AHCCOM301A
Operate compost processing plant, machinery and equipment

This unit covers the process of operating compost processing plant, machinery and equipment to prepare raw materials in order to produce compost products and defines the standard required to: select and use various features and controls of a range of plant, machinery and equipment; implement work and equipment maintenance plans; determine appropriate operating methods; monitor input materials and report non-conformances; monitor outputs and report out-of-specification product; perform shutdown procedures; maintain records.

Application

This unit requires some discretion, judgement and limited supervision. This work is likely to be performed as a part of a team.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Organise plant, machinery and equipment operations

1.1. Job sheet or work order is reviewed to clearly identify operating requirements.

1.2. Equipment, materials and personnel requirements for safe, effective and efficient operation are identified and organised.

1.3. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing are selected, used, maintained and stored according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

2. Prepare plant, machinery and equipment for use

2.1. Service log is checked to ensure service requirements have been

2.2. Communication equipment, safety devices, lighting and alarm systems are checked for correct operation according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise and statutory requirements.

2.3. Routine pre-operational checks are carried out to enterprise requirements and manufacturer specifications.

2.4. Operational systems are checked and calibrated for correct operation according to enterprise requirements and manufacturer specifications.

2.5. Faulty plant, machinery or equipment is identified, safety tagged and reported promptly according to enterprise requirements.

2.6. OHS hazards associated with plant, machinery and equipment operation are identified, and risk is assessed and handled according to enterprise requirements.

2.7. Environmental implications associated with operations are identified, assessed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3. Start and operate plant, machinery and equipment

3.1. Operational area is checked and personnel in that area are informed of initiation of operation.

3.2. Plant, machinery and equipment are started up using correct sequence and according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.3. Plant, machinery and equipment are operated in a safe and controlled manner according to manufacturer specifications and monitored for performance and efficiency.

3.4. Input materials are monitored and non-conformances clearly identified and handled according to enterprise requirements.

3.5. Processing outputs are monitored and adjustments to plant operation are made to meet job specifications.

3.6. Out-of-specification product or process outcomes are identified, rectified and reported to maintain the process within specification.

4. Shut down plant, machinery and equipment

4.1. Plant, machinery and equipment shut-down procedures are carried out to manufacturer specifications and enterprise requirements.

4.2. Routine maintenance of plant, machinery and equipment is carried out to remove debris and contaminants and to ensure safe and efficient operation.

4.3. Plant, machinery and equipment are cleaned, secured and stored according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise requirements.

4.4. Unsafe plant, machinery or equipment is tagged or locked.

5. Maintain records

5.1. Plant, machinery and equipment operational records are maintained accurately and promptly according to enterprise requirements.

5.2. Required maintenance, damage, malfunctions or irregular performance, and unsafe plant, machinery or equipment are recorded and/or reported according to enterprise requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

basic computer and software skills

demonstrating safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

identifying and handling raw materials and contaminants

operating plant, machinery and equipment according to manufacturer specifications and OHS standards

using emergency and personal protective equipment

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

enterprise guidelines associated with operation of plant, machinery and equipment

environmental licenses, impacts and procedures identification of contaminants

lock-out and tag-out procedures for plant, machinery and equipment

manufacturer specifications for servicing of plant, machinery and equipment

operating principles and operating methods for plant, machinery and equipment

potential risks and hazards associated with operation of plant, machinery and equipment

principles of weight distribution with regard to load-shifting and machinery movement

procedures for cleaning, securing and storing machinery, equipment and materials

product types and characteristics

raw material types and characteristics

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to operator licensing, roads and traffic requirements

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS and the use and control of hazardous substances, such as fuel and recipe inputs

OHS legislation, codes of practice and specific hazards such as hazardous substances and exposure to organic micro particles.

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:

select and use various features and controls of a range of plant, machinery and equipment

implement work and equipment maintenance plans

determine appropriate operating methods

monitor input materials and report non-conformances

monitor outputs and report out-of-specification product

perform shutdown procedures and maintain records.

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.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Types of machinery and equipment may include:

machinery and equipment used to prepare raw materials in order to produce compost products.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Composting


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not Applicable