Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise the achievement of farm quality standards and processes associated with mushroom substrate preparation (Phase II), either in a general mushroom farming enterprise or in a specialist substrate preparation enterprise.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their 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.
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 requirements for mushroom substrate preparation | 1.1 Inform details of quantities of substrate and dates/times to be achieved for each stage of the process with personnel 1.2 Determine availability, quality, serviceability and cleanliness of resources required for mushroom substrate preparation 1.3 Follow site quarantine protocols and farm and personal hygiene requirements |
2. Monitor mushroom substrate preparation process | 2.1 Monitor mushroom substrate preparation processes 2.2 Take samples of materials and/or outputs 2.3 Monitor and position probes to ensure that they provide representative readings 2.4 Record production information required for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) 2.5 Report faults or variations from required settings or farm quality standards 2.6 Monitor compost, rooms and work areas for the presence of pests and take remedial action |
3. Finalise mushroom substrate preparation process | 3.1 Monitor clean-up activities at end of each process stage 3.2 Clean and check equipment and hand tools 3.3 Carry out preventative maintenance according and report any faults 3.4 Complete records legibly and accurately |
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:
observe and report non-compliance with farm quality standards
organise the process of mushroom substrate preparation
coordinate work activities so that standards relating to productivity, workflow requirements, farm procedures and quality are met
record and report production information
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for supervising mushroom substrate preparation
casing function, application, required depth and required surface structure
impact on mushroom production cycle of deviations of mushroom substrate quality from farm standards for substrate
overview of mushroom production cycle
overview of Phase I and Phase II substrate production
relevant legislation and industry codes of practice
site quarantine protocols
standards and procedures for workplace health and safety, food safety, HACCP, quality systems, emergency procedures, organisational structure and workplace communication channels and protocols
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
Production horticulture (PHT)