1. Recognise, handle and locate raw materials on site.
   • Raw materials are identified for potential purpose.
   • Characteristics of raw materials, including handling risks and potential or common contaminants, are compared to site operating guidelines.
   • Potential hazards in handling raw materials are identified and reported to supervisor.
   • Initial handling requirements, stockpiling location and arrangement on site are confirmed from site operating guidelines.
   • Visible or physical contaminants present in raw materials are identified and recorded.
   • Physical contaminant handling, stockpiling location and arrangement on site are confirmed from site operating guidelines.
2. Recognise and locate key processes and technologies.
   • Composting technologies and methods, key process control steps and technologies are identified and locations on site are confirmed from site map.
   • Windrows or vessels are identified by reference to batch or code numbers.
   • Machinery, plant and equipment and their functional uses are confirmed from site operating guidelines.
3. Recognise, handle and locate compost and other products on site.
   • Compost and other products are identified for their intended use.
   • Characteristics of products, including handling risks and potential or common contaminants, are compared to site operating guidelines.
   • Potential hazards in handling products are identified and reported to supervisor.
   • Handling requirements, stockpiling location and arrangement on site are confirmed from site operating guidelines.
   • Potential for contamination of products is identified and action is taken according to enterprise procedures.
   • Batching sheets or other product formulas are matched to end product.
   • Visible or physical contaminants present in products are identified and reported to supervisor.
   • Physical contaminant handling, stockpiling location and arrangement on site are identified.
4. Identify and carry out site maintenance requirements.
   • Site maintenance requirements are identified and carried out according to enterprise procedures.
   • Traffic access routes and site traffic/pedestrian safety rules are identified from site operating plan and maintained according to enterprise and occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures.
   • Vehicle access routes on site are maintained according to enterprise procedures.
   • Machinery and site security requirements are identified and maintained according to enterprise procedures.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required skills include

applying communication skills including active listening questioning and asking for clarification from supervisor

applying literacy and numeracy skills sufficient to read and follow enterprise policies and procedures

identifying and handling physical contaminants

identifying and handling raw materials and products

recognising and complying with site traffic and security requirements

Required knowledge includes

characteristics of a range of raw materials

company policies and procedures including OHS requirements

key process control stages critical to consistent quality in compost production

overview of systems and technologies used in compost production particularly as relevant to workplace

range and characteristics of products

risks associated with movement of vehicles and machinery on site

safety risks to self and product posed by contaminants in raw materials and products

standard risk control measures used in the industry to minimise risk associated with handling raw materials and products

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function such as

RTCA Follow OHS procedures

RTC2701A Follow OHS procedures

RTCA Observe environmental work practices

RTC2702A Observe environmental work practices

RTEA Set up operate and maintain a water delivery system

RTE2608A Set up, operate and maintain a water delivery system.

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

The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below

Assessment must confirm ones ability to

identify confirm locate handle and maintain raw materials products and physical contaminants on site

maintain site arrangement and segregation of materials and products to avoid contamination

recognise and locate key process control stages of production cycle and associated machinery on site

maintain site and machinery security requirements

read and follow batch numbers and codes and site operating plan

implement site machinery and traffic management plans

Context and specific resources for assessment

Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and must be assessed in a commercialscale composting facility or in a situation that reproduces andor simulates operational conditions

For valid assessment one should have opportunities to participate in exercises case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge specified in this unit

The candidate should also have access to the following resources

personal protective equipment

commercialscale compost piles

raw materials and products for recognition and handling

access to a commercialscale compost facility with documented management system and batch documentation

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in performance competency should preferably be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and operational contexts and where possible over a number of assessment activities

The skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency must allow for application in a broad industry context and should be transferable to a range of work environments For example this could include work within commercialscale composting operations of varying size a range of different raw materials a range of different composts and valueadded products manufactured to meet the demands of different markets location ie urban or rural context varying environmental constraints and using various equipment practices technologies and management systems

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.