Assist with the preparation of growing media
Overview
This standard covers assisting with preparing growing media. The term ‘assist with' is
used to indicate that you will be working under supervision.
The standard is applicable to operations which are carried out manually or by machine.
You will be working in accordance with instructions and specifications.
If you are working with chemicals or machinery you need to be appropriately trained or
certificated in line with current legislation.
You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise any impact on the natural
environment.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 prepare, use and maintain tools, equipment and materials as instructed safely
and effectively
P2 ensure materials for incorporation into the growing media are made ready in
accordance with instructions
P3 incorporate materials into the growing medium in accordance with instructions
P4 prepare the growing medium to the correct consistency in accordance with
instructions
P5 maintain suitable levels of hygiene and biosecurity
P6 carry out work in a manner which prevents damage to the surrounding area
P7 deal with waste safely and correctly in accordance with instructions
P8 ensure working methods promote health and safety, and are consistent with
relevant legislation and codes of practice
P9 carry out all work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and
safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and company
policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 how to prepare, use and maintain tools, equipment and materials as instructed in
a safe and effective condition
K2 the different growing media required within the enterprise
K3 different materials used in the preparation of growing media
K4 relevant procedures for collecting and measuring out materials
K5 reasons for the preparation of growing media
K6 requirements of a growing medium for planting
K7 factors affecting the timing of operations
K8 different methods of incorporating ingredients into a growing medium
K9 the importance of maintaining hygiene and biosecurity during preparation of a
growing medium
K10 the potential impact of your work on the environment and how to minimise this
K11 your responsibilities under current environmental and health and safety
legislation, codes of practice and company policies
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Instructions: verbal or written.
Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, customer requirements.
Growing medium: soil, compost and synthetic media (e.g. rockwool).
In the case of soil preparation, this may include the spreading of measured quantities
of organic and inorganic fertilisers and soil conditioners.
In the case of compost preparation, this will involve the measuring out of ingredients.
Make ready: obtain materials correctly, measure out and position materials.