AHCBAC406
Maintain grain quality in storage


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain grain quality in storage and includes assessing and maintaining hygiene in grain storage areas, as well as monitoring the grain for deterioration or pests and contaminants.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and biosecurity legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.

This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.

Participants must check state and federal training requirements before using fumigants in grain storages.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Maintain hygiene in storage areas

1.1 Test storage conditions and facilities to maintain the standard of hygiene in stored grain

1.2 Identify, report and carry out repairs and maintenance

1.3 Apply treatments to storage facilities to maintain hygiene standards and in line with the grain storage program

1.4 Implement enterprise biosecurity policies

1.5 Record application of all treatments appropriately

2. Monitor grain from arrival to dispatch

2.1 Take samples and refer for testing before storing grain

2.2 Take regular samples to ensure purity standards of the grain

2.3 Check the grain quality at dispatch against the records taken at the point of storage

2.4 Take, prepare and forward test samples for analysis according to prescribed guidelines

2.5 Maintain and store records of grain movements in and out of storage as prescribed in the grain storage program

2.6 Research and recommend new technology, systems or practices that will improve or maintain grain quality in storage

2.7 Implement work health and safety policies for activities around the grain storage facilities

3. Monitor and maintain grain condition in storage

3.1 Conduct regular checks of grain in storage to maintain continued freedom from contaminants and deterioration

3.2 Conduct appropriate periodical checks of grain in long-term storage for quality factors and viability

3.3 Take, prepare and send samples of grain for testing in a laboratory setting appropriate to industry quality assurance and laboratory requirements

3.4 Create, maintain and keep records of grain tests and inspections appropriate to the grain storage program.

3.5 Use the schedule and methods outlined in the grain storage program to monitor condition of storage facilities

3.6 Take appropriate corrective action to maintain grain quality

3.7 Ensure that all activities around the grain storage facilities are undertaken appropriate to the grain storage program

4. Control weeds and pests in storage area

4.1 Monitor grain according to the monitoring points, targets and methods outlined in the grain storage program

4.2 Take samples the grain to test for pest infestation

4.3 Prepare and forward sample for analysis appropriately

4.4 Control pests in storage to the grain storage program

4.5 Fumigate enclosed grain storage area clean the surrounding environment appropriately to the integrated pest management strategy in the grain storage program

4.6 Identify and control sources of any infestations appropriately to the integrated pest management strategy in the grain storage program

4.7 Ensure all pest control activities are undertaken appropriately to the grain storage program

4.8 Create, maintain and store records of treatments to the grain and storage facilities appropriately to the grain storage program

4.9 Create, maintain and store records of all chemical use in the storage facility, and the applicable withholding periods appropriately to the grain storage program

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

setup and operate fumigation and pesticide application equipment

sample loads and grain in storage, and conduct a simple analysis

create, maintain, use and keep clear and trackable records

use a range of communication equipment, including in emergency situations

inspect and test silos

identify insects, pests and other factors that affect grain quality

set up and operate inert atmosphere equipment

handle and mix chemicals for baiting, fumigation, spraying, and other forms of application

interpret monitored information on pests

plan and schedule weed, pest and disease control including amending plans during the operations

calculate mass and volumes of grain and grain storages

implement pre-determined integrated pest management strategies

monitor and maintain hygiene

monitor and control pests and contaminants

investigate and recommend options for technology, systems or practices that will improve grain quality

implement work health and safety policies in the context of the work team

implement enterprise biosecurity policies in the context of the work team.


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

types, levels and control methods for a range of pests and contaminants

silo and temporary storage configuration and operation

chemical handing and dangerous goods requirements

range of applicable pesticides, their uses, application methods and handling requirements

grain commodity types, varieties and grades, marketing requirements and options for grain growers

handling requirements for gas cylinders

insect life cycles and optimum conditions for development

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and the procedures used within the organisation

legislative requirements, codes of practice and enterprise procedures relating to the purchase, transport, storage, use and disposal of pesticides and fumigants, work health and safety and environment

client's sampling and classification requirements

common grain pests and their general control methods

equipment used in grain storage facilities

site hazards and sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris from grain storage operations

chemical handing and dangerous goods requirements

developments and options available for maintaining or improving the quality of grain during storage

enterprise biosecurity policies.


Assessment Conditions

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Broad acre cropping (BAC)