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 product using automated packaging equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246510  Package product using automated packaging equipment 
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 3  NQF Level 03  10 
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 working in a packaging environment, who is responsible for operating more than one automated packaging machine, and ensuring the alignment and synchronization of the packaging line.

This unit will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility and within the field of manufacturing and assembly. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the manufacturing environment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe chemical product packaging requirements.
  • Prepare to pack products.
  • Package products.
  • Shut down and clean packaging equipment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Learners will be required to demonstrate the ability to operate a minimum of four pieces of packaging equipment, which may include: cutting, wrapping, flow-wrapping, shrink wrapping, case packing, filling, capping, labelling, extruding, crimping and stamping. Depending on individual work place needs, it is possible for learners to be required to achieve competence against more than the minimum four pieces of equipment. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe and discuss product packaging requirements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Packaging includes but is not limited to, the following types of packaging activities: extruding, filling, labelling, capping, stamping, wrapping, flow wrapping, shrink-wrapping, case pac. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of packaging and its impact on the company and the consumer is explained, from the point of view of marketing, safety, product integrity and quality. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Marketing includes:
  • Branding and Production and Packaging Specifications.

    Product integrity includes:
  • Ethical influence of packaging on the consumer.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Packaged product labelling is explained in terms of information dissemination legislative requirements, and consequences of non-compliance with legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-compliance in terms of the effect on the Manufacturer, the Brand and the Consumer.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Various types of primary and secondary packaging are described in terms of materials, shape and suitability for chemical products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors that influence the efficiency of packaging lines are described and discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    SHEQ, loading of packaging material, setting and alignment of machinery, design of packaging machinery, suitability and quality of packaging material, volumes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to package product. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Product refers to powders, liquids, creams, pastes, gels, waxes, semi-solids and solids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sufficient packaging materials and production services sourced in accordance with the requirements of the production plan. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Packaging materials include but are not limited to:
  • Returnable or non-returnable glass bottles, jars, cans, tins, drums, tubes, plastic bottles, plastic jars, plastic drums, plastic pouches, bags, sachets, cartons, flow and paper wrapping.

    Services include:
  • Electricity, compressed air, chilled water, vacuum.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The work environment is clean and free from hazards in line with documented best practice and standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn so that it protects the operator and prevents the product being spoiled. According to the maker's instructions, company policy and safety legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The status of the entire packing line is verified through hand over documentation and communication with upstream and downstream personnel. Any faults that are identified are rectified in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic equipment is checked to ensure correct settings and good working order. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Electronic equipment includes but is not limited to:
  • Sensors, date code/ribbon, bar code/applicator, safety switches, PLC panel views.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate automated packaging equipment to package products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Packaging equipment is started up and synchronized in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of dispatching non-conforming product to the customer are explained in terms of cost to production and consumer satisfaction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Packing jams are identified and cleared quickly so that production time is not wasted, and the chance of damage to machinery and/or risk to operator safety is kept to a minimum. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Product quality is verified through in-process checks, and non-conforming packaging is dealt with in accordance with company requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Product quality includes:

    Mass, volume, size, leakages, skewed packaging, damaged packaging materials.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Any differences from normal equipment performance are noted and running adjustments made. Differences that are not the responsibility of the operator are reported to the right persons, as shown on the checklists and/or fault-finding guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The work environment is clean and free from hazards in line with documented best practice and standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Shut down and clean packaging equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Shut down of automated packaging equipment is completed by the agreed time, according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cleaning of automated equipment is in line with the requirements of the product being manufactured, the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, standard operating procedures or professional body regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Any problems or difficulties around shut down and cleaning of equipment are noted and solutions are developed to improve performance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hand over, quality and/or productivity documentation is completed accurately, as per organizational or statutory requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    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:
  • Using one's understanding of product packaging to solve problems on the packaging line.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome(s):
  • Prepare to package product.
  • Operate automated packaging equipment to package products.
  • Shut down and clean packaging equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • During start-up and shut-down of packaging equipment.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome(s):
  • Prepare to package product.
  • Operate automated packaging equipment to package products. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Using one's understanding of packaging processes and materials to operate packaging lines according to requirements.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations:
  • Upstream and downstream communication.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome(s):
  • Prepare to package product.
  • Operate automated packaging equipment to package products.
  • Shut down and clean packaging equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • Applying packaging practices according to standard operating procedures.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome(s):
  • Prepare to package product.
  • Operate automated packaging equipment to package products.
  • Shut down and clean packaging equipment. 
    		•

    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:
  • Understanding the relationship between the packaging materials, machinery, services and quality controls, and ensuring that the end product meets consumer requirements.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Understanding the relationship between the packaging materials, machinery, services and quality controls, and ensuring that the end product meets consumer requirements.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58975   National Certificate: Automated Packaging Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.