WELCOME TO THE MEA OPEN DAY

1

• WELCOME TO THE MEA OPEN DAY

2

• AGENDA
• 1. Introduction to Milking Equipment Association
  R Lane-Nott
•  
• 2. Short introductions by MEA Members
  MEA Members
• 3. Overview of current standards relating to
  milking equipment John Baines
• and their relevance to dairy cow health and milk
  quality
• 4. Installation Report Update Ian Ohnstad 
• 5. Processor and Producer Issues To
  include Stewart Fraser
• - Milk Quality
• - Design
• - Training
• - Use of Automatic Dip and Flush Systems
•  
• 6. Training and Accreditation of Milking Machine
  Technicians R Lane-Nott
• 7. AOB Stewart Fraser 

3

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
•  
•  
• The MEA Technicians will be at 3 levels.
•  
• Level 1 Assistant MEA Technician
• Requirements
• A good understanding of level 1 basic principles
  in the subjects below. Can only work as an
  assistant and under supervision on installation
  and servicing.
•  
• Minimum entry level GSCE English, Maths, Science
  Subject All level C. Discretionary
•  
• Minimum of three months experience for new entry
  with previous industry experience
•  
• Minimum of six months experience for new entry
  with limited skill
•  

4

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• Level 2 Independent MEA Technician
• Requirements
• Level 1 knowledge level 2 good technical
  knowledge of level 2 subjects below. Can
  supervise. Troubleshooting capability and
  product specific knowledge.
•  
• Minimum entry level Successful completion of
  Level 1.
•  
• Minimum of twelve months experience as Level 1.

5

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• Level 3 Master MEA Technician
• Requirements
• Level 1 2 knowledge and experience high level
  of product specific knowledge. Ability to manage
  other Technicians and train within Dealership.
•  
• We have also produced a list of subjects and
  competency levels and these are laid out below.
  The knowledge required for each competency level
  is identified.
•  
• Minimum entry level Successful completion of
  Level 2
•  
• Minimum of two years experience as Level 2
•  

6

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
•  LEVEL 1 MODULES
•  
• Animal physiology (basic) Cow/animal behaviour
• What age a cow produces milk / how it produces
  milk /
• Animal Health
• 5 freedoms
• Milking related problems
• Dead milk time / incomplete milking /
• Best Practice Daily Routines
• Explaining to operator / setup stop start / clean
  room policy / routine maintenance / checking
  vacuum levels
• Principles of Milking Machine
• Pulsation / vacuum / pressure difference / liners
  / two chamber teat cup /
• Project Management
• NIL

7

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
•  LEVEL 1 MODULES
•  
• Milk transport
• Understanding of transport from teat to
  tank/material choice/design/good install guidance
• Vacuum
• Understanding principles of Vacuum/vacuum
  systems/design of Vacuum systems/vacuum pumps/air
  filters/regulators/frequency drives
• Parlour ergonomics
• Understanding of cow positioning(angles)/types
  of milking stalls (basic)/regulations/dimensions/m
  aterial choice/lighting/ventilation/floors, walls
  and ceilings/mounting materials/in parlour
  feeding(IPF)
• Basic plumbing
• Understanding of material science, types of
  material used /tools and machines/regulations/conn
  ection methods/good installation techniques/bits
  and pieces
•  
• Basic Electrical
• Understanding of basic electrical concepts and
  competence requirements to work on electrical
  equipment. Mains qualified electricians are
  exempt. Safe working procedures.
• Administration / Record Keeping

8

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
•  LEVEL 1 MODULES
•  
• Health and Safety
• Health and Safety Overview Employer and Employee
  responsibilities
• Understanding warning labels - Manual Handling
  considerations Safety
• considerations specific to Milking Machine
  environment e.g. chemical Safety data
• sheets, site safety, personal protective
  equipment, road safety,
• Pneumatics
• Basic safety considerations -Pneumatic principles
  and components
• Hydraulics
• Basic safety considerations Basic Hydraulic
  principles and components. Relative
• merits of hydraulics V pneumatics
• Cleaning
• Understanding the need and importance of milking
  equipment cleaning and water

