ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess the effective stunning of an animal prior to bleeding

1.1 Animal is checked for an effective stun prior to bleeding.

1.2 Corrective action is taken when effective stun is not achieved.

1.3 Records of the assessment of effective stunning are kept according to workplace requirements.

1.4 Stunning is assessed against the applicable work instruction and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure it is effective and humane.

2. Check for bleed chain insensibility

2.1 Animals are checked for insensibility on the bleed chain.

2.2 Signs of sensibility are reported immediately and corrective action is taken immediately.

2.3 Records of the assessment of effective stunning are kept according to workplace requirements.

2.4 Bleeding is assessed against the applicable work instruction and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure it is effective and humane.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

assess effectiveness of animal stunning in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

record assessment of bleed chain insensibility according to the workplace requirements

identify the causes of bleed chain insensibility

read and interpret electronic data (where applicable)

record assessment of bleed chain insensibility according to the workplace requirements

monitor bleed chain insensibility according to workplace requirements

implement procedures if stun or bleeding is not effective

record monitoring and assessment results of stunning and or bleed chain insensibilities

report stunning and bleeding failures

work effectively as an individual and as part of a team

apply relevant regulatory and work place 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

apply communication and mathematical skills appropriate to the task

follow Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

methods of stunning and their application

animal welfare requirements including importing country requirements where appropriate

purpose of stunning animal

the indicators of an effective stun

workplace and regulatory requirements for monitoring stunning

the causes of ineffective stunning and bleeding

signs of bleed chain insensibility

procedures for the assessment of stunning

procedures for the assessment of bleed chain insensibility

workplace and regulatory requirements for monitoring bleed chain insensibility

signs of an ineffective stun

animal welfare implications of ineffective stunning and bleeding

WHS consequences of not achieving an effective stun

impact of ineffective restraining and stunning on product quality

relevant regulatory requirements

corrective actions for an ineffective stun.

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.

Workplace requirements may include:

enterprise-specific requirements

WHS 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.

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.

WHS procedures may include:

enterprise WHS policies, procedures and programs

WHS 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.

Methods of stunning may include:

captive bolt stunner

electric stunner

gas chamber.

Animal welfarerequirements may include:

Animal Welfare Standard

enterprise ethical standards

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

state legislation.