This unit applies to working under routine supervision with intermittent checking. Responsibility for some roles and coordination within a team may be required. The work undertaken is usually within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to sex birds

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from a work program where necessary, and confirmed with management.

1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the production process.

1.3. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and maintained if necessary.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.5. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

2. Identify and sex chickens birds

2.1. Criteria for identification are sought and clarified from the production program and supervisor or management instructions.

2.2. Procedures to control and sort chickens are conducted with due care.

2.3. Identification method is carried out according to the given criteria and the marking requirements of the organization.

2.4. Birds are handled with care strictly according to the code of welfare.

2.5. Birds are sexed, held for beak trimming if appropriate, separated and placed according to organisational work procedures and instructions.

2.6. Existing and potential hazards in the workplace are recognised, risk assessed and controlled in line with OHS requirements.

3. Complete hygiene and administration activities

3.1. All debris and waste material is removed from the site and disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to organisation work procedures.

3.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to organisation work procedures.

3.3. A clean and safe area is maintained throughout and on completion of work.

3.4. Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to organisation work procedures.

3.5. Unit records are completed as required and reported to the hatchery manager.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work practices

operate marking equipment

identify the key features used to sex chickens using a variety of techniques

perform routine hygiene maintenance activities as required by the employer or unit manager and more frequently on demand

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

count sexed birds

share information and observations with fellow workers and supervisors

read and interpret written instructions prepared by the organisation, industry bodies, and/or manufacturers

complete sexing at a rate acceptable to the industry and the organisation

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

hygienic maintenance and use of machinery

the key indicators of gender in a range of birds

welfare implications of poor beak trimming

avian reproductive anatomy

the need to maximise hygiene practices and awareness

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

the organisation's livestock production and management plans

sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations

relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors

relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

identify and sort chickens to organisational requirements

handle chickens according to the code of welfare

sex chickens using recognised techniques

count sexed birds and keep records of operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Birds may include:

all poultry species and breeds produced in an intensive environment.

Unit sector

Poultry

This unit contains employability skills.