AHCCOM303
Operate a compost bagging process


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to set up, operate, adjust and shut down a compost bagging process.

It 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. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

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.


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. Organise for bagging operations

1.1 Identify product bagging requirements from job sheet

1.2 Confirm product is available to meet job requirements

1.3 Identify and organise equipment, materials and personnel requirements for bagging operations

1.4 Select, use, maintain and store personal protective clothing (PPE) and equipment

2. Prepare bagging plant for use

2.1 Fit and adjust machine components and related attachments

2.2 Fit and adjust materials for bag

2.3 Check safety devices and alarm systems for correct operation

2.4 Carry out routine pre-operational checks

2.5 Check, clean and calibrate operational systems and enter batch number and operating parameters

2.6 Identify, report and safety tag faulty plant or machinery

2.7 Obtain and position product to be bagged

3. Start and operate bagging plant

3.1 Load product into the bagging plant hopper in required quantities

3.2 Start bagging plant using correct sequence

3.3 Operate bagging plant and monitor for performance and efficiency

3.4 Monitor materials and identify and handle non-conformances

3.5 Monitor outputs and adjust plant to meet job specifications

3.6 Report out-of-specification product or process outcomes and take action as directed

3.7 Label, palletise or stack and wrap product

4. Shut down bagging plant

4.1 Undertake bagging plant and machinery shut-down procedures

4.2 Carry out routine maintenance of bagging plant and machinery

4.3 Clean bagging plant and equipment

4.4 Report and tag or lock out unsafe plant or equipment

4.5 Maintain bagging plant operational records

5. Check product to confirm readiness for distribution

5.1 Transport product to holding area with labels and bar codes clearly visible

5.2 Inform supervisor of product readiness for dispatch

5.3 Check product temperature during storage and report out-of-range readings

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:

carry out routine maintenance on plant and equipment

organise bagging operations

prepare, start, operate and shut down a bagging plant

monitor compost inputs

monitor compost production against compost specifications

monitor the temperature of bagged compost

select and use various features and controls of a range of bagging plant

ensure product readiness for distribution


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for operating a bagging process

characteristics of product that is fit for bagging

effect of variation in inputs which may include ingredient quality and condition, packaging components and consumables, and/or services on process performance

emergency and routine shutdowns and procedures to follow in the event of a power outage

environmental legislative and enterprise requirements

equipment cleaning requirements

flow of this process and effect on downstream processes

hazards and controls

inspection or test points in the process and related procedures and recording requirements

lock-out and tag-out procedures and responsibilities

methods used to monitor the process

operating principles of the equipment which may include:

operational understanding of main equipment components, status and purpose of guards, equipment operating capacities and applications

packaging quality and seal integrity

principles of the bagging process

product and batch changeover procedures

product quality and hygiene

purpose and location of sensors and related feedback instrumentation

purpose of packaging, coding requirements and related legal requirements, including product weight


Assessment Conditions

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

Composting (COM)