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ESCO occupation

cigarette making machine operator

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Cigarette making machine operators tend cigarette-making machines to encase tobacco in continuous paper rolls followed by cutting cigarettes from roll. They place roll of cigarette paper on spindles and set monogram-printing devices to print brand name on cigarette paper at specified position.

8160.18 ISCO 8160 ESCO source
Competences
64
Groups
4
Essential
49
Optional
15

Competences and skills

64 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 6 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
tobacco manufacturing regulations

Laws, regulations and administrative provisions concerning the manufacture and presentation of tobacco and related products.

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Sector-specific

5 competences
curing methods for tobacco leaves

Processes which aim at eliminating the moisture of tobacco leaves and grant scent in order to prepare them for consumption.

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fermentation process of tobacco leaves

Process by which ammonia is released from the leaf. It can be done by raising the temperature and humidity, by heaping the tobacco into large piles or by using of a kiln. Under the raised temperature and humidity, enzymes in the leaf cause fermentation.

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manufacturing of smoked tobacco products

The processes, materials, and techniques to manufacture different types of smoked tobacco products such as cigars, fine cut tobacco, pipe tobacco, and cigarettes.

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quality prototype of a tobacco leaf

Characteristics and properties of a tobacco leaf to grade and consider it of high, medium, or low quality product taking into account colour variations, tears, tar spots, tight grain, and size of the leaf.

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variety of tobacco leaves

Types of tobacco cultivars and varieties and their characteristics. Connection of attributes with cigar or cigarettes product requirements.

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Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Essential skills and competences 43 competences

Occupation specific

9 competences
administer additives to tobacco

Administer additives to tobacco, including flavouring. Use adequate quantities and equipment for these procedures, and take into account regulations for additives and other products in the tobacco.

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apply tobacco manufacturing requirements

Apply all laws, regulations and administrative provisions concerning the manufacture and presentation of tobacco and related products. Understand the regulation referring to manufacturing of tobacco.

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assess moisture levels in tobacco leaves

Test tobacco leaves with an electric moisture meter to obtain moisture content.

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compute average weight of cigarettes

Compute the average weight of cigarettes in a sample. Compare the obtained value with standard to determine deviations.

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monitor cigarette stamp machine

Monitor automated cigarette production line and stamp machine to ensure smooth operation. Monitor and report any damaged cigarette package. Stand at a machine while stamping product, using two hands for stamping andstabilising.

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perform detailed tobacco manufacturing operations

Perform precise tobacco manufacturing operations with great attention and detail to all steps in the creation of a qualitative product.

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regulate flow of shredded tobacco

Regulate flow of tobacco to make sure that each cigarette contains the specified amount of shredded tobacco.

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separate tobacco shreds by size

Weigh tobacco for a specified number of cigarettes. Place it in an agitator equipped with a series of screens to sort shreds based on size.

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tend cigarette making machine

Tend cigarette making machine assuring fluent operations and sufficient equipment of materials in the machine such as leaves, filters, and glue. Put the cut and conditioned tobacco, known as cut filler, it is wrapped in cigarette paper by machine to produce a 'continuous cigarette'. This is then cut to the appropriate length and the filter is added and wrapped to the cigarette rod with tipping paper.

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Sector-specific

25 competences
air-cure tobacco

Air-cure tobacco by hanging the tobacco in a well-ventilated barn and allow it to dry over a period of four to eight weeks. Air-cured tobacco is generally low in sugar content, which gives the tobacco smoke a smooth, semi-sweet flavour. Air-cured tobacco leaves usually have a high nicotine content.

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apply GMP

Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Scope note
There are countries that adopt their own national regulations such as the British standard and/or international ones as well: International Features Standards (IFS). In these cases, producers should comply with international standards also.
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apply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beverages

Apply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.

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assess fermentation levels of tobacco leaves

Assess fermentation stage of tobacco leaves. Use thermometers, humidifiers, water, and your sense to test the level of fermentation.

