Glass Forming Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as a Glass Forming Operator that will be able to produce glass products using glass forming production plant, machinery and equipment and perform related operations in compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental requirements. The qualifying learner will know the functioning and operating requirements of the plant, machinery and equipment to achieve production targets. A qualified learner will be able to: • Operate, monitor and control glass forming plant.

The Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Operator is for people working in glass forming. The qualification reflects the common knowledge, practical and workplace-based specific needs that learners require in glass forming production before progressing to learning at a higher level. Typical learners are operating personnel working in a glass forming production environment. The glass industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependent on the efficient production and manufacturing of glass products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent on the competence of the people who operate glass forming equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills is needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively. Competence in glass forming production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of the knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling the forming process are further requirements for competence. The knowledge, practical and workplace expertise can form a basis for further learning, particularly in the production/operational, engineering and supervisory aspects of glass production and similar industries in the chemical and other manufacturing sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirements are: • NQF Level 1 with Communications and Mathematical Literacy.

• Conduct start-and end-of-shift procedures and perform operational checks, identify non-conforming items and assess potential risks using knowledge of equipment specifications and operational standards.
• Operate, monitor and control the container glass forming operations; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
• Operate, monitor and control the spout; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
• Operate, monitor and control the bath; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
• Operate, monitor and control the annealing operations; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
• Identify operational and environmental hazards, assess risks and eliminate, control, minimise and report such hazards while meeting production and output requirements.