Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to set up, operate, adjust and shut down a primary packaging process that fills product into cans and hermetically seals containers using a closer or seamer.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy in a food processing packing environment. It typically applies to the production worker responsible for applying basic operating principles to the operation and monitoring of a filling and closing process and associated equipment.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with State/Territory work health and safety, and food safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for work in processing area | 1.1 Read or listen to work instructions from supervisor and clarify where needed 1.2 Identify work health and safety hazards and tell supervisor 1.3 Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure correct fit 1.4 Confirm that materials and packaging components and consumables are available to meet operating and food safety requirements 1.5 Identify and confirm workplace cleaning and maintenance requirements |
2. Prepare the filling and closing process for operation | 2.1 Fit and adjust machine components and related attachments according to work health and safety and operating requirements 2.2 Enter operating parameters to meet safety and production requirements 2.3 Carry out pre-start checks, adjusting equipment performance according to operator instructions |
3. Operate and monitor the filling process | 3.1 Start, operate and monitor the process for variation in operating conditions according to work health and safety and operating procedures 3.2 Monitor the process to confirm that filled and closed containers meet specifications 3.3 Identify, rectify and report out-of-specification equipment, product and process outcomes according to workplace requirements 3.4 Follow and apply workplace cleaning and environmental procedures |
4. Monitor closure and seaming stage | 4.1 Monitor the closing stage to confirm that closures and seams meet specifications 4.2 Identify and report out-of-specification process outcomes according to workplace procedures |
5. Shut down the filling and closing process | 5.1 Identify the appropriate shutdown procedure and implement safely according to operating procedures 5.2 Report maintenance requirements according to workplace procedures 5.3 Maintain workplace records according to workplace procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret workplace and standard operating procedures relevant to job role Interpret production requirements |
Writing | Record operating, routine maintenance and shutdown information on paper-based and electronic media |
Numeracy | Monitor and interpret production and process control indicators and data Monitor supply and flow of materials to and from the process |
Navigate the world of work | Apply workplace procedures to own role and responsibilities Identify skills, knowledge and experience required for performing own role in the workplace Ask questions to clarify understanding or seek further information |
Interact with others | Communicate and report operational and safety information to relevant personnel Use modes of communication suitable to purpose to confirm understanding when conducting operational start-up and shutdown procedures |
Get the work done | Access and interpret process control panels and system Maintain a clean and hazard-free work area Identify out-of-specification standards and maintain quality specifications Confirm equipment status and condition Interpret process and equipment information to monitor process and respond to abnormal performance and variations |
Sectors
Operational (OPR)