Set up and control multiple hopper feeders

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This standard is for print finishers using multiple hopper feeder machinery. They will be expected to set up the equipment and control it whilst running production jobs.

This standard consists of two elements:

• Set up multiple hopper feeders
• Run multiple hopper feeders and monitor quality

This is what the standard covers:

1. identifying the job requirements
2. checking that the multiple hopper feeders are working properly
3. checking that safety devices are working properly
4. running the multiple hopper feeders safely
5. adjusting settings, where necessary to maintain the required standard
6. checking that work meets the required standard
7. identifying faults and taking action to deal with them
8. unloading and stacking the finished product

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Set up multiple hopper feeders

1. check that you have all the job details you need
2. check that you have enough materials of the right type to meet job requirements
3. report when materials provided are not correct or sufficient in accordance with organisational procedures

4. set up the hopper feeders in accordance with organisational requirements:
   sections are brought together to give the correct page sequence and are fed squarely from hoppers to the transport chain
   separation ensures that sections are transported squarely, without damage
   the completed work is delivered without damage, distortion or marking
   any misfed or double-sheet detection devices function correctly

5. check that samples produced by the machine match the required standard

6. make any necessary adjustments, to enable standards to be met
7. report when standards cannot be met in accordance with organisational procedures
8. prepare your work area so that it is safe and ready for production
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   ***Run multiple hopper feeders and monitor quality

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9. run multiple hopper feeders so they are safe and efficient and at the required speed in accordance with organisational procedures
10. keep up sufficient supplies of materials to so that runs continue as long as necessary to meet job requirements
11. check at regular intervals that your company's quality standards are met
12. identify the causes of production faults, which result in sections:
not gathered or inserted in the correct order
failing to feed and separate
feeding unevenly, tearing or marking

13. adjust machines, using approved method and equipment, to correct faults which it is your job to remedy
14. use agreed procedures to report faults which it is not your job to correct
15. check that machinery is safe to operate, once faults have been corrected, in accordance with organisational procedures
16. record production and quality assurance details, checking that information meets organisational procedures
17. follow the organisational procedures for the removal of waste
18. stack work using the approved method

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1. your duties and responsibilities for health and safety as defined by any specific legislation covering your job role
2. regulations such as those covering manual handling, noise at work, personal protective equipment, safe handling of equipment and materials, and the safe use of computer equipment
3. workplace policies and written operating procedures relating to written health and safety policy statement, provision, use and processes of workplace equipment, training, prohibited equipment, young persons, safe systems of work
4. the way you actually do your job, more particularly the activities and techniques and the way that materials and equipment are used
5. typical hazards and risks in the printing industry and those that relate to your own job
6. risk assessment techniques and the action to take to deal with them
7. codes of practice relevant to your role and where to obtain information on them
8. manufacturers' and suppliers' health and safety instructions and advice for operating machinery, guarding machinery and data sheets for substances harmful to health
9. the requirements for personal presentation including personal hygiene, suitable clothing and accessories, fitness for work, such as not under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication, smoking policies in the workplace
10. how to stop a machine in the event of an emergency
11. the purpose of multiple hopper feeders and when it is appropriate to use them
12. safety devices found on multiple hopper feeders, their purpose and how to check they are functional
13. how to set up and adjust multiple hopper feeders to meet job requirements
14. the causes of common faults and how to rectify them including sections not gathered or inserted in the correct order, failing to feed and separate, feeding unevenly, tearing or marking
15. the causes of faults with raw materials, processes and machinery used in your business and how to identify and treat them
16. techniques for controlling quality including inspection, testing, sampling and use of input and output controls
17. the impact that faults, in the process you are involved with, have on later processes and the quality of the end product
18. types of problems that may need to be solved including machinery - electrical, mechanical, electronic, settings, component wear and tear, consumables needing replacement, materials - defects, shortages, incompatibility, systems, organisation and lack of skills or knowledge
19. sources of information for solving problems including manufacturer's documentation / troubleshooting guides, colleagues, tutors / trainers / mentors and reference material – in house or external, such as the internet
20. techniques for assessing machine faults including observation, listening, inspection of product, reports from colleagues / log reports, touch or smell (if safe to do so) and testing, such as electrical, mechanical, electronic
21. the types of paper, board and other commonly used substrates including commonly used uncoated, coated, embossed papers and boards
22. the grammage, thickness, opacity, brightness/whiteness, strength, dimensional stability, gloss of paper, board and other commonly used substrates
23. how to maintain the quality of materials and protect them from damage, humidity and temperature during storage and handling
24. how to label and identify materials