Work safely in food and drink operations

URN: IMPHS101
Business Sectors (Suites): Health, Safety and the Environment in Food Manufacture
Developed by: Improve
Approved on: 31 Dec 2021

Overview

This standard covers the skills and knowledge needed to work safely in food and drink operations. It covers working within defined safety limits; following emergency procedures and using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.

This standard is for you if you work in food and drink operations.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. behave and work without causing risks to yourself and others in accordance with organisational requirements
  2. follow instructions on safety notices and hazard signs
  3. report and escalate hazards, defects and faults in accordance with standard operating procedures
  4. report and escalate unsafe working practices in accordance with standard operating procedures
  5. keep the workplace clear of hazards and emergency escape routes clear of obstructions  in accordance with organisational requirements
  6. follow accident and injury reporting procedures
  7. follow standard operating procedures on discovery, or being alerted to, an emergency
  8. use personal protective equipment in accordance with organisational requirements
  9. check and maintain personal protective equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures
  10. report and escalate defects or concerns with personal protective equipment  in accordance with standard operating procedures
  11. dispose of personal protective equipment following standard operating procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to identify health and safety hazards and risks, defects and faults in the workplace and how they can be controlled
  2. the main health risks in the workplace and steps taken to control them
  3. the most common causes of accidents in the workplace and steps to prevent them
  4. safety precautions required in the workplace
  5. the reasons for taking safety precautions and the consequences of not doing so
  6. safe working practices and why it is important to follow them
  7. how to contact and obtain help from colleagues with first aid qualifications
  8. how to contact and obtain help from fire wardens
  9. procedures followed in different emergencies and why they should be followed
  10. why it is important to be familiar with emergency escape routes in the workplace
  11. why it is important to plan tasks and take necessary precautions and what might happen if this is not done
  12. how to report accidents, near misses and incidents and why reporting them is important
  13. the types of deviation, why deviation may occur, and how staff can escalate any concerns
  14. the need for safety notices and hazard warning signs and how to follow them
  15. rules and hazards associated with particular equipment
  16. the reasons for using appropriate tools and equipment and how they should be used
  17. why tools and equipment should be maintained and stored correctly
  18. how to identify equipment which is faulty, defective or unsafe and follow procedures to make it safe
  19. the range and care of personal protective equipment
  20. why it is important to adjust workplace equipment to suit individuals
  21. hazardous substances in the workplace and steps taken to protect you and others from them
  22. storage methods for materials and chemicals
  23. the condition that personal protective equipment should be in and why that condition is important

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

NSAFD

Original URN

IMPHS101

Relevant Occupations

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

SOC Code

2483

Keywords

Food; Drink; Manufacturing; Health; Safety