This unit will be carried out with minimal supervision with only general guidance sought from other industry specialists. The diagnosis and solving of milk harvesting problems and the completion of milking performance investigations may include partnerships between any or all of the following groups: milking machine technicians, veterinarians, dairy factory field officers, herd test personnel, detergent and chemical company representatives, original equipment manufacturer representatives, regulatory authority personnel, and dairy farmer or share farmer.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Wet test milking equipment

1.1. Relevant mechanical testing reports and outcomes are collated as the basis for additional tests in consultation with the farmer or adviser.

1.2. Protocols for wet testing are established to suit the individual installation requirements.

1.3. Test equipment is installed at specific locations, as required, to complete tests according to industry standard methods and procedures.

1.4. Vacuum levels and vacuum drop are measured and recorded and abnormalities identified.

2. Carry out milking-time tests of milking equipment

2.1. Protocols for the conduct of milking-time tests are established with the farmer and other relevant industry professionals based on a consideration of the previous dry or wet testing outcomes.

2.2. Testing equipment is installed, as required, to complete agreed tests during milking.

2.3. Milking-time tests are completed according to industry standard procedures in cooperation with the milking personnel and results recorded.

2.4. Written assessment and recommendations are reported to the dairy farmer or manager.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work practices

accurately dry test milking machines in accordance with industry standards

competently use milking equipment testing tools, gauges and equipment

accurately measure vacuum fluctuation in line with industry standard measuring procedures

understand and initiate the conduct of milking machine performance testing procedures

effectively carry out performance testing in line with standard procedures and ISO standards

act in a team situation to address milk harvesting problems

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

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data

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

Required knowledge

effects of vacuum changes on milking machine function

the mechanical testing of milking equipment

the effects of machine function as they relate to teat health and condition, slow or incomplete milking, or a higher incidence of liner slipping or cluster falling

milking operation and shed management.

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:

dry test milking machines in accordance with industry standards

use milking equipment testing tools, gauges and equipment

measure vacuum fluctuation in line with industry standard measuring procedures

initiate milking machine performance testing procedures

carry out performance testing in line with standard procedures and ISO standards.

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.

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

Testing may include:

recognised wet tests

milking-time tests.

Unit sector

Milk harvesting

This unit contains employability skills.