Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:44 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:44 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Operate a portion saw
Operate a portion saw
Unit of competency
National Code
FDFOP2047A
FDFOP2047A
State Code
D4635
D4635
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/07/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
31/07/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to set up, operate and adjust a portion saw.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare portion saw for operation
- 1.1. Safety guards and covers are in place
- 1.2. Pre-start checks are carried out as required by workplace requirements
2. Operate the portion saw to achieve required outcome
- 2.1. Portions to be cut are positioned
- 2.2. The portion is passed over the blade and cut to meet specifications
- 2.3. Equipment is monitored to identify variation in operating conditions
- 2.4. Variation in equipment operation is identified and maintenance requirements are reported according to workplace reporting requirements
- 2.5. Quality and accuracy of cuts is monitored to confirm that specifications are met
- 2.6. Equipment is inspected and cleaned according to workplace procedures
- 2.7. Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines
- 2.8. The work area is maintained according to housekeeping standards
- 2.9. Workplace records are maintained according to workplace recording requirements
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.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements, and industrial awards and agreements
Legislative requirements
Legislative requirements are typically reflected in procedures and specifications. Legislation relevant to this industry includes:
the Food Standards Code, including labelling, weights and measures legislation
legislation covering food safety, environmental management, OHS, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity
Workplace information
Workplace information may include:
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
specifications
production schedules and instructions
manufacturers' advice
standard forms and reports
Equipment
Equipment includes:
portion saw that is fixed in position
materials handling equipment as required
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.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements, and industrial awards and agreements
Legislative requirements
Legislative requirements are typically reflected in procedures and specifications. Legislation relevant to this industry includes:
the Food Standards Code, including labelling, weights and measures legislation
legislation covering food safety, environmental management, OHS, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity
Workplace information
Workplace information may include:
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
specifications
production schedules and instructions
manufacturers' advice
standard forms and reports
Equipment
Equipment includes:
portion saw that is fixed in position
materials handling equipment as required
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
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
conduct pre-start checks on portion saw
start, operate, monitor and adjust process equipment to achieve required quality outcomes
take corrective action in response to typical faults and inconsistencies
complete workplace records as required
apply safe work practices and identify OHS hazards and controls
safely shut down equipment
apply food safety procedures to work practices.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
personal protective clothing and equipment, including a mesh glove
work procedures, including advice on safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements
information on equipment capacity and operating parameters
production schedule/batch instructions
specifications, control points and processing parameters
portion saw and related equipment and services
carcasses/pieces to be cut into portions
documentation and recording requirements and procedures
cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required.
Method of assessment
This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role. Examples could be:
FDFOP2004A Clean and sanitise equipment
FDFOP2011A Conduct routine maintenance.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's 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 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
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
conduct pre-start checks on portion saw
start, operate, monitor and adjust process equipment to achieve required quality outcomes
take corrective action in response to typical faults and inconsistencies
complete workplace records as required
apply safe work practices and identify OHS hazards and controls
safely shut down equipment
apply food safety procedures to work practices.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
personal protective clothing and equipment, including a mesh glove
work procedures, including advice on safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements
information on equipment capacity and operating parameters
production schedule/batch instructions
specifications, control points and processing parameters
portion saw and related equipment and services
carcasses/pieces to be cut into portions
documentation and recording requirements and procedures
cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required.
Method of assessment
This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role. Examples could be:
FDFOP2004A Clean and sanitise equipment
FDFOP2011A Conduct routine maintenance.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's 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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1196 | FDFPOPS2A | Operate a portion saw | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBH61 | FBPOPR2047 | Operate a portion saw | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D678 | FDF20111 | Certificate II in Food Processing | Qualification |
| D681 | FDF20911 | Certificate II in Food Processing (Sales) | Qualification |
| BDI4 | AMP20116 | Certificate II in Meat Processing (Food Services) | Qualification |
| D679 | FDF20211 | Certificate II in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Qualification |