Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

RTE2507A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Recognise raw materials, production processes and products on a composting site

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RTE2507A - Recognise raw materials, production processes and products on a composting site
Description This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to recognise raw materials and products, their characteristics, potential contamination, site location, and handling and management requirements; and recognise the function and relative location of key production processes. It also covers carrying out basic site maintenance.The unit involves identifying the nature of enterprise processes and products in order to carry out day-to-day work responsibilities, including site maintenance.
Employability Skills The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Composting is used as a general expression for the processing of organic materials; with this unit being relevant for aerobic and anaerobic composting and vermiculture technologies.This unit of competency applies to an employee of an enterprise engaged in commercial-scale composting operations. Tasks are likely to be performed by a yard hand or general hand under supervision of an operations team leader or site foreman. Work is likely to be performed as a part of a team.This unit must be read in conjunction with the National Guidelines for Occupational Health and Safety Competency Standards for Operation of Load-Shifting Equipment and Other Types of Specified Equipment [NOHSC: 7019 (1992)].Where work requires the use of load-shifting equipment, appropriate training/certification must be provided according to state and territory safety and licensing requirements.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

RTC2701A Follow OHS procedures

RTC2702A Observe environmental work practices

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 one's 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 commercial-scale composting facility or in a situation that reproduces and/or 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

commercial-scale compost piles

raw materials and products for recognition and handling

access to a commercial-scale 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 commercial-scale composting operations of varying size; a range of different raw materials; a range of different composts and value-added products manufactured to meet the demands of different markets; location (i.e. urban or rural context); varying environmental constraints; and using various equipment, practices, technologies and management systems.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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.

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.

Raw materials may include:

animal mortalities

biosolids such as sewage sludge

crop residuals

dairy waste

fats and oils

food organics such as:

food waste

kitchen waste

food processing waste

forestry residuals

manures

organic sludges

paper mill wastes

paper-based materials

plant materials such as:

garden organics

green organics

green waste

yard waste

sewage facility grit and screenings

wood and timber (not treated)

other organic waste or by-product of processing.

OHS hazards:

may include:

biological hazards

compressed air and water

dusts

ergonomic hazards associated with manual handling

hazards to pedestrians

hot or cold weather conditions

mechanical hazards such as:

grinders

hammer mills

shredders

noise

physical hazards such as:

mobile machinery

vehicles

sharps or other physical contaminants in materials

underfoot conditions

must be addressed by observing enterprise and OHS procedures for:

hazard identification

risk assessment

risk control.

Physical contaminants observed may include:

binding and rubble

glass

metals

plastics

sharps

stone and soil

other non-biodegradable materials.

Composting technologies and methods may include:

aerated static pile

agitated bay

in-vessel composting technologies

rotating drum

turned pile

vermiculture beds

windrow.

Machinery, plant and equipment may include:

conveyor belts and associated attachments such as magnetic and blower or suction separators

elevators

excavators

first-response firefighting equipment

front-end loaders

gantry cranes

hoppers, bins and other containers for contaminant disposal

personal protective equipment such as:

dust mask

earmuffs

hard hats

protective clothing

reflector high visibility vests

respirators

safety footwear

safety glasses and gloves

power or trommel screen

safety and road signs

size reduction machinery for grinding or chipping

static machinery, such as weighbridges

windrow turners.

Products may include:

additives blended with recycled organic products after composting such as:

inorganic fertilisers

lime and gypsum

organic fertilisers

sand

soil

wetting agents

recycled organic products such as:

composts

landscaping soils and materials

mulches

potting mixes

soft fall products

soil conditioners

vermicast.

Site maintenance activities may include:

implementation of site machinery and traffic access and circulation plans

location and management of compost piles, and recipe or batch blends

location of material during curing processes

placement and management of raw materials, products and other inputs or material for disposal.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RTE2507A - Recognise raw materials, production processes and products on a composting site
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

RTE2507A - Recognise raw materials, production processes and products on a composting site

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: