Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and supervise dust control procedures in a grain milling enterprise. It includes procedures for the identification of risk factors, establishment of preventative and hygiene measures, use of explosion relief and fire suppression systems, and arranging training for employees.
The unit applies to individuals who manage and supervise in grain-related enterprises, including flour and stockfeed mills and grain storage facilities who have responsibility for the development and detailed implementation of dust control and dust explosion prevention strategies.
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. Monitor dust explosion risk factors | 1.1 Establish and monitor procedures for detecting potential explosive atmosphere 1.2 Set procedures for reporting visible dust leaks 1.3 Confirm and enforce no smoking policy 1.4 Establish and monitor reporting regime for potential ignition sources 1.5 Establish and supervise manual and automatic temperature, smoke and moisture monitoring for all grain, flour, feed and other by-product storage 1.6 Establish and confirm regulation of systems to minimise fungal and insect infestation caused by temperature increases |
2. Establish dust control procedures | 2.1 Install and monitor dust aspiration or suction ventilation systems according to systems’ specifications 2.2 Establish dust-checking procedures for all confined spaces 2.3 Establish monitoring procedures for dust collector performance and output 2.4 Establish procedures for resealing all dust leaks 2.5 Undertake random and periodical checks on performance of dust control procedures 2.6 Assess and approve any variation in cleaning and hygiene procedures 2.7 Minimise storage of combustible materials in mill 2.8 Establish minimum dust levels required for mandatory use of personal protective equipment 2.9 Establish procedures for monitoring and control of environmental dust release |
3. Integrate equipment use, monitoring and maintenance with dust control procedures | 3.1 Develop regular cleaning schedule for all surfaces in contact with graining or flour according to workplace requirements 3.2 Establish and confirm mill equipment condition monitoring schedule with maintenance department 3.3 Establish regular lubrication schedules for bearings, pulleys, shafts and other moving and friction surfaces 3.4 Promote use of anti-static materials where possible 3.5 Establish approval, tagging and monitoring procedures for use of all portable tools and equipment in mill |
4. Establish fire and dust explosion suppression systems | 4.1 Review adequacy of current dust control and dust explosion relief equipment and arrange for any required maintenance 4.2 Arrange for any required additional dust control/dust explosion relief equipment in existing protected areas 4.3 Investigate potential for use of fire and explosion suppression systems in areas not currently protected 4.4 Locate and establish inspection regime for all explosion relief panels 4.5 Set test and maintenance procedures for all existing fire and explosion suppression systems |
5. Supervise dust and fire control training | 5.1 Identify fire and dust wardens for mill areas 5.2 Establish emergency procedures according to site and workplace safety requirements 5.3 Identify dust and fire control content for use in induction training 5.4 Identify training needs of existing employees 5.5 Establish dust and fire control training arrangements |
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 automatic and manual monitoring techniques for dust control against enterprise needs Interpret manuals, diagrams, drawings and other technical information |
Writing | Schedule housekeeping, training, and maintenance procedures to achieve objectives while minimising impact on production Establish training records Compile reports to disseminate information about equipment and milling performance to a range of audiences |
Numeracy | Set an allocation for dust and fire control training in the training budget |
Navigate the world of work | Monitor adherence to legal and regulatory standards and responsibilities for self and others Consider own role in terms of contribution to broader goals of the work environment, and adapt and renegotiate role and responsibilities when this has the potential to increase effectiveness |
Interact with others | Appoint internal trainers and external training providers Use appropriate language and communication skills to facilitate discussions Clarify the purpose and possible actions to be taken as a result of work-related communications |
Get the work done | Analyse areas and equipment in grain enterprises for dust and fire risk Identify current innovative practice and organisational trends Use a computer, keyboard and software to collect and file research data Source, collect and organise a range of data about performance against targets |
Sectors
Grain processing (GRA)