Martyn Gerrish

To assist Dairy manager as required. To rectify findings on audits within the Dairy, and to be responsible for milk intake on a Friday. This position is part time, 20 hours a week Wednesday-Friday and some weekend cover.

When I first started my first project was to help the lab achieve lab accreditation via the Lab Cred scheme.This involved setting up tests and writing procedures to go with these tests.

I was responsible for the day to day running of the

laboratory answering to the Technical Manager.

the testing involved chemistry tests using the Gerber fat method; pH testing moisture using a moisture analyzer and salt using a salt analyzer for cheese. Fat by Gerber and by FPD for milk.

Microbiological testing for Enteros; TVC; Yeast and Moulds; E.Coli and Staph's using Petri films and spread plate methods.

Other testing involved water; equipment swabs, drain swabs and other tests as required.

I also helped train several lab assistants during my time working in the laboratory.

I started as a dairy operative. I applied and was successful when a laboratory vacancy came up.

I Learnt microbiological testing using the pour plate method, testing for Coilforms, including E.Coli; TVC and Yeast and Moulds.

Chemistry testing for milk and cream using the Gerber method and a milk analyzer. Titrated acidity; pH; total solids using the oven method.

Monitoring the effluent plant using the Chemical Oxygen Demand test.

By the time I left I had become a team leader.