MTMP3109A
Overview of the NLIS program utilising RFIDs

This Unit covers the skills and knowledge required to work with the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), utilising data carried in a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID).

Application

This Unit is applicable for those purchasing livestock, receiving and managing livestock in lairage, livestock clerks, Quality Assurance managers, slaughter floor supervisors, reader and NLIS terminal operators on the slaughter floor, meat authority staff and auditors.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Describe the history of the NLIS and its benefit to industry

1.1 Explain why the industry has implemented an RFID based identification system.

1.2 Explain the benefits of the NLIS to industry.

2. Describe the nature and function of a Property Identification Code (PIC)

2.1 Identify the component parts of a PIC.

2.2 Explain the business rules for the use of a PIC.

2.2 Explain the importance of the PIC to the NLIS.

3. Describe and interpret the data contained on a National Vendor Declaration (NVD)

3.1 Explain the purpose of an NVD.

3.2 Explain the information contained on an NVD.

3.3 Interpret the importance of the various details on the NVD for an abattoir.

3.4 Identify the various mistakes that can be made by producers when completing NVDs.

3.5 Describe the actions that have to be taken when NVDs are incomplete or incorrectly filled in.

3.6 Describe the path of the NVD from producer to processor and the impact of incorrect information being recorded on the NVD.

4. Complete a review of an NVD as received by a meat processor

4.1 Identify the important information on an NVD.

4.2 Identify errors.

4.3 Describe the corrective actions to be taken.

5. Identify the various NLIS devices

5.1 Explain the purpose of an NLIS device and the information on it.

5.2 Describe the relationship between an RFID and an NLIS identification device.

5.3 Explain the difference between an RFID ear tag and bolus.

5.4 Identify the factors that can influence the readability of an NLIS device.

6. Identify the various NLIS regulations that apply to producers, saleyards and meat processors

6.1 Identify and explain the role of the key organisations associated with the NLIS.

6.2 Describe the NLIS regulatory obligations for producers, saleyards and slaughtering establishments.

6.3 Describe the corrective action to be taken with non-identified stock.

6.4 Describe the corrective action to be taken with non-reading devices.

7. Describe the function of the kill sheet

7.1 Explain the purpose of a kill sheet and who prepares it.

7.2 Identify the various component parts of a kill sheet and the information contained in it.

7.3 Explain the importance of following the kill sheet schedule and the importance of validating the kill sheet to the NLIS data gathered.

7.4 Explain how untagged animals are dealt with prior to and during the slaughter process.

8. Explain the role of Post-Sale Summaries (PSSs)

8.1 Explain what data is contained in a pre-sale catalogue and why it is important.

8.2 Explain why PSSs are forwarded to abattoirs from saleyards.

8.3 Explain how and why PICs are confirmed by abattoirs with the NLIS database.

Required Skills

Required skills include:

Ability to:

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

take appropriate steps to minimise workplace health and safety risks when working with livestock

work effectively as an individual and as part of a team.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

understanding of the NLIS system, including the origin and nature of the system, its commercial importance, role in food safety and importing country requirements, role in traceability

purpose and benefits of the NLIS to industry

NLIS data base and its management

NLIS devices including Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) and boluses, and their purpose and function in the NLIS

NLIS regulatory requirements in relation to abattoirs

purpose and types of NLIS tags for sheep and goats

information printed on the NLIS cattle ear devices

purpose, nature of and regulations underpinning the use of PICs

how to deal with problems originating from consignment PIC

purpose of an NVD

information recorded on an NVD

regulatory responsibilities of the various parties in the supply chain

role of pre–sale catalogues and PSSs

function of the kill sheet

the function of post breeder tags

knowledge of status, abbreviations and what they mean, and the required actions to be taken in response.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

describe the history of the NLIS and its benefit to industry

describe the nature and function of a PIC

describe and interpret the data contained on an NVD

complete a review of an NVD as received by a meat processor

identify the various NLIS devices

identify the various NLIS regulations that apply to producers, saleyards and meat processors

describe the function of the kill sheet

explain the role of pre-sale catalogues and post sale summaries.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

the NLIS system, including the origin and nature of the system, its commercial importance, role in food safety and importing country requirements, role in traceability

purpose and benefits of the NLIS to industry

NLIS data base and its management

NLIS devices including RFIDs and boluses, and their purpose and function in the NLIS

NLIS regulatory requirements in relation to abattoirs

purpose and types of NLIS tags for sheep and goats

information printed on the NLIS cattle ear devices

purpose, nature of and regulations underpinning the use of PICs

how to deal with problems originating from consignment PIC

purpose of an NVD

information recorded on an NVD

regulatory responsibilities of the various parties in the supply chain

role of pre–sale catalogues and PSSs

function of the kill sheet

the function of post breeder tags

status, abbreviations and what they mean, and the required actions to be taken in response.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must be conducted in the workplace.

Resources may include:

enterprise work instructions

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) NLIS assistance

manufacturer's instructions.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

workplace referee’s report

knowledge test

on-the-job demonstration with assessor observation

assignment.

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 health and safety risks when working with livestock may include:

zoonotic diseases such as Q-Fever

manual handling risks

risk of injury from livestock

risk of sunburn

working from heights such as stock trucks and stockyards

requirements to wear specified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

being aware of and managing risks affecting co-workers

risks associated with the use of electrical equipment.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This Unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

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