Application of this unit

This competency unit covers the development/modification of a HACCP/HAT to the manufacture of products to be used in contact with food, beverages or pharmaceuticals. It assumes an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the industry where the product comes into contact with food, beverages or pharmaceuticals or otherwise requires 'food standard' to be maintained. Standard procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

It includes:

applying the 'seven principles' of HACCP

developing a HAT from a HACCP

developing a new HACCP as part of a HACCP team

making changes to existing HACCPs/HATs, resulting from process/material changes (provided such changes are not major requiring a complete new analysis)

helping operators to apply and use the HACCP/HAT in their routine work.

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Knowledge and understanding of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise HACCP/HAT issues and take appropriate corrective action.

Knowledge of organisation standard procedures, HACCPs and HATs and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job.

Competence includes knowledge of:

the HACCP approach

HAT relevance to routine production

impacts of variations in materials, process and product on HACCP

the relevance of the Codex Alimentarius to food/beverage/pharmaceutical packaging

and the ability to:

apply the Codex Alimentarius to the food industry

analyse process and material variations in terms of the HACCPand determine appropriate action(s)

develop a new HACCP as part of a team

recognise the need to modify an existing HACCP/HAT and make minor modifications.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read, interpret and write technical information and explain it to operators.

Writing is required to the level of writing technical reports and HACCP/HAT tables.

Numeracy is also required, eg to interpret quantitative data, make comparisons and interpretations.

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

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:

recognise potential situations requiring action

implement appropriate action

understand the procedures

explain the importance of CCPs, CCFs and CCLs.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that HACCP standards are met consistently.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on a processing plant or in a manufacturing environment and will be undertaken in a work-like manner.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by using an appropriate, industrial plant/process

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and solve problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add 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.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency covers the development/modification of a HACCP/HAT to the manufacture of products to be used in contact with food, beverages or pharmaceuticals. It assumes an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the process manufacturing industries where the product comes into contact with food, beverages or pharmaceuticals. Standard procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Hazards

Typical hazards are:

biological

chemical

physical

product contamination

material contamination.

Problems

'Anticipate and solve problems' means resolve a wide range of routine and non-routine problems, using product and process knowledge to develop solutions to problems which do not have a known solution/a solution recorded in the procedures.

Typical process and product problems may include:

recognising CCFs approaching the CCLs.

determining corrective action from HAT

applying HACCP principles to situations not directly covered by HAT

recognising the need for a new/modified HACCP/HAT

modifying HACCP/HAT to meet changes circumstances.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.