Maintain grain quality in storage

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:07 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
AHCBAC406A

State Code
D6724

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
10/06/2011

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

13/02/2012

Field of Education

050101 - Agricultural Science

Original Release Date

13/02/2012

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit covers maintaining grain quality in storage and defines the standard required to: implement pre-determined integrated pest management strategies; monitor and maintain hygiene; monitor and control pests and contaminants; investigate and recommend options for technology, systems or practices that will improve grain quality.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Maintain hygiene in storage areas

1.1. Storage conditions and facilities are regularly tested to maintain the standard of hygiene in stored grain.
1.2. The need for repairs and maintenance is identified, and either carried out or a report of the need is made.
1.3. Treatments are applied to storage facilities to maintain hygiene standards and in line with the grain storage program.
1.4. The application of all treatments used is accurately recorded in line with the grain storage program.

2. Monitor grain from arrival to dispatch

2.1. Before the grain is stored, samples are taken for testing to ensure a complete record of the quality of the grain.
2.2. Samples of the grain are taken regularly for testing to ensure purity standards in the grain.
2.3. At dispatch, the grain is checked for quality and against the records taken at the point of storage.
2.4. Test samples are taken, prepared and forwarded for analysis according to prescribed guidelines.
2.5. Clear and accurate records of grain movements in and out of storage are created, maintained and kept as prescribed in the grain storage program.
2.6. Recommendations are made to adopt new technology, systems or practices that will improve or maintain grain quality in storage.
2.7. All activities around the grain storage facilities are undertaken according to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines detailed in the grain storage program.

3. Monitor and maintain grain condition in storage

3.1. Regular checks of grain in storage are conducted to maintain continued freedom from contaminants and deterioration.
3.2. Periodical checks of grain in long-term storage are conducted for quality factors and viability according to enterprise requirements.
3.3. Where necessary, samples of the grain are taken for testing in a laboratory setting.
3.4. Where test samples are required, they are taken, prepared, and forwarded for analysis according to industry quality assurance and laboratory requirements.
3.5. Clear and accurate records of grain tests and inspections are created, maintained and kept as described in the grain storage program.
3.6. The condition of storage facilities is monitored using the schedule and methods outlined in the grain storage program.
3.7. Where it is required, appropriate corrective action is taken to maintain grain quality.
3.8. All activities around the grain storage facilities are undertaken according to the OHS guidelines detailed in the grain storage program.

4. Control weeds and pests in storage are

4.1. Grain is monitored according to the monitoring points, targets and methods outlined in the grain storage program.
4.2. Samples of the grain are appropriately taken to test for pest infestation.
4.3. Where it is required, the sample is prepared and forwarded for analysis according to the prescribed guidelines.
4.4. Pests in storage are controlled according to the guidelines in the grain storage program.
4.5. Enclosed grain storage area is fumigated, and the surrounding environment is kept clean according to the integrated pest management strategy in the grain storage program.
4.6. The sources of any infestations are identified and steps are taken to control them in line with the integrated pest management strategy in the grain storage program.
4.7. All pest control activities are undertaken in line with the OHS guidelines detailed in the grain storage program.
4.8. Clear and accurate records of treatments to the grain and storage facilities are created, maintained and kept as described in the grain storage program.
4.9. Clear and accurate records of all chemical use in the storage facility, and the applicable withholding periods are created, maintained and kept as described in the grain storage program.

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Factors affecting grain quality in storage may include:
the presence of water or water damage
presence and activity of pests (including insects, moulds, birds and rodents)
dead vertebrate pests in storage
breakdown of storage security and integrity (e.g. holes, cracks, poor sealing, etc.)
grain moisture migration
excessive dust levels
high pesticide and fumigant residues
legal withholding periods.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
implement pre-determined integrated pest management strategies
monitor and maintain hygiene
monitor and control pests and contaminants
investigate and recommend options for technology, systems or practices that will improve grain quality.
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.

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
S3539	RTE4008A	Maintain grain quality in storage	Unit of competency

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BAP73	AHCBAC406	Maintain grain quality in storage	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D500	AHC40110	Certificate IV in Agriculture	Qualification