1. Organise for bagging operations.
   • Job sheet or work order is reviewed to clearly identify product bagging requirements.
   • Product for bagging is confirmed and available to meet job requirements.
   • Equipment, materials and personnel requirements for safe, effective and efficient bagging operations are identified and organised.
   • Suitable personal protective clothing and equipment are selected, used, maintained and stored according to occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures.
2. Prepare bagging plant for use.
   • Machine components and related attachments are fitted and adjusted to meet safety requirements.
   • Materials for bag are fitted and adjusted to ensure efficient operation, according to manufacturer specifications.
   • Safety devices and alarm systems are checked for correct operation according to manufacturer specifications, enterprise procedures and relevant statutory requirements.
   • Routine pre-operational checks are carried out to meet enterprise procedures and manufacturer specifications.
   • Operational systems are checked, cleaned and calibrated, and batch number and operating parameters are entered as required to meet production requirements.
   • Faulty plant or machinery is identified, safety tagged and reported promptly to supervisor according to enterprise procedures.
   • OHS hazards are identified, reported to supervisor and managed according to enterprise procedures.
   • Environmental implications associated with machinery operation are identified and reported to supervisor.
   • Product to be bagged is obtained and positioned as required to meet production requirements.
3. Start and operate bagging plant.
   • Operational area is checked, and personnel in operational area are informed of initiation of plant operation.
   • Risks to self, others and the environment are recognised and minimised according to enterprise and OHS procedures.
   • Product for bagging is loaded into the bagging plant hopper in required quantities.
   • Bagging plant is started up using correct sequence according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise procedures.
   • Bagging plant is operated in a safe and controlled manner, and monitored for performance and efficiency.
   • Input materials are monitored, and non-conformances clearly identified and handled according to enterprise procedures and manufacturer specifications.
   • Processing outputs are monitored and adjustments to plant operation are made to meet job specifications.
   • Out-of-specification product or process outcomes are identified and reported to supervisor and appropriate action is taken as directed.
   • Bagged product is labelled, palletised or stacked and wrapped according to enterprise procedures and customer requirements.
4. Shut down bagging plant.
   • Bagging plant and machinery shut-down procedures are carried out to manufacturer specifications and enterprise procedures.
   • Routine maintenance of bagging plant and machinery is carried out to remove debris and contaminants and ensure safe and efficient operation.
   • Bagging plant and equipment is cleaned, secured and stored according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise procedures.
   • Unsafe plant or equipment is reported to supervisor and tagged or locked out.
5. Maintain records.
   • Bagging plant operational records are maintained accurately and promptly according to enterprise procedures.
   • Any required maintenance, damage, malfunctions and irregular performance of machinery is recorded and addressed according to enterprise procedures.
6. Check product to confirm readiness for distribution.
   • Palletised or stacked product is inspected and checked to confirm compliance with job sheet and enterprise procedures.
   • Product is transported to and positioned in holding area with labels and bar codes clearly visible.
   • Supervisor or product dispatcher is informed of product readiness for dispatch according to enterprise procedures.
   • Product awaiting distribution is checked for temperature rise during storage and any out-of-range readings are reported to supervisor.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required skills include

calibrating bagging components

communicating with work team and supervisor

completing workplace records

correctly using emergency and personal protective equipment

demonstrating batchproduct changeovers that maintain product quality and hygiene

demonstrating safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

maintaining work area to meet housekeeping standards

operating machinery and equipment to industry standards

reading and applying manufacturer specifications work instructions maintenance plans and material safety data sheets MSDS

recording and reporting equipment faults and workplace hazards and accidents

Required knowledge includes

basic principles of the bagging process

characteristics of product that is fit for bagging

product quality and hygiene

purpose of packaging coding requirements and related legal requirements including product weight

basic operating principles of the equipment which may include

operational understanding of main equipment components status and purpose of guards equipment operating capacities and applications

purpose and location of sensors and related feedback instrumentation

knowledge of services required and action to take if services are not available

methods used to monitor the process

inspection or test points control points in the process and related procedures and recording requirements

equipment cleaning requirements

flow of this process and effect on downstream processes

packaging quality and seal integrity

effect of variation in inputs which may include ingredient quality and condition packaging components and consumables andor services on process performance

OHS hazards and controls

emergency and routine shutdowns and procedures to follow in the event of a power outage

product and batch changeover procedures

lockout and tagout procedures and responsibilities

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function such as

RTCA Maintain properties and structures

RTC2210A Maintain properties and structures

RTCA Follow OHS procedures

RTC2701A Follow OHS procedures

RTEA Recognise raw materials production processes and products on a composting site

RTE2507A Recognise raw materials, production processes and products on a composting site.

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

The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below

Assessment must confirm ones ability to

select and use various features and controls of a range of bagging plant

carry out work plans

determine appropriate operating methods

carry out routine maintenance and adjustments

report faults and workplace hazards

monitor operations

maintain records

apply safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

Context and specific resources for assessment

Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and must be assessed in a commercialscale composting facility or in a situation that reproduces andor simulates operational conditions

For valid assessment one should have opportunities to participate in exercises case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge specified in this unit

The candidate should also have access to the following resources

compost bagging plant

loadshifting machinery

personal protective equipment

products and materials for handling and bagging

bagging plant cleaning equipment

job sheets

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in performance competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and where possible over a number of assessment activities

The skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency must allow for application in a broad industry context and should be transferable to a range of work environments including the ability to deal with unplanned events For example this could include work within compost bagging operations of varying scale producing a range of different composts and valueadded products to meet the demands of different markets located in an urban or rural context with varying environmental constraints and using various equipment practices technologies and management systems

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.