9

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
•  LEVEL 1 MODULES
• Testing
• Understanding of testing concepts and calibration
  techniques
• Service and Maintenance
• Understanding of requirements and risks including
  dairy farm assurance. Ability to
• conduct servicing under supervision.
• Herd Management
• Understanding the cow cycle and the importance of
  record keeping.
• Parlour Design
• Understand the principles of parlour choice.
• Milk yield recording
• Understanding the requirements of milk yield
  recording and sampling.
• Bio Security
• Understand animal disease and zoonoses risks and
  appropriate safety precautions

10

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 2 MODULES
• Level 1 plus Level 2 Modules below
•  
• Animal physiology (basic) Cow/animal behaviour
• Cow behaviour / health / milk synthesis and let
  down / environmental issues/other animal
  behaviour / yield influences
• Animal Health
• Influence from animal health relative to milk
  production / mastitis / hoof care / cow
  environment
• Milking related problems
• Mastitis / cow behaviour/teat condition/ colour
• Best Practice Daily Routines
• Start-up automatic milking machines
• Principles of Milking Machines
• Flow rates / take off systems / judging liners
• Project Management

11

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 2 MODULES
• Level 1 plus Level 2 Modules below
•  
• Milk transport
• Troubleshooting/ Transport from AMS to
  tank/design transport systems for big dairies and
  more complicated installations
• Vacuum
• Troubleshooting /friction in vacuum
  lines/performances/troubleshooting/test ports for
  vacuum and flow/vacuum sources for AMS systems
• Parlour ergonomics
• Troubleshooting/ installation of AMS
  systems/waiting area/cow traffic/ stanchion barns
• Basic plumbing
• NIL
• Basic Electrical
• Knowledge of product electrical installation,
  testing and repair. NOTE Only nationally
  qualified electricians can work on mains supply.
• Administration / Record Keeping

12

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 2 MODULES
• Level 1 plus Level 2 Modules below
•  
• Health and Safety
• COSHH - Risk Assessment
• Pneumatics
• Pneumatic system overview i.e. components -Types
  of Compressor in use-
• Compressed air conditioning - Compressed air
  preparation System Maintenance
• Understanding Pneumatic symbols - Pneumatic
  valves - Pneumatic cylinders
• manufacturer specific training on products that
  use Pneumatic system.
• Hydraulics
• Hydraulic system overview i.e. filters and
  strainers, reservoirs, pumps, piping, tubing
• and hoses, control valves, relief valves,
  cylinders and hydraulic motors. Fittings e.g.
• types and methods of fitting. Role of Hydraulic
  fluids. Maintenance of hydraulic

13

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 2 MODULES
• Level 1 plus Level 2 Modules below
•  
• Electronics and automation.
• Knowledge of parlour automation systems and,
  product specific systems e.g.
• identification feeding recording A good
  trouble-shooting capability
• IT
• A good working knowledge of PC operation and
  installing software
• Testing
• Ability to test to International and company
  standards as required. Understanding
• of location of test points. Interpretation of
  test results. Troubleshooting. Reporting
• test results. Water quality issues.
• Service and Maintenance
• Knowledge of service and maintenance procedures
  (product specific), main

14

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 2 MODULES
• Level 1 plus Level 2 Modules below
•  
• Parlour Design
• Understand the implications of parlour choice.
• Milk yield recording
• Knowledge of calibration of installation,
  Understanding the requirement of official
• bodies for ICAR approved devices.
• Bio Security
• NIL
• Diagnostics
• Understanding product specific equipment.
• Cooling
• Knowledge of cooling systems and installation,
  service and maintenance (optional).

