Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:44 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Incubate eggs

Incubate eggs

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPLY304A
State Code
D7171
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/02/2014
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
25/02/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the process of receiving and storing eggs, preparing eggs for hatching and monitoring the incubation of eggs and defines the standard required to: store and handle fertile eggs; provide a standardised repeatable environment (temperature, humidity and airflow) to incubate eggs; obtain a high hatch percentage; monitor and operate setter and hatcher and carry out contingency measures if necessary; fumigate setter and hatcher using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and exclusion procedures; remove and dispose of waste materials and chemicals according to environmental and disease management procedures.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive eggs into hatchery
  • 1.1. Occupational health&safety hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.
  • 1.2. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.
  • 1.3. Delivery vehicle is monitored to ensure door remains sealed.
  • 1.4. Eggs are unloaded at hatchery and quality monitored.
  • 1.5. All required information recorded accurately and promptly in accordance with organisational requirements.
2. Store eggs
  • 2.1. Eggs are stored as instructed with regard to position, temperature, humidity and period of storage according to industry standards.
  • 2.2. Eggs are transferred from delivery dollies/trolleys to setter dollies/trolleys.
  • 2.3. Eggs are attached to the turning machine to ensure maximum viability is maintained.
  • 2.4. All lifting and bending is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety and lifting equipment.
  • 2.5. Egg stock is managed to minimise egg age on setting.
  • 2.6. Temperature, humidity and airflow are monitored to maintain required settings.
3. Prepare to incubate eggs
  • 3.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program where necessary, and confirmed with management.
  • 3.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the production process.
  • 3.3. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and maintained if necessary.
4. Monitor and operate setter
  • 4.1. Setter readings are accurately taken and recorded.
  • 4.2. Alarms are recognised and specified sequence of operations carried out during a breakdown as set out by the employer.
  • 4.3. Setter is operated, repaired and maintained according to establishment practice.
  • 4.4. Temperature probes are calibrated with known standards.
5. Transfer eggs to hatcher
  • 5.1. Dollies moved to the egg handling/transfer area safely and in the sequence required by the organisation.
  • 5.2. Temperature, humidity and airflow are checked to ensure specified equipment operation and adjustment.
  • 5.3. Where required by the organisation, fumigant is measured and placed according to label instructions and safe work practices.
  • 5.4. Hatcher is fumigated and gases exhausted according to manufacturers instructions.
  • 5.5. Eggs are transferred to hatching trays in sequence according to organisation procedures.
6. Fumigate setter or hatcher
  • 6.1. Need for fumigation is determined from supervisors instructions, production/hygiene management plan, or management practice.
  • 6.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls are implemented.
  • 6.3. Fumigant and apparatus are prepared according to manufacturer's instructions and in line with established safe working procedures.
  • 6.4. Setter or hatcher is sealed and fumigated to ensure maximum exposure of the fumigant to disease-causing organisms.
  • 6.5. Shed is aired to ensure evacuation of toxicants prior to re-entry of staff, re-installation of equipment, and placement of eggs.
7. Monitor and operate hatcher
  • 7.1. Manual readings are accurately taken and recorded.
  • 7.2. Adjustments to temperature, humidity and airflow are carried out when instructed according to establishment standards.
  • 7.3. Alarms are recognised and a correct sequence of operations carried out during a breakdown as set out by employer.
8. Complete hygiene and administration activities
  • 8.1. Waste material is removed from the incubation area and disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to organisational work procedures.
  • 8.2. Tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, maintained and stored according to organisational work procedures.
  • 8.3. A clean and safe area is maintained throughout and upon completion of work according to organisational work procedures.
  • 8.4. Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to organisational work procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Incubating eggs may include:
all poultry species and breeds produced in an intensive environment.
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

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:
store and handle fertile eggs
provide a standardised repeatable environment (temperature, humidity and airflow) to incubate eggs
obtain a high hatch percentage
monitor and operate setter and hatcher and carry out contingency measures if necessary
fumigate setter and hatcher, using PPE and exclusion procedures
remove and dispose of waste materials and chemicals according to environmental and disease management procedures.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3524 RTE2109A Incubate eggs Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAS32 AHCPLY304 Incubate eggs Unit of competency