Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Raw materials or compostable organic materials may include:
animal mortalities
biosolids such as sewage sludge
crop residuals
dairy waste
fats and oils
food organics such as:
food waste
kitchen waste
food processing waste
forestry residuals
manures
organic sludges
other organic waste or by-product of processing
paper mill wastes
paper-based materials
plant materials such as:
garden organics
green organics
green waste
yard waste
sawdust and wood shavings
sewage facility grit and screenings
wood and timber (non-treated).
Raw materials can be characterised by their:
physical, chemical or biological properties
point of origin and any associated issues arising such as variability in material qualities.
Compost recipe:
is a mixture of materials that results in characteristics suitable for rapid and reliable biological transformation while minimising potential for negative environmental emissions
compost recipe calculations may involve:
simple calculations that can be carried out by hand or using a computerised spreadsheet
determination of carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio with suitable moisture content, structure and porosity for efficient and trouble-free composting for a given site and processing method
key variables in compost recipe that need to be balanced such as:
C:N ratio
moisture content
other nutrients
acidity or alkalinity (pH)
structure and porosity.
Pre-processing of raw materials commonly involves:
immediate incorporation with absorbent raw materials
materials size reduction
moisture adjustment through such things as addition of water
particle size screening
physical contaminant removal.
Compost production plan may include:
additional water required
compost recipe
final product or market specifications to be met
handling and pre-processing requirements for raw materials
maximum size of compost pile for effective management with available machinery
monitoring schedule
processing duration
value adding required.
Environmental aspects and impacts of production may include:
attraction of pests
emissions from vehicle and machinery operations
erosion
fire
leaks
litter
noise
odours
organic dusts
spills
water pollution from run-off or leachate.
OHS hazards may include:
biological hazards associated with raw materials or product
ergonomic hazards associated with manual handling
physical hazards such as:
compressed air and water
dust
hammer mills and grinders
hot or cold weather conditions
noise
shredders
underfoot conditions
vehicles and mobile machinery
sharps or other physical contaminants in materials.
Remedial action may include:
action taken in response to problems identified by self or others or at direction of manager such as:
actions carried out to maintain effective and consistent compost production
adjustments to compost batch management
adjustments to processing technique.

Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function such as after:
RTE3512A Prepare raw materials and compost the feedstocks
RTE3513A Prepare value-added compost-based products
RTE3713A Carry out workplace OHS procedures
RTE3714A Maintain and monitor environmental work practices.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.
Assessment must confirm one's ability to:
calculate a compost recipe that is consistent with the technology and method available from combinations of raw materials
produce a compost recipe that will achieve defined product specifications
document compost production plan consistent with plant capabilities and site constraints.
Context and specific resources for assessment
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and must be assessed in a commercial-scale composting facility or in a situation that reproduces and/or simulates operational conditions.
For valid assessment, one should have opportunities to participate in exercises, case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge specified in this unit.
The candidate should also have access to the following resources:
a range of load-shifting equipment
hand tools and equipment such as temperature probe, oxygen probe, mulch fork, gloves and shovel
personal protective equipment
raw materials for assessment, recognition and preparation
drying oven for testing
electronic balance or scales
batch recording forms and compost recipe forms
water and irrigation system
compost recipe calculators, either manual or electronic
Wilkinson, K et al 2001, Guide to Best Practice - Composting Green Organics, second edition, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Victoria.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency must allow for application in a broad industry context, and should be transferable to a range of work environments, including the ability to deal with unplanned events. For example, this could include work within composting operations of varying scale; processing a range of different raw materials; producing a range of different composts and value-added products to meet the demands of different markets; located in an urban or rural context with varying environmental constraints; and using various equipment, practices, technologies and management systems.