Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to ground spread fertiliser and soil ameliorants.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety requirements, manufacturer’s specifications and sustainability and biosecurity practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
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. Confirm customer requirements. | 1.1 Confirm with customer that fertiliser or soil ameliorant products to be spread are those that were ordered 1.2 Verify with customer that technical specification of product is acceptable for job 1.3 Confirm customer's written fertiliser order with customer and document to enable trace back to depot or factory if required 1.4 Document agreement for spreading services according to enterprise or industry codes of practice |
2. Identify features of the target area. | 2.1 Identify and agree with customer on the location and boundaries of area to be treated and record according to relevant industry codes of practice 2.2 Assess visually soil type and condition or seek advice from customer 2.3 Identify environmentally sensitive areas and plan operations to ensure minimum adverse impact and compliance with any required buffer zones 2.4 Inspect and identify in consultation with customer features that may present a hazard to the operation and take appropriate action as required 2.5 Identify in consultation with customer location of services and utilities and adjust proposed spreading operation is if required 2.6 Identify local weather and climate conditions and take into account when preparing to begin operations |
3. Perform pre-spreading checks. | 3.1 Determine rate of spreading and calculate buffer zone allowance 3.2 Ensure machinery and equipment are clean of soil and/or plant material before it is moved onto site 3.3 Prepare machinery and equipment according to enterprise procedures and manufacturer instructions to ensure they are serviceable and are set up and calibrated |
4. Spread fertiliser | 4.1 Select and fit Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be used by operator and all personnel involved in spreading tasks 4.2 Apply fertiliser or soil ameliorant in a manner that complies with guidelines on buffer zones and minimises run-off into waterways and drains 4.3 Monitor weather and other conditions to ensure that variations that may alter limits to operation are taken into account, and adjust operations as required 4.4 Follow any existing site quarantine or biosecurity protocols as required 4.5 Monitor all work to ensure that it is performed in an environmentally aware and safe manner and according to industry codes of practice |
5. Perform follow up and clean-up activities on completion of spreading operations | 5.1 Return machinery, equipment and hand tools to depot or storage area after cleaning, checking for future serviceability, and carrying out basic preventative maintenance according to enterprise procedures 5.2 Record faults for remedial action 5.3 Complete records according to enterprise procedures and industry codes of practice |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be observed operating fertiliser and soil ameliorant spreading equipment.
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:
communicate with clients to ensure a common understanding of task to be performed
assess environmental and physical hazards that may be encountered when ground spreading and take appropriate action to minimise these risks
identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
use maps and interpret written instructions regarding areas to be spread, and products and rates to be applied
maintain and operate equipment according to manufacturer recommendations and in line with equipment calibration and industry standards for uniformity of application
attach ancillary equipment and check for correct operation
apply fertiliser or soil ameliorants at rate agreed by customer to specified land area
monitor and record activities performed
implement shut down procedures, clean, secure, store machinery and record maintenance and operation details
apply safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
apply enterprise biosecurity procedures
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
equipment being used and understanding of appropriate service and safety checks
environmental risks and how to identify and manage them
operational limits of equipment being used with regard to uniformity of application and health and safety risks
spreading characteristics of different fertiliser and soil ameliorant products
environmental impacts of fertiliser spreading including hazards to waterways
work health and safety hazards including operating in rough or steep terrain
operating principles and operating methods for spreading equipment
procedures for cleaning, securing and storing spreading equipment
environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with the operation of spreading equipment
work health and safety and environmental legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice
relevant State or Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to licensing, roads and traffic requirements
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting. All evidence collected must meet minimum requirements including industry standard timeframes for performance of tasks.
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
Machinery operation and maintenance (MOM)