This unit is applicable to abattoir and knackery operations.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Restrain animal

1.1. Animal is restrained humanely and safely in appropriate position in accordance with Animal Welfare Code of Practice.

1.2. Animal is restrained in correct position for stunning as required.

1.3. Animal is restrained with appropriate restraining equipment.

2. Operate stunning equipment

2.1. Stunning equipment is operated in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements.

2.2. Stunning equipment and facilities are maintained in effective working order.

2.3. Stunning equipment is operated humanely in accordance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice.

3. Stun the animal

3.1. Animal is stunned in accordance with Animal Welfare Code of Practice.

3.2. Animal is stunned to workplace and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) requirements.

3.3. Stun is checked, where part of work instructions, and corrective action is taken when effective stun is not achieved.

Required skills

Ability to:

restrain animal effectively and safely, with minimum stress to the animal

stun animal effectively in accordance with OH&S, workplace and regulatory requirements

correctly use measuring equipment for voltage and/or gas levels

demonstrate procedures if stun is not effective

check, operate and maintain stunning equipment according to workplace requirements

apply relevant communication and mathematical skills

report equipment faults according to workplace requirements

work effectively as an individual and as part of a team

apply relevant regulatory requirements

take action to improve work performance as a result of self-evaluation, feedback from others, or in response to changed work practices or technology

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

alternative methods of stunning

animal welfare requirements including importing country requirements where appropriate

purpose of stunning animal

risks of potential contamination and cross-contamination during stunning

OH&S consequences of not achieving an effective stun

impact of ineffective restraining and stunning on product quality

relevant regulatory requirements

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

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 must be demonstrated at normal production speed with a range of types of stock.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must be performed in an operating abattoir or knackery.

Method of assessment

Recommended methods of assessment include:

quiz of underpinning knowledge

workplace demonstration

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 or Torres Strait Islander, 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

A current list of resources for this unit of competency is available from MINTRAC www.mintrac.com.au or telephone 1800 817 462.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Animal welfare requirements may include:

Animal Welfare Standard

enterprise ethical standards

European Union (EU) and other importing country animal welfare regulations

state legislation.

Restraining equipment may include:

catching enclosure

double rail restrainer

knocking (stunning) box

'V' belt conveyer.

Workplace requirements may include:

enterprise-specific requirements

OH&S requirements

Quality Assurance (QA) requirements

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

the ability to perform the task to production requirements

work instructions.

Regulatory requirements may include:

Export Control Act

hygiene and sanitation requirements

relevant Australian Standards

relevant regulations

requirements set out in AS 4696:2007 Australian Standard for Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption

state and territory regulations regarding meat processing.

OH&S requirements may include:

enterprise OH&S policies, procedures and programs

OH&S legal requirements

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include:

coats and aprons

ear plugs or muffs

eye and facial protection

head-wear

lifting assistance

mesh aprons

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 and codes of practice.

Measuring equipment for voltage and gas levels may be:

digital

analogue.

Communication skills may include:

interpreting the needs of internal and external customers

listening and understanding

reading and interpreting workplace documentation

sharing information

speaking clearly and directly

working with diverse individuals and groups

writing to audience needs.

Mathematical skills may include:

include calculation, checking and calibrating equipment

measurements relating to time, gas levels and time voltage ratios

recording malfunctions using maths symbols, figures and abbreviations.

Methods of stunning may include:

captive bolt stunner

electric stunner

gas chamber.

Unit sector

This unit contains employability skills.