Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:16 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:16 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.
Perform mushroom substrate process tasks
Perform mushroom substrate process tasks
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPHT207A
AHCPHT207A
State Code
D7182
D7182
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/02/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
25/02/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the process of working in the mushroom industry and specifies the outcomes required to: perform tasks associated with filling, spawning and casing as part of mushroom substrate preparation. This unit applies to the second phase of production: maintain site quarantine protocols and personal hygiene; fill units with mushroom substrate; apply spawn into mushroom substrate; prepare and apply casing mixture; complete records.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for each process stage.
- 1.1. Task requirements are sought from and clarified with supervisor.
- 1.2. All tools, machinery and equipment required for process stage are checked and prepared according to farm procedures.
- 1.3. 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.
- 1.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing are selected and used according to farm Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures.
- 1.5. OHS requirements and hazards associated with tasks are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.
- 1.6. Site quarantine protocols and farm and personal hygiene requirements are applied and followed as required by farm procedures or supervisor instructions.
- 1.7. All work is performed in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to farm procedures.
2. Fill units with mushroom substrate.
- 2.1. Filling equipment is operated safely and at a speed that maintains continuous operation according to farm procedures, and supervisor and manufacturer instructions.
- 2.2. Units are filled with mushroom substrate according to farm procedures and to required farm standards.
3. Assist with spawning processes.
- 3.1. Spawn is visually inspected for abnormalities and any abnormalities found are reported to supervisor.
- 3.2. Spawn is applied and mixed into mushroom substrate according to farm procedures.
- 3.3. Spawn usage rate is checked and any observed variation from farm standard is reported to supervisor.
- 3.4. If applicable, supplement is applied and mixed as directed by manager.
- 3.5. Spawned mushroom substrate is installed in spawn run rooms according to farm procedures.
- 3.6. Samples of mushroom substrate are taken according to farm procedures.
- 3.7. Mushroom substrate is checked for presence of pests and where pests are found, supervisor is advised and remedial action is taken as directed.
4. Prepare and apply casing mixture.
- 4.1. Required quantities of pesticides, peat, limestone and additives for casing are assembled and checked according to farm procedures, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and OHS requirements.
- 4.2. Casing ingredients are blended according to farm procedures.
- 4.3. If applicable, supplement is applied and mixed as directed.
- 4.4. Casing depth, structure and consistency are checked and any variation from farm standards is reported to supervisor and remedial action is taken as directed.
- 4.5. Samples of prepared casing and mushroom substrate before casing has been added are taken according to farm procedures.
5. Finalise mushroom substrate processes
- 5.1. Equipment and tools are returned to storage area after cleaning, checking for future serviceability and carrying out basic preventative maintenance according to farm procedures, and supervisor and manufacturer instructions.
- 5.2. Faults are reported to supervisor or maintenance personnel for remedial action.
- 5.3. Clean-up activities are carried out at the end of each process stage according to farm procedures and supervisor instructions.
- 5.4. Records are completed legibly and accurately according to farm procedures.
- 5.5. Work outcomes are reported to supervisor, feedback on performance is sought and any required improvements are noted for future action.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Mushroom substrate may include:
the range of ingredients and processes required for Phase II compost preparation.
Growing systems may include:
in the earlier stages of this process:
trays
shelves
or tunnels
later stages may involve the use of:
trays
shelves
or bags.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Mushroom substrate may include:
the range of ingredients and processes required for Phase II compost preparation.
Growing systems may include:
in the earlier stages of this process:
trays
shelves
or tunnels
later stages may involve the use of:
trays
shelves
or bags.
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:
maintain site quarantine protocols and personal hygiene
fill units with mushroom substrate
apply spawn into mushroom substrate
prepare and apply casing mixture
complete records.
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 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:
maintain site quarantine protocols and personal hygiene
fill units with mushroom substrate
apply spawn into mushroom substrate
prepare and apply casing mixture
complete records.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP00 | AHCPHT207 | Perform mushroom substrate process tasks | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D453 | AHC20310 | Certificate II in Production Horticulture | Qualification |