Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate manual carcase stimulation equipment or monitor automatic carcase stimulation equipment.
The unit is applicable to slaughter floor operatives responsible for the operation or monitoring of manual or automatic carcase stimulators.
All work should be carried out to comply with workplace and hygiene requirements.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision, exercise limited autonomy and have some accountability for their own work.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit must be delivered and assessed in the context of Australian meat processing standards and regulations.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Conduct pre-operational check of stimulation equipment | 1.1 Regularly check electrical stimulation unit to ensure it is in good working order 1.2 Maintain equipment by cleaning electrodes (where applicable) 1.3 Replace circuit boards or cards if a fault develops (where this forms part of operator's work instructions) |
2. Follow effective electrical stimulation procedures | 2.1 Apply electrical stimulation within the required time after stunning 2.2 Ensure constant contact with electrodes during stimulation 2.3 Identify and meet workplace health and safety requirements 2.4 Run stimulation to its full time in accordance with the workplace or manufacturer's specifications for the type of stimulation equipment 2.5 When using the nasal or rail methods, maintain the carcase contact with the rubbing bar during electrical stimulation to ensure stimulation is effective 2.6 Prevent loss of voltage by keeping carcases separated during stimulation 2.7 Check and maintain peak voltage levels to ensure effective stimulation 2.8 Stimulate carcase in accordance with workplace requirements |
3. Check for ineffective stimulation | 3.1 Check electrical stimulation unit regularly to ensure that current is maintained to specified level, stimulation is applied within specified time limits after stunning, and duration of stimulation meets workplace requirements 3.2 Check electrodes to ensure they are attached during stimulation |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must consistently operate an electrical stimulator in the workplace during production.
The candidate must:
conduct pre-operational checks
conduct effective electrical stimulation of carcases according to workplace requirements
stimulate carcases within the correct time after stunning
ensure correct voltage levels are used as well as minimum and maximum stimulation times
check for ineffective stimulation
keep stimulation units well maintained and in good working order
apply communication skills relevant to work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
comply with the workplace health and safety requirements for operating electrical stimulation equipment
apply relevant regulatory and workplace requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate a basic factual, technical and procedural knowledge of:
the basic operations of the stimulator
the benefits of effective stimulation
the purpose of electrically stimulating a carcase
events which would indicate that the stimulation is ineffective
the relevant work instruction
relevant regulatory and workplace requirements
workplace health and safety requirements
Assessment Conditions
Competency must be demonstrated in the workplace at normal chain speed.
Assessment must be conducted in the workplace under normal production conditions.
The following three forms of assessment must be used:
demonstration in the workplace or simulated environment
quiz of underpinning knowledge
workplace referee or third-party report of performance over time
Assessors must satisfy the current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.