AHCBAC309A
Sample and test grain and related commodities

This unit covers the process of taking a sample of grain or a similar commodity on receival at a silo and performing routine grading tests.

Application

This unit applies to classifiers of grain and related commodities.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare sampling and testing equipment for use

1.1 Testing and sampling instruments are cleaned, calibrated and tested to ensure they are operating effectively in accordance with company, industry and/or legislative requirements

1.2 Repairs and maintenance of sampling and testing equipment are identified and reported

1.3 Cleanliness of sampling and testing equipment is maintained

2. Test a sample

2.1 Load is inspected to confirm commodity type and determine presence of contaminants

2.2 Company sampling requirements/protocols are observed and industry standards and legislative requirements are strictly adhered to

2.3 Supplier information is recorded

2.4 Samples are prepared for testing

2.5 Correct processes are used to prevent mixing or contamination of samples

2.6 All necessary sample information is recorded and maintained

3. Classify a sample

3.1 Appropriate company or industry procedures, commodity charts and guides or legislative requirements for classification are identified

3.2 Testing equipment is identified and operated

3.3 Sample is classified

3.4 The level of defects and contaminants is determined using visual recognition guides and industry reference material

3.5 The grade is determined or the sample is rejected

3.6 The product’s owner’s storage strategies for the consignment are applied

3.7 Test samples are collected, distributed and/or stored

3.8 Results of testing are accurately recorded

Required Skills

Required skills include:

Ability to:

identify workplace health and safety hazards and implement safe operating procedures

operate electronic and non-electronic testing equipment

keep accurate records

sample consistently

make decisions based on test results

identify cereals, oilseeds, pulses and related commodities

identify weed seeds and other contaminants

read and interpret commodity standards

read, interpret and follow company, industry and/or legislative requirements and work procedures

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

workplace health and safety, company, industry and regulatory requirements

tests performed on grain or related commodities

unbiased and representative sampling procedures and methods

specific commodity quality parameters, technical assessment and classification requirements

testing procedures for conducting a test on a sample

equipment operating, cleaning and maintenance procedures

interpreting test results

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare sampling and testing equipment for use

operate sampling and testing equipment

sample and prepare samples for testing

classify grain and related commodity samples

determine product grades based on test results

document classification test results

retain commodity samples as required

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Method of assessment

This unit should be assessed by observation of practical activities such as sampling and testing grain and other commodity samples and written or oral questioning of required knowledge.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.


Range Statement

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Testing equipment may include:

equipment specified in commodity standards endorsed by Grain Trade Australia (GTA)

manufacturer’s instructions and requirements

standard operating procedures

Company or industry and/or legislative requirements may include:

industry standards

standard operating procedures

applicable legislative requirements for use of equipment

commodity standards and procedures

Inspection may include:

visual inspection of commodity to be tested

visual inspection for nil tolerance contaminants i.e. live insects, fertiliser, moulds etc.

smells/odours

Sampling requirements/protocols may include:

sample collection / storage guidelines

sampling systems

Supplier information may include:

supplier information: trading name, address, contact details

vehicle registration

NGR number/other identifier

contract number/sale preference/payment options

paddock/field number

declarations – vendor/commodity/variety/chemical

chemical treatments – field/storage

Sample information may include:

sample identifier

commodity/grade/variety

vehicle/unit registration or number

site tendered

sample type i.e. grower load, cell sample, container sample etc.

represented tonnage

Classification may include:

variety

physical tests

defects

contaminants

objectionable material

other where applicable and specific in commodity standards endorsed by Grain Trade Australia (GTA)

Commodity charts/guides may include:

reference materials within each commodity standards booklet endorsed by Grain Trade Australia (GTA)

visual recognition tools endorsed by Grain Trade Australia (GTA)

Defects and contaminants may include:

defects are conditions which adversely affect the grain or related commodity seed/kernel

contaminants are material found within the sample that may or may not be cleaned from the commodity under test which may downgrade the sample

Grade may include:

variations in grades of commodities based on specific quality parameters, i.e. variety, protein, test weight, screenings, defects and contaminants, other

Storage strategies may include:

seasonal

commingling

Results of testing/records may include:

vendor declarations

transaction number/identifier

commodity receipt/load number

vehicle registration/container number

information to or from supplier

decline/rejected delivery advice

commodity/grade

quality results


Sectors

Broad acre cropping


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.