Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to perform midline cuts to open and release the hide or pelt from the belly area of a carcase.

Application of the unit 

This unit is applicable to abattoirs, game processing plants and knackeries.

Prerequisite units 

MTMPSR203A

Sharpen knives

MTMP3021C

Explain opening cuts

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Separate hides or pelts from belly area

1.1. Hides or pelts are separated from belly area according to workplace requirements .

1.2. Hides or pelts are correctly separated from belly area using spear cuts from inside of hide or pelt to avoid contamination  from the hide or pelt, fleece or hair.

1.3. Sources of contamination and cross-contamination are identified.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety  (OH &S ) requirements  are identified and complied with.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Ability to:

• locate and demonstrate correct cutting lines and techniques for midline cuts
• avoid damage to the hide or pelt and meat
• apply relevant communication skills 
• work effectively as an individual and as part of a team
• apply relevant regulatory 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:

• correct cutting lines and techniques for midline cuts
• relevant work instructions
• causes of damaged hides or pelts and meat cuts
• relevant regulatory requirements
• sources of contamination and cross-contamination
• consequence for the business of damaged or contaminated hides, pelts or meat cuts

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 chain speed.

Context of , and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must be performed in an operating processing plant.

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.

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 requirements
• hygiene and sanitation requirements
• OH&S requirements
• Quality Assurance (QA) requirements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• the ability to perform the task to production requirements
• work instructions.

Contamination  may include:

• chain fall out
• contents of intestines
• dust
• excreta
• hair
• water.

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.

Communication skills  may include:

• listening and understanding
• sharing information
• speaking clearly and directly
• working with diverse individuals and groups.

Regulatory requirements  may include:

• Export Control Act
• 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.

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field