Back

Carry out filtration in the spirits industry

URN: IMPDT23
Business Sectors (Suites): Spirits Industry Operations
Developed by: Improve
Approved on: 31 Aug 2019

Overview

This standard covers the filtration of spirit/spirit compounds and may be used to filter spirit before or after reduction, to filter grain neutral spirit to produce vodka, to filter spirits prior to bottling or blending and to filter mixed drinks prior to blending.

Once the spirit is produced, the process of filtration removes any undesirable impurities. 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. carry out filtration in accordance with relevant organisational health and safety requirements, quality standards, environmental standards and Revenue and Customs requirements
  2. use personal protective equipment in accordance with organisational requirements and manufacturer's instructions
  3. obtain relevant operational instructions and confirm that information received on the current operational status meets organisational requirements
  4. carry out checking procedures and take relevant action within limits of your authority
  5. confirm the product specification in accordance with organisational requirements
  6. supply the plant with the correct quantities of materials in accordance with organisational instructions
  7. start up the plant in accordance with organisational procedures
  8. monitor the process and maintain to organisational specifications
  9. change filters in accordance with organisational requirements
  10. undertake sample checks in accordance with organisational specifications
  11. convey the filtered product to the correct location in accordance with organisational requirements
  12. identify any variations in organisational specification and quantity and take relevant action within limits of your authority
  13. shut down the filtration plant in accordance with organisational procedures
  14. identify and take relevant action to deal with faults and any operational issues
  15. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational requirements
  16. communicate with relevant colleagues when carrying out filtration in accordance with organisational requirements throughout the process
  17. complete all records in accordance with organisational procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to carry out filtration in accordance with the current legislation and the organisational health and safety, hygiene, environmental, quality standards and instructions, Revenue and Customs requirements
  2. the purpose of filtration
  3. the function and operation of filtration equipment
  4. the different start up and shut down procedures and what may happen if the plant is not started and shut down in the correct sequence
  5. the need for checking procedures and what may happen if they are not followed
  6. the effect of equipment (including pressure gauges) and services not performing to organisational specification or economic use and the remedial action to be taken
  7. the effect of the filtration operation not meeting organisational specification and the remedial action to be taken
  8. the need for changing filters and how to change them in accordance with organisational requirements
  9. the monitoring and sampling procedures and what may happen if they are not carried out in accordance with organisational requirements
  10. when personal protective equipment is required, how it is used, and what may happen if it is not used
  11. the importance of disposing of waste and used filter sheets in accordance with organisational requirements
  12. why it is important to keep records and what might happen if this is not done
  13. what should be communicated, to whom and why it should be done
  14. the limits of your authority and the consequences of exceeding them

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

31 Aug 2023

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

NSAFD

Original URN

IMPDT112

Relevant Occupations

Manufacturing Technologies, Plant and Machine Operatives, Process Operatives, Process, Plant and Machine Operatives

SOC Code

8111

Keywords

Filter; Impurities; Spirits