Unit of competency Outline

Information current as of
12/09/2026 2:15 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.

Sharpen knives

Sharpen knives

Unit of competency
National Code
MTMPSR203A
State Code
D9017
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/07/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/07/2014
Original Release Date
22/07/2011
Nominal Hours
40
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to maintain knives for safe and effective use in a meat establishment.
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Sharpen knives
  • 1.1. Knives are sharpened according to workplace requirements.
  • 1.2. Knives are sharpened to maintain bevel edge.
  • 1.3. Steel is used correctly to maintain bevel edge and to meet OH&S requirements.
2. Work safely with others
  • 2.1. Knives are used in ways which minimise the risk of injury.
  • 2.2. Knives are used safely at all times in accordance with OH&S, hygiene and sanitation, and food safety requirements.
3. Maintain knives and associated equipment
  • 3.1. Knives are maintained to hygiene and sanitation, and workplace requirements.
  • 3.2. Knife-sharpening equipment is maintained, cleaned and stored to hygiene and sanitation, and workplace requirements.
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.
Knives include:
boning
steak
skinning.
Workplace requirements may include:
enterprise-specific requirements
OH&S requirements
Quality Assurance (QA) requirements
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
the ability to perform the task to production requirements
work instructions.
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.
Knife sharpening equipment includes:
sharpening stone
steels
setters
hollow grinders.
Regulatory requirements may include:
Export Control Act
federal, state and territory regulations regarding meat processing
hygiene and sanitation requirements
relevant Australian Standards
relevant regulations
requirements set out in AS 4696:2007 Australian Standard for Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption.
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 must be demonstrated in conjunction with a skill or task requiring the use of a knife.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Assessment can be carried out in an actual or simulated workplace.
Method of assessment
Recommended methods of assessment include:
quiz of underpinning knowledge
workplace demonstration
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 or Torres Strait Islander, 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
W6853 MTMMP11C Sharpen knives Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVW33 AMPX209 Sharpen knives Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
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