- All work of team is managed to ensure that it is performed according to farm procedures and in an environmentally aware and safe manner.
- Confirm quality and consistency of Phase II outputs
- Phase II process is managed to ensure it conforms to required production schedule and farm procedures.
- Key factors and critical points are recorded.
- Random representative samples of end product are taken in line with farm procedures and are dispatched to laboratory for analysis.
- Test results are recorded in farm records, compared to farm standards and remedial action is taken if required.
- Monitor and manipulate spawning and spawn run
- Condition and quality of compost are assessed before spawning and, if required, remedial action is taken according to farm procedures.
- Temperature readings are taken and recorded according to farm procedures and adjustments are made to thermostat if required.
- Carbon dioxide content is measured, recorded and controlled according to farm procedures.
- Spawn growth and appearance of mycelium are monitored during spawn run period.
- Where supplement is to be added to substrate at spawning, product and its rate of application are selected and instructions are given to appropriate personnel.
- Room hygiene and occurrence of pests and diseases are monitored and, if required, control measures are implemented according to farm procedures.
- Manage clean-up procedure
- Clean-up activities at the end of each process stage are managed to ensure they comply with farm procedures.
- Cook-out or chemical disinfestations treatment is conducted as appropriate prior to removal of spent substrate.
- Return of equipment and hand tools to storage area after cleaning, basic preventative maintenance and checking for future serviceability is monitored to ensure compliance with farm procedures.
- Faults are reported to maintenance personnel for remedial action.
- Inventory of all inputs is made to ensure availability of sufficient stock for future use.
- Records are completed legibly and accurately according to farm procedures.
- Feedback on performance is provided to personnel under supervision.
- Own performance is assessed, feedback on performance sought and any required improvements are noted for future action.