Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to operate packaging processes that incorporate gas flushing.

Application of the unit 

Operators in smallgoods manufacturing, value-adding and food services establishments would require this competency to package and extend shelf life of product.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Set up gas flushing packaging process

1.1. Machinery is set up for packaging process  according to workplace , Occupational Health and Safety (OH &S ), hygiene and sanitation requirements  and manufacturer's specifications.

1.2. Gas cylinders are set up and checked according to workplace requirements and supplier's specifications.

2. Set up requirements for packaging

2.1. Requirements for packaging  are set up and placed in appropriate positions on packaging line according to workplace, OH&S, and hygiene and sanitation requirements.

3. Operate gas flushing process to throughput requirements

3.1. Packaging machinery is operated to throughput requirements for a variety of products according to manufacturer's specifications and workplace, OH&S, Quality Assurance (QA) and hygiene and sanitation requirements.

4. Report and/or fix operating problems on equipment and auxiliaries

4.1. Operating problems are reported and/or fixed according to workplace requirements.

5. Check packaged product against specifications

5.1. Packaged product is assessed according to workplace, and hygiene and sanitation requirements.

5.2. Appropriate action is taken if product is out-of- specifications

5.3. Packaged product is labelled according to workplace requirements.

6. Perform gas flushing

6.1. Gas flushing is performed according to workplace requirements.

7. Replace gas cylinders

7.1. Empty gas cylinders are replaced according to workplace where part of work instructions.

7.2. Procedures for removing empty cylinders and replacing with full cylinders are followed.

8. Clean machinery and accessories

8.1. Machinery and accessories are cleaned according to manufacturer's specifications and workplace, OH&S, and hygiene and sanitation requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Ability to:

• set up and place the requirements for packaging in appropriate positions on packaging line to workplace, OH&S, and hygiene and sanitation requirements
• set up and check gas cylinders to workplace requirements and supplier's specifications
• set up the machinery for packaging process to workplace, OH&S, hygiene and sanitation requirements and manufacturer's specifications
• conduct gas flushing process to workplace requirements
• operate packaging machinery to throughput requirements for a variety of products to manufacturer's specifications and workplace, OH&S, QA, and hygiene and sanitation requirements
• assess packaged product to workplace, and hygiene and sanitation requirements
• label packaged product to workplace requirements
• take appropriate action if product is out-of-specification
• apply communication  and mathematical skills  appropriate to the task
• work effectively as an individual and as part of a team
• explain  the gas flushing process
• apply relevant OH&S and regulatory requirements 
• take action to improve own work performance as a result of self-evaluation, feedback from others, or in response to changed work practices or technology

Required knowledge 

• types of packaging where gas flushing is included
• workplace requirements related to checking the packaged product against specifications
• workplace requirements related to the gas flushing process of packaging
• relevant OH&S and regulatory requirements

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

The meat industry has specific and clear requirements for evidence. A minimum of three forms of evidence is required to demonstrate competency in the meat industry. This is specifically designed to provide evidence that covers the demonstration in the workplace of all aspects of competency over time.

These requirements are in addition to the requirements for valid, current, authentic and sufficient evidence.

Three forms of evidence means three different kinds of evidence - not three pieces of the same kind. In practice it will mean that most of the unit is covered twice. This increases the legitimacy of the evidence.

All assessment must be conducted against Australian meat industry standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Competency must be demonstrated over time and under typical operating conditions for the enterprise.

Context of , and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must occur in the workplace under normal production conditions.

Resources may include:

• appropriate packaging materials
• gas flushing equipment compliant with OH&S requirements
• manufacturer's requirements
• product specifications
• workplace procedures
• workplace environment.

Method of assessment 

Recommended methods of assessment include:

• observation over time by workplace referee
• quiz
• workplace demonstration
• supplementary evidence, such as an examination and analysis of a range of out-of-specification product and determination of corrective action required.

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander, gender, or language backgrounds other than English. Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role.

Guidance information for assessment 

A current list of resources for this Unit of Competency is available from MINTRAC www .mintrac .com .au  or telephone 1800 817 462.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Packaging processes  using gas flushing may include:

• controlled modified atmosphere packaging
• thermoforming.

Workplace  requirements may include:

• enterprise-specific procedures
• OH&S requirements
• QA requirements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• the ability to perform the task to production requirements
• work instructions.

OH &S  requirements may include:

• enterprise OH&S policies, procedures and programs
• OH&S legal requirements
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include:

• coats and aprons
• ear plugs or muffs
• eye and facial protection
• head-wear
• lifting assistance
• protective boot covers
• protective hand and arm covering
• protective head and hair covering
• uniforms
• waterproof clothing
• work, safety or waterproof footwear

• requirements set out in standards and codes of practice.

Hygiene and sanitation requirements  may include:

• relevant government regulations
• workplace requirements.

Packaging requirements  may include:

• cartons
• labels
• plastic containers
• plastic film.

Communication skills  include:

• communicating with diverse individuals and groups
• listening and understanding
• reading and interpreting workplace-related documentation
• speaking clearly and directly.

Mathematical skills  relate to own work and work area problem solving and may include:

• accurate recording of time, volume and quantity in standard formats or proformas
• interpreting and drawing conclusions from routine charts, bar graphs, pie charts, etc
• routine estimations and calculations using a range of specified formula and procedures.

Explanations  may be:

• completed with the assistance of others
• directly related to own work and work area problem-solving
• in everyday workplace language and include mathematical language and commonly used technical terms
• presented in writing using standard formats or proformas, diagrams, symbols and charts
• presented orally.

Regulatory requirements  may include:

• Export Control Act
• hygiene and sanitation requirements
• relevant Australian Standards
• relevant regulations
• requirements set out in AS 4696:2007 Australian Standard for Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption
• state and territory regulations regarding meat processing.

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field