MTMP3005A
Monitor the effective operations of electrical stimulation

This Unit covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor an automated or manual electrical carcase stimulation unit to ensure that the carcases are receiving the optimal stimulation.

Application

This Unit is applicable to workers monitoring electrical stimulation units in slaughtering establishments.


Prerequisites

Nil.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Monitor electrical stimulation unit

1.1 Monitor the electrical stimulation unit using the correct procedure to check electrical stimulation equipment operation.

1.2 Use dummy load across each of the electrical inputs to check operation in accordance with work instructions and manufacturers specifications.

1.3 Observe for and describe the normal reaction of carcases to electrical stimulation.

1.4 Observe for and respond to any abnormal reaction of carcases to electrical stimulation.

1.5 Follow up on requests for maintenance and check operation is normal.

1.6 Follow workplace health and safety requirements for working around electrical stimulation units.

2. Ensure routine checks of equipment by technicians are performed

2.1 Routine checks arranged or overseen to ensure a full check of the equipment is made including: electrical parameters, stored programs, electrical safety, electrodes and equipment integration.

2.2 Maintenance and equipment reports detailing the findings and recommendations are reviewed and corrective actions implemented.

3. Respond to audits of carcase specification compliance

3.1 Describe the pH/temperature window and its importance to meat quality.

3.2 Describe the audit process for electrical stimulation unit performance and the various potential findings.

3.3 Respond to adverse audit findings including recommendations to alter stimulation inputs, alter stimulation time and adjust chilling regime.

Required Skills

Required skills include:

Ability to:

observe and recognise normal and abnormal carcase responses to electrical stimulation

instruct workers in and around electrical stimulation units to recognise and report abnormal carcase responses

monitor the electrical stimulation unit using the correct procedure including readouts

use dummy load across each of the electrical inputs to check operation

request and schedule maintenance

review maintenance and performance audit reports and ensure follow up action has been taken

apply relevant communication skills

work effectively as an individual and as part of a team

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 includes:

Knowledge of:

purpose of electrical stimulation

pH/temperature window and its importance to meat quality

causes of heat toughening and cold shortening and the impacts on meat quality

correct procedures to check electrical stimulation equipment operation

purpose of dummy loads to check operation

relevant work instructions and manufacturers specifications

normal and abnormal reactions of carcases to electrical stimulation

required routine checks for electrical parameters, stored programs, electrical safety, electrodes and equipment integration

use of an oscilloscope to ensure that the waveform parameters are as specified

maintenance and equipment reports

audit process for electrical stimulation unit performance and the various potential findings

how to respond to adverse audit findings of electrical stimulation unit performance

workplace health and safety issues associated in working around electrical stimulation units.

Evidence Required

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 over time and under typical operating and production conditions for the enterprise.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur in the workplace under normal enterprise or production conditions as well as in simulated situations.

Method of assessment

Recommended methods of assessment include:

workplace demonstration

quiz of underpinning knowledge

workplace project

workplace referee 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.


Range Statement

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 procedures

workplace health and safety requirements

Quality Assurance (QA) requirements

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

the ability to perform the task to production requirements

work instructions

manufacturer’s requirements.

Electrical stimulation units may include:

high, medium and low voltage units

automated or manual units.

Electrical inputs to carcases may be derived from:

High Frequency Immobilisation (HFI)

Moderate Frequency Immobilisation

electronic bleed/stimulation

pre and post dressing high, medium and low voltage stimulation.

Abnormal reaction may include:

carcases bouncing

no visual response.

Regulatory requirements may include:

Export Control Act

hygiene and sanitation requirements

relevant regulations and Australian Standards

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

relevant State legislation relating to the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment.

Communication skills may include:

communicating and working with diverse individuals and groups

interpreting customer requirements

listening and understanding, speaking clearly and directly

reading and interpreting workplace-related documentation

sharing information.

Mathematical skills may include:

reading and recording data

reading and interpreting performance reports.

Workplace health and safety requirements may include:

enterprise policies, procedures and programs

workplace health and safety 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.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This Unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this Unit.