Glass Melt Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learning and development, so that the learner is equipped with the necessary knowledge, practical skills and work experience to be a Glass Melt Operator. A Glass Melt Operator will be able to produce molten glass using batch plant and furnace, machinery and equipment and perform related operations with due cognisance of health, safety and environmental requirements. The qualifying learner will know the functioning and operating requirements for the batch plant and furnace, machinery and equipment to achieve production targets. A qualified learner will be able to: • Operate, monitor and control glass melt operations.

This qualification is for people working in Molten Glass Production. The qualification reflects the common workplace-based and non-specific needs that learners require in Glass Melting Production, before progressing to learning at a higher level. Typical learners are operators working in a Glass Melt Production environment. The Glass Industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependent upon the efficient production of molten glass. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent on the competence, recognised by this qualification, of the people who operate glass melting equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively. Competence in Glass Melt Production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of this knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling the melting process are further requirements for competence. This knowledge and 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.

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 result 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: NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication and Mathematics.

• 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 as well as of electrical, electronic, hydraulic and mechanical systems.
• Operate monitor and control the batch plant, perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
• Operate monitor and control the furnace, perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
• Identify operational and environmental hazards; assess and eliminate risks; and control, minimise and report such hazards while meeting production and output requirements.