Assessor Resource

AHCMKH305A
Mechanically test milking machines

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to working independently as part of preparing for milking. The information from testing is supplied to the supervisor or employer

This unit covers the process of the static testing of milking equipment and the compilation of results according to industry standard reporting procedures and defines the work practices required to: disassemble and reassemble milking machines and equipment; operate milking machine testing equipment; calculate effective reserve and vacuum pump capacity for the plant; measure air consumption and component leakage, and adjust vacuum to optimise performance; record measurements of milking machine performance; identify and make appropriate recommendations to the dairy manager.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

disassemble and reassemble milking machines and equipment

operate milking machine testing equipment

calculate effective reserve and vacuum pump capacity for the plant

measure air consumption and component leakage, and adjust vacuum to optimise performance

record measurements of milking machine performance

identify and make appropriate recommendations to the dairy manager.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

complete the necessary calculations and identify leakage and defects isolated from a machine test

competently disassemble and reassemble milking machines and equipment

competently operate milking machine testing equipment

effectively communicate with the farmer or shed manager and relevant industry professionals

access and interpret relevant industry standards

identify and make appropriate recommendations on aspects of milking equipment and shed safety identified during equipment testing procedures

demonstrate the use of tools and testing equipment, and in the disassembly and reassembly milking equipment

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

the International Standards ISO 6690 - 1983 ( Mechanical Tests) and ISO5707 ( Construction and Performance) together with the Industry Standard Minimum recommendations established by the Australian Milking Machine Trade Association are the basis of testing procedures - knowledge needs to include an awareness of these documents and an ability to use and interpret their contents in a working environment

OHS hazards associated with milking machines and principles of risk control including machine guarding, protection from hot water or steam scalds, noise control, electrical safety in the dairy, and the responsibilities of people in the workplace

vacuum requirements, pulsation and the interaction between these characteristics in a milking machine

the components that make up milking equipment

how milking machines work

pulsation systems, e.g. difference between 2x2 or 4x1 systems

the effects of high or low milking machine vacuum on animal health

the establishment and recording of machine specifications includes a working knowledge of how to obtain and interpret manufacturer's specifications

environmental legislative and enterprise requirements.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Sheds may include:

herringbone sheds

rotary sheds

conventional sheds.

Data collected for overall machine specifications may include:

details of vacuum pumps

milkline size

milkline fall

airline sizes

regulator detail

pulley and belt sizes

electric motor size

claw specifications

liner and cup specifications

shaft speeds.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Herd details and health status are established in consultation with dairy farmer. 
Overall machine specifications are recorded to establish expected performance. 
Component condition is assessed and recorded. 
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and risks assessed in line with workplace OHS and industry standards, and reported to supervisor. 
Effective reserve is calculated based on individual shed specification. 
Vacuum pump capacity is calculated from effective reserve. 
Manufacturer's recommended component specification and matching is recorded. 
Working vacuum levels are measured in line with required performance. 
Vacuum is adjusted as required to optimise plant performance. 
Air consumption and component leakage is established and reported. 
Pulsators are tested in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 
Working air consumption is established and matched to manufacturer's recommendations in line with industry standards. 
Test results are interpreted in line with desired performance and herd details. 
Verbal recommendations backed with a written report are provided to the farmer or shed manager on safety considerations for the specific installation tested. 
Written recommendations on plant performance are provided to the farmer. 
Report on component condition is completed in line with manufacturer's requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCMKH305A - Mechanically test milking machines
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCMKH305A - Mechanically test milking machines

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: