Control an automated de-hairing or de-feathering system

URN: IMPPO124
Business Sectors (Suites): Meat and Poultry Processing
Developed by: Improve
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about the skills and knowledge needed for you to control an automated de-hairing and/or de-feathering system in food operations. Controlling an automated de-hairing and/or de-feathering system is important to the production of meat and poultry that meets production requirements and quality specifications. Understanding how to control an automated de-hairing and or de-feathering system is important to the production of a final product that meets quality specification.
 
You will need to be able to prepare to control a scalding system, a de-hairing or de-feathering system and/or a singeing system. You must also be able to adhere to regulatory and organisational requirements, address problems within the limits of your responsibility and control operation of these systems. You should also have an understanding of how the green circular economy supports repeated use of resources and products within your organisation.
 
This standard is for you if you work in food operations and are involved in operation of an automated de-hairing and/or de-feathering system.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. prepare to control a de-hairing or de-feathering system according to organisational requirements and standards
  2. wear and use personal protective equipment according to regulatory standards and organisational requirements
  3. check cleanliness and availability of services to de-hairing or de-feathering equipment
  4. check availability of carcass to de-hairing system
  5. start de-hairing or de-feathering system
  6. communicate readiness for scalding process to relevant colleagues
  7. control operation of the scalding system
  8. maintain rate of scalding to ensure rate of production is maintained
  9. control operation of the de-hairing or de-feathering or singeing system
  10. maintain rate of de-hairing or de-feathering or singeing to ensure rate of production is maintained
  11. check de-hairing or de-feathering or singeing against organisational quality specifications
  12. make carcass available to next stage of production process

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the organisational requirements and regulatory procedures that must be adhered to when operating an automated de-hairing system
  2. the specific health and safety standards to be adhered to when operating an automated de-hairing or de-feathering system
  3. the personal protective equipment required when operating an automated de- hairing or de-feathering system
  4. the key features of an automated de-hairing or de-feathering system
  5. why carcasses are scalded before de-hairing or de-feathering can take place
  6. the optimum time temperature for carcass scalding prior to de-hairing or de- feathering
  7. how the scalding time and temperature can vary depending on the time of year
  8. why it is important to keep the carcass moving during scalding
  9. why singeing of pork carcasses is carried out
  10. signs of ineffective de-hairing or de-feathering
  11. why it is important to communicate to relevant colleagues when ineffective de- hairing/de-feathering has taken place
  12. the limits of your own authority and competence and why it is important to work within those limits
  13. what recording, reporting and communication is needed, how to carry this out and the reasons why it is important to do so

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2028

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Improve

Original URN

IMPPO124

Relevant Occupations

Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Manufacturing Technologies, Plant and Machine Operatives, Process Operatives

SOC Code

8111

Keywords

Meat, poultry, de-hairing, de-feathering, scalding, system, food