Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to capture National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) data from Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs), record data and align NLIS details with carcase number.
This unit is used to train slaughter floor operators who undertake the collection of NLIS data on the slaughter floor from RFIDs.
All work should be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, customer requirements and product specifications.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.
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. Start up readers and computer terminal | 1.1 Follow workplace requirements to start up RFID readers and terminals including procedures for boot-up, ensuring main frame connection and log-in 1.2 Trouble shoot any problems with start up 1.3 Obtain kill sheet 1.4 Ensure consumables are available (e.g. carcase tickets) |
2. Manage and monitor RFID reading process | 2.1 Ensure RFIDs are being read 2.2 Check mobs against the kill sheet to ensure stock is in order, the right numbers, and in the right consignment sequence 2.3 Interpret screens and messages 2.4 Diarise and resolve any issues rapidly 2.5 Immediately implement back-up system if main system appears to be failing or has failed 2.6 Liaise with kill floor supervisor and make corrections for mobs that are out of sequence 2.7 Maintain communication with on-floor staff |
3. Take corrective actions when NLIS data is not read | 3.1 Respond to non-readers by implementing workplace procedures to manually capture NLIS data 3.2 Implement workplace procedures for missing RFIDs 3.3 Manage multiple NLIS devices by implementing workplace procedures 3.4 Deal with rumen boluses that do not read by implementing workplace procedures |
4. Respond to a carcase with an Extended Residue Program (ERP) status | 4.1 Follow workplace procedures for dealing with a carcase with an ERP status alert 4.2 Report the status to slaughter floor supervisor 4.3 Implement company’s procedures for monitoring and managing stock with a status |
5. Follow break and end of shift procedures | 5.1 Follow procedures for break and end of shift shut down |
6. Validate shift slaughter details | 6.1 Liaise with the livestock clerk to validate the slaughter floor data 6.2 Note and explain any differences between the kill sheet and slaughter operations 6.3 Diarise problems and resolve discrepancies of the shift such as missed bodies and animals out of order |
7. Implement workplace procedures to deal with a software or hardware failure | 7.1 Trouble shoot the problem 7.2 Implement corrective actions e.g. use wand reader if panel reader fails |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must capture National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) data from Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs), record data and align NLIS details with carcase number.
The candidate must:
start up readers and computer terminal
manage and monitor RFID reading process
operate RFID readers and recorders
check connection with terminal and server
monitor RFID reader
take corrective actions when NLIS data is not read
respond to a carcase with an ERP status
follow break and end of shift procedures
validate shift slaughter details
implement work place procedures to deal with a software or hardware failure
read and interpret a kill sheet
communicate clearly and with relevance to work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with supervisors, livestock clerks and slaughter floor operators
generate reports
perform simple trouble shooting on software and hardware
take appropriate steps to minimise workplace health and safety risks
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate a factual, technical, procedural and theoretical knowledge of:
the NLIS system, including the origin and nature of the system, its commercial importance, role in food safety and importing country requirements, role in traceability
NLIS regulatory requirements in relation to abattoirs
purpose, nature of and regulations underpinning the use of PICs
NLIS devices including Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) and boluses, and their purpose and function in the cattle NLIS
status, abbreviations and what they mean, and the required actions to be taken in response
when and how tail tags are used
start up procedures
recognising and interpreting NLIS screens
ERP status and responses
corrective actions for non-readers, missing tags, out of order stock, multiple devices, boluses
relevant work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
shut down procedures
tailtag procedures
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be completed in the workplace.
As a minimum, the following three forms of assessment must be used:
quiz of underpinning knowledge
workplace demonstration
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.