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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge required for this unit Where bold italicised text is used further information is detailed in the Range Statement

Apply mathematical skills to a level required to undertake accurate sampling

Demonstrate ability to work effectively as an individual and as part of a team

Demonstrate aseptic sampling techniques for microsample or swabs

Describe the routine tests performed on meat or meat products in the plant

Establish a sampling plan according to relevant Australian Standards

Identify and apply relevant OHampS regulatory and workplace requirements

Identify and explain the requirements of relevant Australian Standards

Outline the preparation and analysis of specimens or samples

Record sampling information accurately to meet workplace and regulatory requirements

Report test results promptly to relevant personnel

Take action to improve work performance as a result of selfevaluation feedback from others or in response to changed work practices or technology

Use relevant communication skills

Utilise available workplace technology to establish record and monitor sampling program data

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Overview of assessment

The meat industry has specific and clear requirements for evidence A minimum of three forms of evidence is required to demonstrate competency in the meat industry This is specifically designed to provide evidence that covers the demonstration in the workplace of all aspects of competency over time

These requirements are in addition to the requirements for valid current authentic and sufficient evidence

Three forms of evidence means three different kinds of evidence not three pieces of the same kind In practice it will mean that most of the unit is covered twice This increases the legitimacy of the evidence

All assessment must be conducted against Australian meat industry standards and regulations

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

Competency has to be demonstrated using the current Australian Standard and implementing an approved workplace procedure

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must involve a demonstration of skills at a meat processing plant or related work situation

Method of assessment

Recommended methods of assessment are

assignment

quiz of underpinning knowledge

simulation

verified work log or diary

workplace demonstration of competency for the assessor

workplace project

workplace referee or third party report of performance over time

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality gender or language backgrounds other than English Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

Guidance information for assessment

Resource materials available from MINTRAC telephone


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments within the meat industry and situations that may affect performance. This includes 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. Bold italics wording in the Elements and Performance Criteria, and Required Skills and Knowledge, is detailed below.

Sampling plans may include:

a range of sampling points

a range of tests and procedures

different products or materials

test methods or procedures which may be developed to meet enterprise and/or regulatory or certification requirements.

Sampling may include:

selecting carcases to visually inspect

selecting carcases, meat or food contact surfaces to take micro-swabs

selecting cartons to visually inspect.

Reports may:

be presented orally or in writing in standard formats

be recorded and stored electronically or manually

contain complex information from several sources

include mathematical information

include technical, mathematical and workplace language.

Mathematical information and operations may relate to:

deviations, norms, variations, acceptable limits and tolerances

digital or analogue controls, dials, measures

frequency

test results and readings, monitoring data.

OH&S requirements may include:

enterprise OH&S policies, procedures and programs

OH&S legal requirements

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include:

coat and apron

ear plugs or muffs

eye and facial protection

head-wear

lifting assistance

mesh apron

protective boot covers

protective hand and arm covering

protective head and hair covering

uniforms

waterproof clothing

work, safety or waterproof footwear

requirements set out in standards, codes of practice etc.

Regulatory requirements may include:

Export Control Act

hygiene and sanitation requirements

relevant Australian Standards

relevant regulations

requirements set out in AS 4696:2002 Australian Standard for Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption

state regulations regarding meat processing

Workplace requirements may include:

enterprise-specific procedures

OH&S requirements

QA requirements

standard operating procedures

the ability to perform the task to production requirements

work instructions.

Enterprise recording systems may be electronic or manual.

Communication skills may include:

applying numeracy skills to workplace requirements

being appropriately assertive

empathising

establishing/using networks

interpreting the needs of internal/external customers

listening and understanding

negotiating responsively

persuading effectively

reading and interpreting workplace-related documentation

sharing information

speaking clearly and directly

working with diverse individuals and groups

writing to audience needs