Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to obtaining a working sample from a seed sample submitted for testing. It applies to seed analysts working within enterprise requirements and procedures.
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. Receive submitted sample | 1.1 Receive submitted sample and verify with submitted documentation 1.2 Notify supervisor if type, condition or quantity of sample is unsatisfactory 1.3 Check paperwork and complete labelling and data entry 1.4 Prepare submitted sample for testing as soon as practicable 1.5 Handle submitted sample and, if necessary, store under optimum species specific conditions |
2. Reduce sample | 2.1 Check working area and equipment for cleanliness 2.2 Reduce submitted sample to equal or greater than the required working sample size 2.3 Undertake sample reduction 2.4 Use mechanical dividers 2.5 Present working sample for testing 2.6 Complete labelling and records |
3. Store working sample after testing | 3.1 Check and verify records and labels for tested samples before storing 3.2 Handle samples according to enterprise guidelines where live insects have been detected before storage 3.3 Store samples after testing in environmental conditions that minimise changes in seed quality traits |
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:
obtain a working sample from a seed sample submitted for testing
receive submitted samples
reduce samples
store submitted and working samples after testing
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)
mechanical dividers and their applications
procedures for obtaining working samples for different tests
relevant work health, safety and environment requirements
sample reduction methods and apparatus
seed handling and storage
the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing
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
Seed testing (SDT)