This unit is necessary to provide a hygienic and disease free environment for each new batch of livestock. It is likely to be under limited supervision from others, with checking only related to overall progress. It is usually done within routines, methods and procedures where some discretion and judgement is required in the selection of equipment and materials, organisation of work, services and actions, and the achievement of outcomes within time constraints.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to clean shed

1.1. Requirements for the work to be undertaken are interpreted and confirmed with supervisor.

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

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

1.4. The environmental implications of cleaning the shed are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action is taken.

1.5. Equipment is raised, dismantled or removed from the shed without damage for cleaning.

1.6. Feed and watering equipment is raised or removed from shed, cleaned and sanitised to remove contamination.

1.7. Electrical switchboards and other equipment are covered or sealed to prevent entry of water.

1.8. Biosecurity protocols and procedures are complied with in cleaning and fumigation.

2. Clean shed and surrounds

2.1. OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls are implemented.

2.2. Machinery is available, serviced and prepared for operation according to established operating practice, and operated inside and outside the shed.

2.3. Litter is removed and disposed of according to establishment hygiene practice and using the available on-farm resources, and the floors are thoroughly swept.

2.4. Filters are serviced and drinker lines and tanks are flushed.

2.5. Silos are emptied and cleaned, as required by hygiene and production programs.

2.6. Chemicals, detergents and disinfectants are mixed according to instructions.

2.7. Chemical agents are safely handled and applied in compliance with OHS standards and in line with property quality assurance program.

2.8. Electrical equipment is dry-cleaned.

2.9. Run-off from cleaning activity is managed according to the organisations effluent and waste management procedures.

2.10. Checks are made to ensure that all cleaning and hygiene processes are completed to standard.

3. Fumigate shed

3.1. Need for fumigation is determined from supervisors instructions, production/hygiene management plan, or management practice.

3.2. OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls are implemented.

3.3. Fumigant and apparatus are prepared according to manufacturer's instructions and in line with established safe working procedures.

3.4. Shed is sealed and fumigated to ensure maximum exposure of the fumigant to disease-causing organisms.

3.5. Shed is aired to ensure evacuation of toxicants prior to re-entry of staff and re-installation of equipment.

4. Complete hygiene and administration tasks

4.1. Equipment is cleaned in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

4.2. Attachments and other ancillary equipment are cleaned and stored to minimise damage and to maximise hygiene according to manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

4.3. Insecticides are applied, as required by the organisation and the harvest strategy.

4.4. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with organisational requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

operate high pressure washing equipment

carry out cleaning and fumigation

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

make shed environment secure from accidental entry of personnel until fumigants have dispersed

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 numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

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

types of sheds and production systems

relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice

environmental impacts and controls of cleaning and fumigating sheds

chemical spillage management and safety equipment and clothing.

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:

Implement biosecurity procedures

operate high pressure washing equipment

treat all surfaces inside and outside the shed are so that they are visually clean

apply sanitisers to cleaned surfaces

ensure minimum risk of contamination from previous flock/herd.

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.

Cleaning and fumigation may include:

the cleaning and fumigation of sheds for pork and poultry production.

Unit sector

Poultry

This unit contains employability skills.