Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What documentation and information would be obtained and analysed in preparation for planning grain storage?
The documents that outline the organisations production planning for the specified period, those that outline the policies and procedures in relation to chemical handling and OHS, as well as the way in which potential environmental impacts should be approached.

Where would testing for insects and pests occur?
Testing of samples would generally take place off-site by a specialist organisation, which would then prepare analysis results to be used as a basis for decision-making within the organisation.

By what criteria would grain storages be assessed?
Grain storages are generally assessed in relation to capacity, suitability for fumigation, state of repair and their current use.

On what site are the grain storage facilities likely to be?
They may be at one large site or a group of smaller sites, which may be operating a single shift or multiple shifts, especially during harvest.

What are the grain insects and other pests that are likely to be found in the storage area?
They are both vertebrate and invertebrate and might include mites, rodents and birds.

Where might OHS hazards exist?
Such hazards might exist where a person is working at height, in an enclosed space, on the grain mass, using fumigants, around grain dust, desiccants and pesticides residues, or working near belts, augers and pulleys.

What personal protective equipment might be required to be worn and used around the storage facilities?
Personal protective equipment that should be used around the storage facilities would include respirators, overalls, safety boots, head protection, gloves, goggles, dust mask and an apron.

What may be required to be reported on in terms of occupational health and safety?
The use and application of pesticides and fumigants, and any individual exposure records.

What records and documentation would be kept during the grain storage program?
Records relate to the grain itself (types, varieties, quality segregation), expenditure in relation to storage and handling, OHS considerations (those relating to chemical handling and application), and operational functions (dates, times, quantities, personnel). The format of any reporting might be electronic or paper based.

What problems might be identified during the grain storage program?
Such operational problems as grain admixtures, blockages or equipment malfunctions (e.g. electrical faults and dust ignition, computing hardware and software faults), they may be issues to do with weather conditions, wide variations in volume and quality of incoming grain, co-ordinating transport, pest infestations (both invertebrate and vertebrate), or security and theft.

In determining solutions to the problems, what should be considered?
Organisational policies or production planning will give direction to the solutions recommended, and aspects to consider would include safety of personnel and public, loss and damage control, risk management, maintenance of quality, cost control, cost estimates and savings reporting requirements, OHS integrated pest management programs, and market standards and requirements.

What documentation and information would be obtained and analysed in preparation for planning grain storage?
The documents that outline the organisations production planning for the specified period, those that outline the policies and procedures in relation to chemical handling and OHS, as well as the way in which potential environmental impacts should be approached.

Where would testing for insects and pests occur?
Testing of samples would generally take place off-site by a specialist organisation, which would then prepare analysis results to be used as a basis for decision-making within the organisation.

By what criteria would grain storages be assessed?
Grain storages are generally assessed in relation to capacity, suitability for fumigation, state of repair and their current use.

On what site are the grain storage facilities likely to be?
They may be at one large site or a group of smaller sites, which may be operating a single shift or multiple shifts, especially during harvest.

What are the grain insects and other pests that are likely to be found in the storage area?
They are both vertebrate and invertebrate and might include mites, rodents and birds.

Where might OHS hazards exist?
Such hazards might exist where a person is working at height, in an enclosed space, on the grain mass, using fumigants, around grain dust, desiccants and pesticides residues, or working near belts, augers and pulleys.

What personal protective equipment might be required to be worn and used around the storage facilities?
Personal protective equipment that should be used around the storage facilities would include respirators, overalls, safety boots, head protection, gloves, goggles, dust mask and an apron.

What may be required to be reported on in terms of occupational health and safety?
The use and application of pesticides and fumigants, and any individual exposure records.

What records and documentation would be kept during the grain storage program?
Records relate to the grain itself (types, varieties, quality segregation), expenditure in relation to storage and handling, OHS considerations (those relating to chemical handling and application), and operational functions (dates, times, quantities, personnel). The format of any reporting might be electronic or paper based.

What problems might be identified during the grain storage program?
Such operational problems as grain admixtures, blockages or equipment malfunctions (e.g. electrical faults and dust ignition, computing hardware and software faults), they may be issues to do with weather conditions, wide variations in volume and quality of incoming grain, co-ordinating transport, pest infestations (both invertebrate and vertebrate), or security and theft.

In determining solutions to the problems, what should be considered?
Organisational policies or production planning will give direction to the solutions recommended, and aspects to consider would include safety of personnel and public, loss and damage control, risk management, maintenance of quality, cost control, cost estimates and savings reporting requirements, OHS integrated pest management programs, and market standards and requirements.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in planning and managing a stored grain program requires evidence that the plan takes all potential OHS impacts into consideration while determining how, where and when grain should be stored, and appropriately calculating the resource requirements for the operation.
The skills and knowledge required to plan and manage a stored grain program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across the range of grains that might be stored and in both on- and off-site storage facilities.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

silo layout and operations, configuration, and maintenance procedures
safe working practices, especially in confined spaces and at heights
organisational priorities and policies in relation to production planning, OHS and chemical use
organisational priorities and policies in relation to quality, personnel and operations
pest control principles
reporting and recording requirements within the organisation and as required by external authorities
general grains market and commodity prices
specific electronic systems used within the organisation
integrated pest and weed management techniques
relevant legislation and regulations relating to OHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, site management, and vehicle and plant use
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris from grain storage operations.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

estimate costs of problems and cost savings in improvements
plan, schedule, monitor and amend plans for operations
administer and co-ordinate operations on a site
prepare written plans and procedures for implementation by others
explain, and deliver instructions about the plans and scheduling of the grain storage operations to both staff and contractors
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

silo layout and operations, configuration, and maintenance procedures
safe working practices, especially in confined spaces and at heights
organisational priorities and policies in relation to production planning, OHS and chemical use
organisational priorities and policies in relation to quality, personnel and operations
pest control principles
reporting and recording requirements within the organisation and as required by external authorities
general grains market and commodity prices
specific electronic systems used within the organisation
integrated pest and weed management techniques
relevant legislation and regulations relating to OHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, site management, and vehicle and plant use
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris from grain storage operations.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

estimate costs of problems and cost savings in improvements
plan, schedule, monitor and amend plans for operations
administer and co-ordinate operations on a site
prepare written plans and procedures for implementation by others
explain, and deliver instructions about the plans and scheduling of the grain storage operations to both staff and contractors
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By clearly explaining to staff, and/or contractors, the purpose, requirements and processes to be used during the operation. (3)

Communicating ideas and information
By clearly explaining to staff, and/or contractors, the purpose, requirements and processes to be used during the operation. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In gathering and analysing the organisation's production, marketing and business plans as input to the implementation plan. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In gathering and analysing the organisation's production, marketing and business plans as input to the implementation plan. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By scheduling for the people, materials and equipment to be in the right place at the right time. (3)

Planning and organising activities
By scheduling for the people, materials and equipment to be in the right place at the right time. (3)

Working with others and in teams
In managing and monitoring the operation. (3)

Working with others and in teams
In managing and monitoring the operation. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating the resource requirements for the grain storage operations from the plan. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating the resource requirements for the grain storage operations from the plan. (3)

Solving problems
In recognising where and when amendment is required to the plans. (2)

Solving problems
In recognising where and when amendment is required to the plans. (2)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during, the control operations - communication technology, calculating equipment, measuring equipment, and word processing/spreadsheeting software. (2)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during, the control operations - communication technology, calculating equipment, measuring equipment, and word processing/spreadsheeting software. (2)