This unit applies to the processes involved with watering mushroom crops in and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to use watering equipment.

1.1. Watering equipment components are assembled and checked for serviceability, and pre-operational checks are conducted according to farm procedures.

1.2. Watering equipment is connected to water supply.

1.3. Chemicals are added to water according to supervisor instructions and farm procedures.

1.4. Water meter for the area to be watered is read and result is recorded according to farm procedures.

1.5. Rooms that require watering are identified from supervisor instructions.

1.6. Required watering pattern is identified according to supervisor instructions and farm procedures.

1.7. PPE and clothing are selected and used.

1.8. OHS hazards associated with watering mushroom crops are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise the risks to self and others.

2. Operate watering equipment.

2.1. Site quarantine protocols and farm and personal hygiene requirements are applied and followed as required by farm procedures and supervisor instructions.

2.2. Water pressure delivered through the equipment is checked and adjusted to farm standard or manufacturer instructions to ensure correct spray or droplet pattern is achieved throughout the watering operation.

2.3. Water is provided in the correct quantity and pressure and is evenly distributed with minimum waste and minimum adverse environmental impact.

2.4. Faults or variations from required settings or farm quality standards observed at any stage in the process are reported to supervisor and remedial action is carried out as directed.

3. Finalise watering operations

3.1. Water meter for the area that has been watered is read and actual amount of water used is recorded according to farm procedures.

3.2. Watering equipment is disconnected from water supply and returned to storage area.

3.3. Watering equipment is checked for serviceability for future use and any requirement for maintenance or replacement of equipment or components is reported to supervisor according to farm procedures.

3.4. Work outcomes are reported to supervisor, feedback on performance is sought and any required improvements are noted for future action.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safe work procedures

estimating flow rate of water as delivered by the range of watering equipment in use on mushroom farm

following farm site quarantine procedures where in place and as required

giving and receiving information both in writing and orally

measuring correct doses of additives for water

organising and manoeuvring watering tree and hose

recording water use accurately, legibly and in accordance with farm procedures

using PPE correctly and following farm OHS procedures

walking at a steady and predictable pace to ensure water is delivered to the mushroom crop at required rate

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

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

Required knowledge

basic understanding of effects of water on casing structure, mycelium, yields and quality

effect on mushrooms of underwatering, overwatering, insufficient evaporation, late watering and moisture imbalance

factors affecting effective operation of watering tree or other equipment used

how panning occurs

'light', 'medium' and 'heavy' water and when each type is used

safe and effective use of fungicides and other water additives.

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:

estimate flow rate of water as delivered by the range of watering equipment in use on a mushroom farm

follow farm site quarantine procedures

measure correct doses of additives for water

deliver water to the mushroom crop at required rate and pressure

record water use accurately, legibly and in accordance with farm procedures

use PPE correctly and follow farm OHS procedures.

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.

Watering processes and equipment may include:

all types of watering processes and equipment used in commercial mushroom production.

Unit sector

Production horticulture

This unit contains employability skills.