AHCSPO305
Operate seed treatment machinery


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply a range of treatments or modifications to seed using seed treatment machinery and equipment such as coating machinery and chemical treatment machinery. Workers operate with some judgement. Work would normally be carried out under minimal supervision within enterprise requirements and procedures.

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.

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. Select and prepare seed treatment machinery and equipment for use

1.1 Select and prepare machinery and equipment to job requirements and confirm against work plan

1.2 Complete routine pre-operational checks of the machine to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements

1.3 Recognise work health and safety hazards in the workplace and assess and minimise risks

2. Operate seed treatment machinery and equipment

2.1 Operate machinery and equipment in a safe and controlled manner and monitor for performance and efficiency

2.2 Anticipate risks to self, others and the environment and implement minimisation strategies accordingly

2.3 Select, use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)

2.4 Report environmental implications associated with machinery operation

3. Complete and report on seed treatment machinery and equipment operation

3.1 Complete shut-down procedures to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements

3.2 Complete and maintain seed treatment machinery and equipment operational records

3.3 Report malfunctions, faults and observation of irregular performance of seed treatment machinery and equipment

3.4 Clean, secure and store seed treatment machinery and equipment

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:

set up and prepare seed treatment machinery for use

calculate, calibrate and measure dose rates

formulate a chemical mix to achieve the best treatment

operate seed treatment machinery and equipment

complete and report on seed treatment machinery and equipment operation


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for operating seed treatment machinery

basics of programmable logic controller/treatment control systems and electrical process

chemical types and classes

difference between coating and pelleting [<5% weight gain film coating (insecticide/fungicide) or >5% weight gain is pelleting]

disposal of waste chemical

hazards of chemicals

labelling requirements associated with coated seed

methods of applying chemical and basic recipe formula

methods of applying powders

personal protective equipment (PPE)

procedures for drying, scalping and aspiration of treated seed

rules and regulations for storage, transportation and bunding

the expectations and limitations of different types of seed coating machines

the interaction of biological components and their effect on other chemicals, powders, polymers and heat

the use and differences in biological components in seed coatings

types of seed treatment machinery and equipment


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 processing (SPO)