Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and mix raw materials of known characteristics in specified proportions for composting.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
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. Identify and characterise raw materials | 1.1 Identify raw materials against established enterprise criteria 1.2 Enter raw material characteristics into compost recipe calculator to achieve a balanced recipe 1.3 Take samples of material for analysis where raw material identity or characteristics are uncertain 1.4 Determine receivable and handling requirements of raw materials |
2. Establish production objectives | 2.1 Develop product specifications for identified markets using product performance data and enterprise records 2.2 Identify raw material combinations that meet market requirements |
3. Calculate compost recipe | 3.1 Record raw material characteristics in compost recipe 3.2 Specify raw material ratios by weight in resulting compost recipe 3.3 Determine raw material pre-processing requirements, volumes of compost upon formation and compost production plan 3.4 Review composting batch management procedures and document variations to management procedures as a new procedure 3.5 Estimate and document compost production schedule 3.6 Confirm compatibility of compost recipe and production schedule against documented customer requirements 3.7 Quantify density of pre-processed raw materials and translate weight-based recipe into volume-based recipe for production 3.8 Record volumetric compost recipe and production procedures as operational batch or bucket recipe and procedures |
4. Validate compost recipe | 4.1 Prepare and mix raw materials to form feedstock for composting 4.2 Manage composting batch according to enterprise procedure 4.3 Monitor composting process for efficiency in relation to estimated production schedule and enterprise requirements 4.4 Monitor environmental and health and safety aspects and impacts 4.5 Identify faults, variations or problems carry out remedial action 4.6 Sample and test material to determine completion of process 4.7 Evaluate end product quality against product specifications 4.8 Revise compost recipe, production schedule and procedures |
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:
calculate a compost recipe that is consistent with the technology and method available from combinations of raw materials
document compost production plan consistent with plant capabilities and site constraints
produce a compost recipe that will achieve defined product specifications
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of compost recipes
control of hazards in handling raw materials and composting materials
processing duration required for various raw materials
range of commercial compost-based products
raw materials and their characteristics
relationship between key compost recipe variables and compost production
systems, technologies and methods in compost production
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)