Application of this unit

This competency applies to operators who package products and materials for despatch or storage. The key factors are correctly identifying the packaging requirements and using the technology required to package the goods/materials. It includes:

identifying and interpreting the packaging requirements

selecting the appropriate technology for packaging

loading the product or material for on-forwarding

packaging the load

labelling the goods/materials after packaging.

clearing up and leaving work area in a safe condition

completing packaging documentation.

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.

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

Knowledge and understanding of the equipment and packaging processes sufficient to recognise potential problems and to take appropriate action.

Knowledge of organisation standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements, along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the equipment and packaging process.

Competence includes the ability to apply and/or describe:

packaging procedures and processes

safe set up of individual work area

storage requirements for safety and efficiency

production workflow requirements for packaging

packaging methods to minimise waste

identification symbols

correct OHS procedures

approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup

waste management and importance of re-using non-conforming materials wherever possible

correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures

distinguish between causes of faults such as products, equipment, packaging materials and items of equipment.

Competence also includes the ability to:

plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task

distinguish between causes of problems such aspackaging and labelling requirements and goods being damaged after packaging.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product/material specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is required, eg to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required skills and knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge. x

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability torecognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

packaging standards are met consistently

procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly

problems are identified and action is taken (ie the problem is fixed or reported)

all safety procedures are followed

product/material damage due to handling errors is minimised

mislabelling opportunities are minimised

problems relating to work are diagnosed and solved or reported

waste is minimised

effective communication between team members, supervisors and other staff is maintained.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur using industrial equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by observation over time on a processing plant

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. 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.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to persons handling a range of products, materials technology and the varied range of process procedures within an organisation. It includes the operation of all relevant ancillary equipment.

The terms documentation, labels and records means any and all relevant information and data whether it is manual, paper based, electronic or verbal, either in person or by phone/radio.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards. These may include:

original manufacturer instructions and guidelines for the use of equipment

relevant procedures relating to safe working practices prescribed for the equipment, product or material

local OHS legislation and/or regulations

site-specific instructions based on production requirements.

Tools and equipment

This competency may include use of equipment and tools such as:

mobile plant/fork lifts

manual handling equipment

hand tools

shrink wrappers

tape machine labellers

loose bulk packing equipment.

computers, bar code readers

bag filling equipment

pallets

wrapping machines

personal protective equipment (PPE)

distribution equipment including A-frames, stillages, containers, elevated platforms and communication equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards may include:

inappropriate movements and postures

physical and atmospheric hazards of materials

height or depth of storage receptacles

stationary and moving machinery, parts or components

noise, light, energy sources

humidity, air temperature, radiant heat

manual handling hazards.

Problems

'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:

equipment malfunctions

product specifications

handling specifications

insufficient space

unusual size, shape or mass of products or materials

insufficient goods to complete order

conflicting priorities

incomplete or incorrect paperwork.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

types of products or materials to be packed

packing heights

types of equipment

types of workplace documentation

atmospheric conditions

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.