This unit is applicable to workers in a meat rendering plant.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare and maintain equipment

1.1. Pre-operational checks are performed in accordance with workplace, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and hygiene and sanitation requirements.

1.2. Routine maintenance is performed in accordance with workplace requirements.

2. Monitor and control flow of raw materials

2.1. Nature and quality of the raw materials is monitored to ensure compliance with workplace and regulatory requirements.

2.2. Defects in raw materials are reported promptly and corrective action taken promptly in accordance with workplace requirements.

2.3. Flow of raw materials into bulk bins and/or the processing equipment is controlled in accordance with work instructions.

3. Render edible product

3.1. Equipment is operated in accordance with workplace regulations, OH&S requirements and manufacturer's specifications.

3.2. Edible product is rendered to workplace and customer specifications.

3.3. Routine monitoring, record keeping and sampling is performed to ensure compliance with product specifications.

3.4. Sources of potential contamination of the product are identified and preventative and corrective measures are taken in accordance with work instructions.

3.5. Cleanliness of work area is maintained in accordance with workplace requirements.

Required skills

Ability to:

apply relevant communication skills

work effectively as an individual and as part of a team

apply the regulatory requirements for the rendering of the edible product

identify production problems and out-of-specification product and take corrective action

render product in accordance with work instructions, hygiene and sanitation and regulatory requirements

sample and monitor product quality to ensure product meets workplace and customer requirements

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

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

regulatory requirements for the rendering of the edible product

operating and maintenance procedures for the rendering equipment

relevant work instructions for the operation of the equipment

OH&S requirements for the operation of the rendering equipment

relevant product specifications

sampling and monitoring procedures relevant to the product

possible sources of contamination of the product and the relevant preventative measures

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 a period of time and at a relevant rate of production.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must be conducted using meat prepared to a specification.

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

OH&S requirements

hygiene and sanitation requirements

Quality Assurance (QA) requirements

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

the ability to perform the task to production requirements

work instructions.

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.

Hygiene and sanitation requirements may include:

relevant government regulations

workplace requirements.

Regulatory requirements may include:

Export Control Act

relevant Australian Standards

relevant regulations

requirements set out in AS 5008-2001/Amdt 1-2003 Australian Standard for the Hygienic Rendering of Animal Products.

Communication skills may include:

applying numeracy skills to workplace requirements

listening and understanding

reading and interpreting workplace documentation

sharing information

speaking clearly and directly.

Unit sector

This unit contains employability skills.