This unit is applicable to meat safety and Quality Assurance (QA) officers working in an emu and/or ostrich processing plant.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify anatomical and physiological properties specific to ratites

1.1. Structure of body system is identified.

2. Perform ante-mortem inspection

2.1. Procedures and principles for humane handling of ratites are identified in accordance with hygiene and sanitation, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and workplace requirements.

2.2. Ratites are handled humanely according to animal welfare regulations.

2.3. Signs of common conditions are identified during ante-mortem inspection and are dealt with accordingly.

2.4. Ante-mortem inspection is performed in accordance with OH&S and regulatory requirements.

2.5. QA issues relating to handling of animals during ante-mortem inspection are identified.

2.6. Procedures for emergency and suspect slaughter are identified.

2.7. Reporting and recording requirements are completed.

3. Assess suitability for slaughter

3.1. Diseases and conditions affecting ratite suitability for slaughter are identified and appropriate action is initiated.

3.2. Major exotic and notifiable diseases and their signs are identified and reported according to regulatory requirements.

3.3. Appropriate remedial action is taken.

4. Perform post-mortem inspection

4.1. Post-mortem inspection is performed in accordance with regulatory requirements.

4.2. Abnormalities in ratites are identified and detected.

4.3. Disposition is made according to Australian Standards and work instructions.

4.4. Exotic and notifiable diseases are identified.

4.5. Reporting and recording requirements are completed.

Required skills

Ability to:

perform ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection on ratites according to the Australian Standard

notify relevant authorities promptly when exotic or notifiable diseases are identified

prepare notification reports, including technical information for internal personnel and external authorities

work with processing team to inspect poultry and identify suspect birds in an efficient and timely manner

research and identify legislation and Australian Standards applicable to the processing of ratites

apply mathematical operations where necessary to establish regulatory compliance

identify and use relevant workplace information and documentation

identify common conditions and exotic and notifiable diseases in ratites

identify sources of repeated contamination and work with processing team to rectify problems

use relevant communication skills

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

basic anatomical structure of ratites

specific hygiene and sanitation requirements associated with ratite processing

specific structural requirements for ratite processing

potential hazards associated with ratite processing

dressing and storage requirements for ratites

major diseases and defects in ratites

main products and by-products associated with ratite processing

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 on at least one ratite species and in a ratite processing plant.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must include ratite carcases and actual examples of pathology.

Method of assessment

Recommended methods of assessment include:

assignment

quiz of underpinning knowledge

simulation

workplace demonstration

workplace project

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.

Ratites may include:

ostrich and emu.

Hygiene and sanitation requirements may include:

relevant government regulations

workplace requirements.

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.

Workplace requirements may include:

enterprise-specific procedures

OH&S requirements

QA requirements

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

the ability to perform the task to production requirements

work instructions.

Regulatory requirements may include:

animal welfare codes and regulations

domestic and importing country requirements

Export Control Act

federal, state and territory regulations regarding meat processing

relevant Australian Standards

relevant regulations

requirements set out in AS 5010:2001 Hygienic Production of Ratite (emu or ostrich) Meat for Human Consumption

requirements set out in AS 4696:2002 Australian Standard for Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption.

Reporting and recording may:

be oral, written (with accurate transcription)

be manual or electronic

be complex and contain information from a range of sources

include graphs, tables, charts, diagrams

include technical workplace and mathematical language and data.

Mathematical operations may include:

acceptable limits, tolerances, out-of-specification performance, trends

calculation

estimation

measurement and interpretation, and relate to time, temperature, moisture humidity, ratios, percentages, weight, mass, or volume

use of a calculator or electronic aids.

Workplace information and documentation may include:

specifications

status reports

audit reports

monitoring data.

Communication skills may include:

applying numeracy skills to workplace requirements

being appropriately assertive

empathising

establishing/using networks

interpreting the needs of internal/external customers

listening and understanding

negotiating responsively

persuading effectively

reading and interpreting workplace-related documentation

sharing information

speaking clearly and directly

working with diverse individuals and groups

writing to audience needs.

Unit sector

This unit contains employability skills.