Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to handle grain in a storage area, including taking samples, segregating and moving grain in a manner that minimises dust and exposure to pests.
This unit applies to individuals who work in a grain processing environment for human or stock consumption. It typically targets the production worker responsible for applying basic operating principles to the storage of grain in permanent or temporary storage facilities.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with State/Territory work health and safety legislation that apply to the workplace.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Sample grain for testing | 1.1 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment according to work health and safety and food safety requirements 1.2 Take representative samples of grain for testing according to workplace procedures and food safety requirements 1.3 Prepare samples for despatch, including labelling and packaging according to food safety and workplace requirements |
2. Move grain into and out of storage | 2.1 Identify grain for handling and storage according to food safety and workplace requirements 2.2 Select appropriate silo types and handling equipment for various grains in relation to their storage characteristics and flow properties 2.3 Conduct pre-start checks on machinery and equipment used for grain storage and transfers 2.4 Start, operate, monitor and adjust process equipment 2.5 Segregate grain according to type, variety and quality characteristics and keep appropriate records 2.6 Take steps to minimise pest infestation according to work health and safety and food safety requirements 2.7 Move grain safely into and out of storage according to work health and safety and food safety requirements 2.8 Check grain regularly during movement for contamination according to work health and safety and food safety requirements 2.9 Clean storage and handling equipment thoroughly after emptying according to food safety requirements 2.10 Dismantle temporary storages according to work health and safety and food safety requirements 2.11 Implement suitable measures to minimise the effect of desiccant dusts on the flow properties of grain |
3. Shut down the grain cleaning process | 3.1 Identify the appropriate shutdown procedure 3.2 Shut down the process safely according to operating procedures 3.3 Identify and report maintenance requirements according to workplace procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret directions for the safe operation of equipment |
Writing | Record out-of-specification results on paper-based and electronic media |
Numeracy | Store grain to achieve volume and space requirements Determine equipment capacity and operating parameters |
Navigate the world of work | Apply workplace procedures to own role and responsibilities Understand tasks and responsibilities required for performing own role in the workplace Ask questions to clarify understanding or seek further information |
Interact with others | Use oral communication skills as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor Communicate and report operational and safety information to relevant personnel |
Get the work done | Maintain a clean and hazard-free work area Maintain hygiene standards and wear required personal protective equipment Identify faults and related causes, including signs and symptoms of faulty equipment and early warning signs of potential problems Maintain quality requirements for the sanitisation and use of equipment |
Sectors
Grain processing (GRA)