Collect, grade and prepare eggs for transport

This standard covers the collection, grading and preparation of eggs for transport to either a hatchery or for retail. Collection and grading can be carried out either manually or mechanically. This standard relates to a variety of systems and may include one or more of the following: • Collecting and packing eggs ready to be taken to the grader or packing station • Collecting and traying eggs ready to be taken for incubation and packing eggs unsuitable for hatching • Collecting and preparing eggs to be graded on an on-line grader, where eggs are transported to the grader on a conveyor. When working with livestock or machinery you should be trained and hold current certification, where required. This standard is suitable for those who collect, grade and prepare eggs for transport.

1. be aware of hazards associated with the activity to be carried out

   2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

   3. select, prepare, use and maintain required tools, equipment and

   machinery safely and correctly

   4. collect eggs using methods that minimise stress to the birds, and

   are in accordance with relevant welfare codes and instructions

   5. collect eggs at the right time of day, in accordance with

   instructions

   6. check regularly for any damage to eggs

   7. handle eggs correctly to prevent damage, and prepare them for

   selection

   8. grade eggs accurately and remove eggs that are unsuitable for

   use

   9. apply identification markings that are clear, accurate, complete

   and comply with instructions

   10. position the eggs correctly onto suitable trays

   11. prepare and pack the eggs in the required containers in a manner

   that minimises damage during transport

   12. position containers in the storage area safely and securely, and in

   accordance with instructions

   13. leave the work area and equipment in a condition that, is suitable

   for subsequent use

   14. monitor and maintain storage conditions, in accordance with

   business requirements

   15. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in

   your work

   16. maintain hygiene and bio-security, in accordance with

   instructions

   17. process waste safely and correctly, in accordance with

   instructions

   18. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental

   and health and safety legislation, animal health and welfare

   legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and

   business policies

   19. complete records as required by relevant legislation and the

   business

1. the hazards associated with collecting, grading and preparing

   eggs for transport

   2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

   suitable for the activity

   3. the types of tools, equipment and materials required and how to

   prepare, use, maintain and store these safely and correctly

   4. the methods of collecting eggs that minimises stress to the birds

   5. the importance of the correct timing when collecting eggs

   6. how the egg collection system can damage eggs and how this is

   minimised

   7. the problems that can occur with egg collection and the action that

   should be taken

   8. the different categories of eggs

   9. how to grade eggs

   10. the methods used to prevent contamination and damage to eggs

   11. the identification markings and the importance of checking them

   12. how to apply identification markings

   13. the methods for packing and traying eggs

   14. the signs of poor egg quality and the action to take in this case

   15. the types and condition of the storage areas

   16. the requirements for the storage conditions for the eggs

   17. the problems that can occur with the storage of eggs, and the

   action that should be taken

   18. how to prepare eggs to minimise damage during transport

   19. the limits of your responsibility when collecting, grading and

   preparing eggs for transport

   20. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved

   in your work and how this should be done

   21. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the

   methods for achieving this

   22. the importance of meeting relevant food safety and industry

   quality assurance standards

   23. how to process the different types of waste produced by the

   activity

   24. your responsibilities for the welfare of birds under relevant animal

   health and welfare legislation and codes of practice

   25. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and

   safety legislation, codes of practice and business policies

   26. the methods of stock control, record keeping and reporting used

   by your business

Instructions: verbal or written