Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:21 PM AWST

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Vacuum pack product

Vacuum pack product

Unit of competency
National Code
MTMPSR201B
State Code
W6762
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/02/2008
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/09/2007
Field of Education
030307 - Food Processing Technology
Original Release Date
28/09/2007
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to pack meat product using vacuum packaging.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select packaging
  • 1.1. Product is bagged in appropriately sized bag.
  • 1.2. Product is arranged in appropriate container.
2. Set machine requirements
  • 2.1. Requirements in preparation for start-up of vacuum packing machine are completed to workplace requirements.
  • 2.2. Machine requirements are set correctly.
  • 2.3. Start-up procedures are followed to workplace requirements.
  • 2.4. Packing materials are attached and changed to workplace requirements and product specification.
  • 2.5. Bagged meat is placed on the vacuum packing machine or in the formed pockets as appropriate.
  • 2.6. Open ends of bags are placed flat across the sealing bar or meat contained in pockets as appropriate.
  • 2.7. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), hygiene and sanitation requirements are followed.
3. Operate machinery
  • 3.1. Vacuum packaging machine is operated correctly in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • 3.2. A variety of products is vacuum packed to customer specifications, hygiene and sanitation, OH&S and Quality Assurance (QA) requirements at a speed that is the same as production requirements.
  • 3.3. Bags are shrunk using hot water baths where appropriate.
  • 3.4. Bagged cuts are left to drain.
  • 3.5. Shut-down procedures are performed to workplace requirements.
4. Perform routine maintenance
  • 4.1. Dyes are changed according to workplace requirements.
  • 4.2. Corrective action is taken when leaks and defects are identified, according to workplace requirements.
  • 4.3. Plates are changed as required.
5. Ensure quality of packaging and product
  • 5.1. Bagged cuts are inspected for leaks and other defects.
  • 5.2. Bagged cuts are placed in cartons according to specifications.
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 procedures
OH&S requirements
QA requirements
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
the ability to perform the task to production 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.
Hygiene and sanitation requirements may include:
relevant government regulations
workplace requirements.
Explanations may:
be completed with the assistance of others
be directly related to own work and work area problem solving
be in everyday workplace language and include mathematical language and commonly used technical terms
include information from several sources
be presented in writing using standard formats or proformas, diagrams, symbols and charts
be presented orally.
Communication skills may include:
listening and understanding
sharing information
speaking clearly and directly
working with diverse individuals and groups.
Mathematical skills may include:
accurate recording of temperature, time, volume, weight and quantity in standard formats or proformas
interpreting and drawing conclusions from routine charts, bar graphs, pie charts, etc
operations involving percentages, comparisons and variations
reading and interpreting analogue and digital measures including clocks, scales, pressure gauges, thermometers, cash registers
routine estimations and calculations using a range of specified formula and procedures
use of calculators and computer software packages.
Regulatory requirements may include:
Export Control Act
hygiene and sanitation requirements
relevant Australian Standards
relevant regulations
requirements set out in the AS 4696:2007 Australian Standard for Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption
federal, state and territory regulations regarding meat processing.
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 should be demonstrated at the normal speed of production.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Assessment should take place in an operating meat processing plant or food service operation.
Method of assessment
Recommended methods of assessment include:
assignments
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, 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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
E1659 MTMPSR201A Vacuum pack product Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D9015 MTMPSR201C Vacuum pack product Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
W305 MTM20407 Certificate II in Meat Processing (Food Services) Qualification