This unit is carried out for the purpose of accurately identifying products and providing accurate information to customers about products and services. The unit includes providing information on environmentally responsible application and use of products. The standard applies to contractors and employees working in a number of roles within the fertiliser and soil ameliorant industry, including those involved in fertiliser and soil ameliorant spreading or application, warehousing, wholesale and retail sales and transport, and the storage of fertiliser and soil ameliorants. The functions may also be performed by people engaged in other agriculture, horticulture and land management activities.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify fertiliser and soil ameliorant products and associated Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), food safety and environmental issues

1.1. Information about fertiliser and soil ameliorant product is provided to customers.

1.2. OHS, food safety and environmental issues relating to particular products are explained to customers, with particular reference to their safe storage, handling and application according to industry code of practice.

1.3. Bulk fertiliser and soil ameliorant product is identified using a combination of visual and physical examination of product characteristics.

1.4. Correct terminology is used when distinguishing between different products and services.

2. Work with fertiliser and soil ameliorant products

2.1. Storage and handling requirements of products are identified and applied consistently and according to industry codes of practice, enterprise quality assurance requirements, OHS procedures, environmental best practice and other relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

2.2. OHS hazards associated with particular products are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.

2.3. Environmental risks associated with particular products are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise any likely risks to self and others.

2.4. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and maintained in good condition.

2.5. Inventory and labelling systems are used to locate products within the workplace or store.

Required skills

observing product characteristics

working safely with products

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

characteristics and key label components (e.g. product analysis, impurities and warnings) of the range of fertiliser and soil ameliorants sold or handled in the workplace

key environmental, OHS and food safety risks associated with the use, spreading, storage, handling and transport of fertilisers and soil ameliorants.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

identify fertiliser and soil ameliorant products using information about their characteristics

provide information to customers about fertiliser and soil ameliorant products

refer customers to other appropriate sources of information about products.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Fertiliser and soil ameliorants may include:

chemical and organic fertilisers, composts, lime, gypsum and dolomite.

Unit sector

Work

This unit contains employability skills.