SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Cut fish by use of automated equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
8945  Cut fish by use of automated equipment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Food 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the automated fish cutting process.
  • Prepare to automatically cut fish
  • Cut fish using automated equipment
  • Perform end of cutting procedures.

    This unit standard is intended for a person working in the fish processing industry who has the responsibility of cutting fish into various portions using automated equipment.

    This unit will contribute to the full development of the learner with in the food-manufacturing environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of manufacturing and assembly. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the food manufacturing and processing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Required skills and knowledge on:
  • Cleaning procedures, handling of equipment and chemicals.
  • Representative sample taking for quality control purposes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is for a person working in the fish processing industry who has the responsibility of cutting fish into various portions using automated equipment.

    In the context of this unit standard fish refers to any fresh or salt-water fish species. The cutting process refers to any 2 different portion cuttings. Portion cuttings refer to de-headed fish, split fish, single fillets, skin on or skinless fish fillets and butterfly fillets.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is applicable because the process requires a wide range of technical skills and offers a considerable choice of procedures. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgements and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of the unit standard is to qualify a person towards certification in advance trade and technical occupations. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the automated fish cutting process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The purpose of cutting a fish into different portions is explained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The cutting procedure of a fish using automated equipment is explained according to scientific principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cutting procedure refers to de-heading, splitting, filleting and skinning.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The difference between normal skinning and deep skinning is explained according to scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The importance of yield and capacity measurement is explained providing relevant examples according to scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The importance of size grading before cutting and the effect on quality and yield is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The working principles and procedures of cutting equipment are described according to equipment operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The components of the cutting equipment are identified and their purposes explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Food safety practices and procedures for automated fish cutting are identified according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to automatically cut fish. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal preparation refers to practices that ensure hygiene, personal and product safety.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The work area and cutting equipment are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation refers to cleaning, sanitising and pre-start up checks on the equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Raw fish is received and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Receiving refers to sufficient quantity and checking if the fish are quality released according to work-site requirements.
    Maintaining refers to all the work-site requirements in order to maintain the quality of the raw fish.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The raw fish is prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The raw fish fillets are released for the cutting procedure according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Releasing of the raw fish can only take place if any other preparation-related problems are solved within scope of work in order to ensure raw fish fillets quality.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Cut fish using automated equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Cut fish into 2 different cut portions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Cutting equipment is started, operated and controlled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Fish is cut into portions according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    De-headed fish, split fish, single fillets, skin or skinless fish fillets and butterfly fillets. Cut fish into 2 different cut portions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The yield of the cut fish portions is determined according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Product and process parameters are controlled and recorded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Samples are taken according to standard operating procedures and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Cut fish portions are released for further processing according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Releasing of cut fish portions can only take place if:
  • Any other process-related problems are solved within scope of work in order to ensure product quality,
  • Adjustments are made to the process when it does not meet the work-site requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Work areas are kept and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of cutting procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The cutting equipment is shut down according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Sub-standard product is handled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The work area and cutting equipment are cleaned and sanitised according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Cleaning equipment is stored in designated areas according to work-site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Waste from the cleaning process is handled and stored or dispatched according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Process records are kept according to standard operating procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner`s competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions.
  • Practical demonstration of cutting fish portions using automated equipment. A fish must be cut into any 2 different portion cuttings.
  • This unit standard can be assessed with first line operational maintenance and process control unit standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Solving process related problems within the scope of work in order to ensure product quality.

    Evident in Specific Outcome:
  • Cut fish using automated equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team and/or group.

    Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Performing personal preparation, workplace and equipment preparation in order to operate process and equipment according to standard operating procedures.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes:
  • Prepare to automatically cut fish.
  • Cut fish using automated equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Taking a sample.

    Evident in Specific Outcome:
  • Cut fish using automated equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Keeping records.

    Evident in Specific Outcome:
  • Perform end of cutting procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.

    Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information

    Legal requirements:

    The following acts and/or codes, current and future regulations and amendments will be applicable:
  • Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, No. 54 of 1972
  • Health Act, No 63 of 1977
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993
  • SABS Food Hygiene Management Code 49: 1989


    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    Fish cut portions
    Refer to de-headed fish, split fish, single fillets, skin on or skinless fish fillets and butterfly fillets.

    Food safety
    Refers to all practices and procedures that will ensure that food is safe for consumption by human beings. These practices and procedures are applied from raw product receiving, handling and sorting until the final product is manufactured, stored and sold to the consumer.

    Standard operating procedures
    Refer to company procedures, prescribed procedures from the manufacturer, personal and food safety procedures, good manufacturing practices, best practices, applicable legislation, time frames, recipes and specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  20194   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Fish and Seafood Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. LUCKY STAR 
    2. Operational Process Improvements (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.