15

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 3 MODULES
• Levels 1 and 2 plus Level 3 Modules below
•  
•  
• Animal physiology (basic) Cow/animal behaviour
• NIL
• Animal Health
• NIL
• Milking related problems
• NIL
• Best Practice Daily Routines
• Managing customer expectations
• Principles of Milking Machines
• NIL

16

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 3 MODULES
• Levels 1 and 2 plus Level 3 Modules below
•  
• Milk transport
• NIL
• Vacuum
• NIL
• Parlour ergonomics
• Design principles
• Basic plumbing
• NIL
• Basic Electrical
• National Electrical qualification
• Administration / Record Keeping

17

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 3 MODULES
• Levels 1 and 2 plus Level 3 Modules below
•  Electronics and automation.
• Advanced trouble-shooting
• IT
• NIL
• Testing
• Dynamic testing. Vacuum reserves. Handling and
  operating industry specific test-
• equipment (e.g. airflow vacuum levels, pulsation
  etc)
• Service and Maintenance
• Advanced Trouble-shooting
• Herd Management
• Ability to conduct advanced herd management.
• Parlour Design

18

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• SUBJECTS AND COMPETENCY LEVELS
• Set out below are the modules for all three
  levels. First the modules are set out for each
  level and then as a complete set of modules.
• LEVEL 3 MODULES
• Levels 1 and 2 plus Level 3 Modules below
• Diagnostics
• Advanced trouble-shooting
• Cooling
• NIL
• Practical Milking In session on a new system
• NIL
• Training
• Understand requirements to facilitate and
  personally deliver training. Capable of
  understanding requirements, preparing and
  delivering a presentation using modern IT
  systems.
• Finance
• A good understanding of principles of financial
  management and stock control of both a service
  department and projects.
•  

19

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  
•  
• Animal physiology (basic) Cow/animal behaviour
• 1. What age a cow produces milk / how it produces
  milk /
• 2 Cow behaviour / health / milk synthesis and let
  down / environmental issues/other animal
  behaviour / yield influences
•  
• Animal Health
• 1. 5 freedoms
• 2. Influence from animal health relative to milk
  production / mastitis / hoof care / cow
  environment
• Milking related problems
• 1. Dead milk time / incomplete milking /
• 2. Mastitis / cow behaviour/teat condition/
  colour
• Best Practice Daily Routines

20

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  
•  
• Principles of Milking Machines
• 1. Pulsation / vacuum / pressure difference /
  liners / two chamber teat cup /
• 2. Flow rates / take off systems / judging liners
•  
• Project Management
• NIL
• Pre-start up and post-start up
• Project manage from pre installation to start up
•  
• Legislative and Standards Constraints
• 1. Dairy products hygiene legislation / ISO
  standards / health and safety / risk assessment
• 2. A good understanding of ISO Standards 6690
  Servicing 5707 Installation robots?
• 3. An implementation of ISO Standards 6690
  Servicing 5707 Installation

21

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  
•  
• Milk transport
• 1. Understanding of transport from teat to
  tank/material choice/design/good in stall
  guidance
• 2. Troubleshooting/ Transport from AMS to
  tank/design transport systems for big dairies and
  more complicated installations
• Vacuum
• 1. Understanding principles of Vacuum/vacuum
  systems/design of Vacuum systems/vacuum pumps/air
  filters/regulators/frequency drives
• 2. Troubleshooting /friction in vacuum
  lines/performances/troubleshooting/test ports for
  vacuum and flow/vacuum sources for AMS systems
•  
• Parlour ergonomics
• 1. Understanding of cow positioning(angles)/type
  s of milking stalls (basic)/regulations/dimensions
  /material choice/lighting/ventilation/floors,
  walls and ceilings/mounting materials/in parlour
  feeding(IPF)
• 2. Troubleshooting/ installation of AMS
  systems/waiting area/cow traffic/ stanchion barns
• 3. Design principles
•  

