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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Identify the sources and quality of water available to food processing plants
  2. Identify raw water pre treatment processes
  3. Apply efficient and sustainable water management principles to the food processing industry

Required Skills

Required skills include

Ability to

assess the suitability of water supplied from a range of sources and water recycled within the food processing plant

identify the water quality requirements for a range of food processing operations

map the steps involved in water purification at municipal water treatment plants

identify water disinfection methods suitable for a range of food processing operations

appraise suitable systems and equipment for water disinfection in the food processing industry

identify the sources and characteristics of waste water generated across food processing operations

identify methods for treating and recycling water and minimising potable water consumption

identify legal requirements for water discharge

Required knowledge includes

Knowledge of

water quality requirements including

chemical specifications eg pH Total Suspended Solids TSS Total Dissolved Solids TDS heavy metals

microbiological specifications eg BOD presence of Fecal coloform bacteria Cryptosporidium Giardiia

water purification processes in general

water disinfection methodologies and systems suitable for the food processing industry including chlorination ozonation and UV irradiation

waste water treatment relevant to a food processing plant including primary secondary and tertiary waste water treatment stages

waste stream characteristics and classification in relation to the food processing industry

methods of reducing reusing and recycling water in a food processing operation eg implementation and routine monitoring of waste reduction practices use of consumable returnable refillable or reusable packaging

State legislation and local bylaws governing prescribed wastes

legal requirements for water discharge

regulations relating to the processing and disposal of food waste

the major requirements contained in the environmental protection legislation including State environmental regulatory certification procedures permits and waste discharge agreements

Evidence Required

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to implement and review water and waste procedures for a food processing operation

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Critical aspects of assessment must include evidence of the ability to assess water quality for use in food processing monitor water usage for a food processing operation integrate water quality monitoring into process planning and implement and review water management procedures in food processing

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of food technology Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria including the critical aspects and knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide and within the scope as defined by the Range Statements applicable to the workplace environment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to

production process and related equipment manufacturers advice and operating procedures

methods and related software systems as required for collecting data and calculating yields efficiencies and material variances appropriate to production environment

tests used to report relevant productprocess information and recorded results

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

observation of candidate conducting a range of tests and procedures

written andor oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completing workplace documentation

third party reports from experienced practitioner

case studies

field Reports

Guidance information for assessment

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated environments


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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Legislation

Legislation refers to any relevant Commonwealth and State Acts of Parliament, Statutes and Regulations including legislation and regulations covering:

the use of water for commercial and industrial use

environmental protection

waste generation and disposal

food standards and food safety

occupational health and safety.

Policies and procedures

Codes of practice, e.g. Manual Handling and Small Wastewater Treatment Plants

Australian and international standards e.g. ISO14000.

Water sources

Water sources may include:

reticulated supply from water authorities

municipal treatment plants

bores

dams

rainwater tanks

recycled water.

Water quality requirements

Water quality requirements for food processing operations may include chemical, microbiological, physical and radiological specifications.

Treatment and disposal methods

Treatment and disposal may include on site storage and disposal; dilution; specifying/controlling discharge rates; recycle and reuse options; on site pre-treatment.

Waste management documentation

Waste management documentation may include information on applicable trade waste laws or other requirements; complaint records; training records; process information, process operation log book; inspection, maintenance and calibration records; relevant contractor and supplier information; incident reports. Information on emergency preparedness and response, records of significant trade waste impacts; audit results; management reviews; trade waste charging policy; industrial trade waste generators register.