Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to set up, operate and monitor a portion saw.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy in a food processing environment. It typically applies to the production worker responsible for applying basic operating principles to the operation and monitoring of a portion saw.
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 Confirm materials are available to meet operating requirements 1.2 Identify and confirm cleaning and maintenance requirements and status according to work health and safety and food safety requirements 1.3 Wear appropriate personal protective clothing and ensure correct fit |
2. Prepare portion saw for operation | 2.1 Fit machine components and related attachments and adjust to meet operating requirements 2.2 Ensure safety guards and covers are in place 2.3 Carry out pre-start checks according to work health and safety and operating procedures |
3. Operate the portion saw to achieve required outcome | 3.1 Position portions to be cut according to operational requirements 3.2 Pass portion over the blade and cut to meet specifications 3.3 Monitor equipment to identify variation in operating conditions and report maintenance requirements 3.4 Monitor quality and accuracy of cuts to confirm that specifications are met 3.5 Inspect and clean equipment according to workplace procedures and food safety requirements 3.6 Follow and apply workplace housekeeping and environmental procedures 3.7 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)