22

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  
•  Basic Electrical
• 1. Understanding of basic electrical concepts and
  competence requirements to work on electrical
  equipment. Mains qualified electricians are
  exempt. Safe working procedures.
• 2. Knowledge of product electrical installation,
  testing and repair. NOTE Only nationally
  qualified electricians can work on mains supply.
• 3. National Electrical qualification
•  
• Administration / Record Keeping
• 1. Understanding of the importance of keeping
  company records of installation and service work
  and health and safely incident reports.
• 2. Detailed knowledge of Company specific
  installation and other records and their
  completion.
• 3. Maintenance and upkeep of service records and
  databases
•  
• Health and Safety
• 1.Health and Safety Overview Employer and
  Employee responsibilities - Understanding warning
  labels - Manual Handling considerations Safety
  considerations specific to Milking Machine
  environment e.g. chemical Safety data sheets,
  site safety, personal protective equipment, road
  safety,
• 2. COSHH - Risk Assessment
• 3. A thorough understanding of national COSHH
  requirements

23

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  Hydraulics
• 1. Basic safety considerations Basic Hydraulic
  principles and components. Relative merits of
  hydraulics V pneumatics
• 2. Hydraulic system overview i.e. filters and
  strainers, reservoirs, pumps, piping, tubing and
  hoses, control valves, relief valves, cylinders
  and hydraulic motors. Fittings e.g. types and
  methods of fitting. Role of Hydraulic fluids.
  Maintenance of hydraulic system e.g. why the need
  to change oil. Understanding Hydraulic symbols.
  Manufacturer specific training on products that
  use Hydraulic system
•  
• Cleaning
• 1. Understanding the need and importance of
  milking equipment cleaning and water quality.
• 2. Knowledge of time, temperature, mechanics and
  detergents. Troubleshooting. How to monitor and
  evaluate cleaning systems. Product related
  knowledge of automated cleaning systems
•  
• Electronics and automation.
• 1. Understanding of the capability and functions
  of electronic systems and in milking equipment
• 2. Knowledge of parlour automation systems and,
  product specific systems e.g. identification
  feeding recording A good trouble-shooting
  capability
• 3. Advanced trouble-shooting
•  
• IT
• 1. A basic knowledge of pc operation and Windows
  applications

24

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  Testing
• 1. Understanding of testing concepts and
  calibration techniques
• 2. Ability to test to International and company
  standards as required. Understanding of location
  of test points. Interpretation of test results.
  Troubleshooting. Reporting test results. Water
  quality issues.
• 3. Dynamic testing. Vacuum reserves. Handling
  and operating industry specific test-equipment
  (e.g. airflow vacuum levels, pulsation etc)
•  
• Service and Maintenance
• 1. Understanding of requirements and risks
  including dairy farm assurance. Ability to
  conduct servicing under supervision.
• 2. Knowledge of service and maintenance
  procedures (product specific), main requirements,
  frequency and reports. Capability to conduct
  service and maintenance procedures.
  Trouble-shooting experience
• 3. Advanced Trouble-shooting
•  
• Herd Management
• 1. Understanding the cow cycle and the importance
  of record keeping.
• 2. Knowledge of herd management and product
  specific procedures,
• 3. Ability to conduct advanced herd management.

25

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  Parlour Design
• 1. Understand the principles of parlour choice.
• 2. Understand the implications of parlour choice.
• 3. Capable of designing and advising on parlour
  choice
•  
• Milk yield recording
• 1. Understanding the requirements of milk yield
  recording and sampling.
• 2. Knowledge of calibration of installation,
  Understanding the requirement of official bodies
  for ICAR approved devices.
•  
• Bio Security
• 1. Understand animal disease and zoonoses risks
  and appropriate safety precautions and record
  keeping.
•  
• Diagnostics
• 1. -
• 2. Understanding product specific equipment.

26

• MEA TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND ACCREDIATION SCHEME
• ALL MODULES
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
•  Practical Milking In session on a new system
• Milking sessions
• -
• -
•  
• Training
• Understand requirements to facilitate and
  personally deliver training. Capable of
  understanding requirements, preparing and
  delivering a presentation using modern IT
  systems.
•  
• Finance
•  
• A good understanding of principles of financial
  management and stock control of both a service
  department and projects.