Training Requirements
All operators must be trained in brain stem sampling before approval can be granted
The training element requires that a plant must have an operative who is registered with VLA Newcastle as trained or competent in cattle brain stem sampling. This information will be shared with Animal Health who will ensure that a site does not begin sampling until the operative is on this list.
To ensure that you or your plant operative is trained/competent and appears on this list:
Current brain stem sampling sites under contract to RPA: Staff who work on these sites and who regularly submit samples from these sites are considered as trained by VLA Newcastle. Such sites should contact VLA Newcastle with a list of staff who are experienced samplers in order to ensure that they all appear on the list and certificates of training are dispatched.
All other sites: There are several options
- Where previously trained staff have recent (within 6 months) experience of taking samples satisfactorily, the premises should contact VLA Newcastle to explain the circumstances and VLA will confirm with the applicant that the operative in question appears on the list of trained/competent personnel or can be added to the list and issued with a certificate.
- Where previously trained staff do not have recent (within 6 months) experience of taking samples satisfactorily, sites with access to under 24month bovines should request a sampling consumable package from VLA Newcastle. The operative should then take a specimen sample from an under 24month bovine and submit to VLA Newcastle. Technicians at the laboratory will then assess the sample and determine whether the technique for sample taking has been appropriate. If it is deemed appropriate a certificate of competence will be issued by the VLA for the person who took the sample. If the technique is deemed to be inappropriate or the operative does not currently have access to under 24month bovines, then option iii) or iv) or v) should be taken
- Advise VLA Newcastle that training is required. If the operative who requires training has access to sufficient number of under 24month bovine carcasses then training on site can be arranged with VLA Newcastle
- Advise VLA Newcastle that training is required. If the operative who requires training does not have access to sufficient number of under 24month bovine carcases then such training can be arranged at the local VLA Regional Office.
- Operatives who hold a valid certificate of training/competence from VLA are able to provide cascade training in how to take a sample to other staff at their site or at other sites who wish to undertake this work. A cascade training form should be completed and returned to VLA Newcastle upon completion of such cascade training. Such forms can be requested from VLA Newcastle.
Upon agreement by VLA Newcastle that an individual has met the competence criteria they will be provided with a certificate of training/competence. In addition the VLA will notify Animal Health (AH) that such training has taken place and AH will be in a position to allow a plant to operate as long as ABP and TSE requirements of this work have also been met.
This certificate of training/competence or copy of cascade training document
must be presented on request by AH at approval and/or routine audit visits in order to continue operation. You can find the casade of training form on the publication pages.