SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Package manufactured products using an automated or semi-automated packaging machine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246477  Package manufactured products using an automated or semi-automated packaging machine 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for a person who has to operate an automated or semi-automated packaging machine to package manufactured products for distribution to clients or to downstream production units.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Explain the fundamentals of the operation of a packaging machine.
  • Operate a packaging machine.
  • Monitor and control the performance of a packaging machine.
  • Maintain the integrity of the work environment.

    This will ensure that the running of a packaging machine to package products is performed in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where knowledge of packaging is needed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Description of required skills: This unit standard has been designed as an introduction to the operating of a packaging machine and does not assume prior learning or experience.
  • Persons attempting this unit standard are required to read, understand and interpret textbooks of a technical nature. It is therefore recommended that they have achieved ABET Level 4/NQF Level 1 or equivalent accreditation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The packaging machine may be completely integrated or consist of two or more loose standing sections. Automated and semi-automated machine includes a range of machines from those requiring limited intervention to others where a full time operator is required to perform certain manual functions.

    The context of this unit standard includes but is not limited to cartoners, case packers, banders, shrink wrappers, heat tunnels, drum-, bottle- and container fillers.
    It also includes that:
  • All work practices must meet recognised codes of practice and documented workplace health and safety and environmental procedures (where these exceed code) for personal, product and workplace health and safety, and must meet the obligations required under current legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
  • All work practices must meet documented workplace quality management requirements. This includes the recording (by electronic or non-electronic means) of activities, events, and decisions.
  • All communications made in relation to this unit standard must be made in accordance with workplace procedures for content, recipient, timing and method.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of technical skills and offers a considerable choice of procedures. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in advanced trade and technical occupations. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand the fundamentals of a packaging machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operation and capacity of a packaging machine is described in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operating components and process controls of a packaging machine are identified and its purpose is explained in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazards associated with a packaging machine are identified and the role of protective equipment and safety features are explained in accordance with workplace instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Safety features may include but are not limited to energy isolation procedures, lockouts, emergency stops, and guards.
  • Hazards may include but are not limited to in running nips, moving parts, automated processes, sharp edges, hot materials and machine parts, chemicals, noise and compressed air.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Raw material handling, loading, and threading up techniques are described in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of non-conformance with workplace standards are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Run a packaging machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safe work practices are identified and used in accordance with workplace instructions and legal requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Practices may include but are not limited to energy isolation procedures, lock outs, emergency stops, machine guarding, wearing of appropriate safety equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Raw materials are loaded in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The packaging machine is started up, operated, and shut down in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Setting and/or adjustment of system enables product quality to be achieved in accordance with workplace instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Production requirements include product quality and production rate.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Worn or damaged parts are identified and reported in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Incoming products to be packaged are assessed against specification and action is taken on non-conforming products in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The packaging machine and work area are cleaned in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor and control the performance of the packaging machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Maintain process requirements, plant performance and product quality in accordance with workplace instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This includes monitoring and interpretation of feedback information, and adjustment of control parameters.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Packaged product meets specifications in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Utilisation targets are maintained and waste is minimised in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rejection of packaging is carried out in accordance with workplace instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    No in-specification packaging is rejected; all out-of-specification packaging is rejected.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Waste is disposed of in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain the integrity of the work environment. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    To be assessed in an integrated fashion with all the previous Specific Outcomes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Prescribed housekeeping guidelines are adhered to. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The range of housekeeping procedures includes, but is not limited to:
  • Keeping the work area neat and organised.
  • Disposing of and/or recycling worn spares in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
  • Discarding waste and empty containers in accordance with workplace and environmental guidelines.
  • Cleaning spillages in accordance with standard workplace instructions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Workshop administration and documentation are completed in accordance with standard workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Health, safety environmental protection instructions and measures are adhered to at all times. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The range includes, but is not limited to:
  • Measures to protect the person and other employees from personal injury and health risks (eyes, ears, lungs, feet, body, head).
  • Prevention of contamination of the environment.
  • Functionality and safety of tools and equipment.
  • Use of and compliance to warning signs and symbols.
  • Compliance with demarcated areas.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All prescribed reporting and communication is performed in accordance with workplace instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reporting and communication includes, but is not limited to:
  • Following the correct channels.
  • Acting within levels of authority.
  • Adhering to delegated decision-making powers.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 2 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an Assessor with considerable first hand experience in process operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions is required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and is able to:
  • Explain the fundamentals of the operation of a packaging machine.
  • Operate a packaging machine.
  • Monitor and control the performance of a packaging machine.
  • Maintain the integrity of the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Identifying machines and packaging processes.
  • Identifying hazards and risks associated with the processes and describe relevant precautions.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Interacting with others to achieve consistent outcomes.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Run a packaging machine.
  • Maintain the integrity of the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Working to achieve consistent results required by the packaging process.
  • Participating in life-long learning.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Monitoring and record process variables.
  • Bringing process and product deviations under control.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Run a packaging machine.
  • Monitor and control the performance of the packaging machine. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Recording process/product variables and actions taken to rectify.
  • Responding to questions and requests for additional information.
  • Liaising with relevant operational support units.
  • Reporting incidents and conditions.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome:
  • Maintain the integrity of the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Carrying out pre-checks on process and equipment.
  • Monitoring the process.
  • Bringing process/product variables under control.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Run a packaging machine.
  • Monitor and control the performance of the packaging machine. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Explaining the purpose of the process as well as the relationship to the supplier and customer's process/requirements.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome:
  • Understand the fundamentals of a packaging machine. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Workplace Instructions: Workplace instructions refers to instructions to staff on policy and procedures (including the application of legislation to workplace situations) which are formally documented, and are available for reference at the workplace. Examples are standard operating procedures, specifications, manuals, manufacturer's information, and operating throughput levels.
  • Standard operating procedures: The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities.

    Application:

    This unit standard may also find application within:
  • NSB 01: Agricultural and nature conservation. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58955   National Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.