Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate honey extraction equipment safely to extract honey fit for human consumption. The work may be carried out in a mobile processing facility or a purpose built fixed facility.
This unit applies to beekeepers who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to extract honey | 1.1 Select, check and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.2 Identify work health and safety hazards and take action to minimise risks to self and others 1.3 Check all equipment is clean, dry, sanitised and serviceable 1.4 Observe personal hygiene requirements including washed hands and wearing of clean clothing |
2. Extract honey | 2.1 Comply with Quality Assurance (QA) and food safety requirements throughout the process of extracting honey 2.2 Inspect frames visually for areas of brood and, if found, uncap frames by hand to avoid brood 2.3 Warm combs where required to assist the extraction process 2.4 Uncap cells using a hand knife or machine, avoiding damage to cells and frames 2.5 Place frames in the extraction unit and operate the unit |
3. Handle extracted honey | 3.1 Heat the extracted honey up to 30oC, if necessary, to assist in removing wax, air bubbles, pollen and bees 3.2 Check moisture content of honey and take action to maintain appropriate moisture as required 3.3 Take action to reduce risk of fermentation of honey |
4. Store honey | 4.1 Store cleaned honey in containers to meet health regulations and customer requirements 4.2 Take a reference sample of honey, label and store 4.3Clean, dry and sanitise all equipment |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
correctly wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Identify hazards and use equipment safely
distinguish between honey cells and brood cells
extract honey in compliance with Quality Assurance (QA) and food safety requirements
sample honey to meet Quality Assurance and food safety requirements
store extracted honey to reduce the risk of spoilage.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of honey extraction
biosecurity protocols for honey extraction and movement
equipment and its maintenance requirements
food safety systems and requirements
quality assurance requirements designed for the honey industry
the effect of heat and extraction processes on honey.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Beekeeping (BEK)