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assess the colour curing of tobacco leaves

Assess colour curing of tobacco leaves to determine the stage of curing and aging of the leaf.

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blend tobacco leaves

Blend tobacco leaves by cutting, conditioning, and blending the leaves of tobacco before these are being wrapped in a cigar or cut for cigarettes.

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check quality of products on the production line

Check products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.

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clean waste materials from machines

Clean waste materials from machine using the adequate equipment or appliances as to ensure smooth operations, avoid accidents, and maintain clean working place.

Scope note
Clean seeds: clean oil bearing seed. Remove contaminants to prevent damage to the machines.
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cure tobacco leaves

Remove the moisture out of the tobacco leaves directly after harvesting them through various processes such as air curing, flue curing or sun curing.

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cut tobacco leaves

Cut leaves into fine strands using the adequate equipment before drying. Ensure that cutting sizes are according to requirements.

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dry tobacco leaves

Dry tobacco leaves to a precisely defined level of moisture according to product specifications.

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exert quality control to processing food

Ensure the quality of all factors involved in a food production process.

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ferment stacks of tobacco leaves

Wrap large stacks of tobacco in burlap and allow them to "sweat". The internal temperature is closely monitored. When it reaches 60 degrees Celsius, the stack is broken down to release tar, ammonia, and nicotine. Repeat the process until the stack no longer reaches 45 degrees Celsius. Strip the stems and stack them in a cooler place to age.

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flavour tobacco leaves

Flavour tobacco leaves to set off the taste of tobacco and to maintain the quality of the product.

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flue-cure tobacco

String tobacco leaves into tobacco sticks, and hang them from tier-poles in curing barn's "kilns". Slowly raise the temperature over the course of the curing process. The procedure will generally take about a week. Flue-cured tobacco generally produces with a high content of sugar and medium to high levels of nicotine.

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operate monogram-printing device

Set up and operate monogram-printing device to print brand on cigarette paper at specified position.

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operate tobacco drying technology

Operate tobacco drying technology that dries the tobacco at higher temperatures and therefore more quickly than conventional dryers. Shorter drying times reduce tobacco degradation and energy consumption.

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perform kiln fermentation of tobacco leaves

Place tobacco leaves in the kiln with the lid shut. Control heat and humidity. Kiln fermenting lasts about 4 to 6 weeks.

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perform test in cigarette-making machine

Test a sample from cigarette-making machine for the weight of each cigarette.

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perform tobacco leaves conditioning

Process tobacco to ensure that it retains elasticity by passing it through a controlled environment at the right temperature and humidity levels.

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pre-blend tobacco leaves

Pre-blend tobacco leaves to ensure a balanced mix of different types of tobacco in one hand.

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sort tobacco leaves

Sort tobacco leaves according to colour and condition. Select the leaves with the best specifications for rolling cigars and for quality assurance. Sort tobacco leaves for manufacturing of different products such as pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco.

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stock tobacco products' machines

Stock machine with materials for production of tobacco products. Take care to provide adequate quantities of paper, filters, glue, and other materials to achieve the daily production plan.

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sun-cure tobacco

Place tobacco in the sun uncovered to let it dry out naturally. Generally, oriental tobacco is low in sugar and nicotine and is very popular for cigarettes.

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use wrenches

Use spanners to adjust machinery and equipment.

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Cross-sector

9 competences
adhere to organisational guidelines

Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.

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apply HACCP

Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).

Scope note
There are countries that adopt their own national regulations such as the British standard and/or international ones as well: International Features Standards (IFS). In these cases, producers should comply with international standards also.
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be at ease in unsafe environments

Be at ease in unsafe environments like being exposed to dust, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, sub-freezing and cold storage areas, noise, wet floors and moving lift equipment.

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carry out checks of production plant equipment

Carry out checks of the machinery and equipment used in the production plant. Ensure that the machinery is working properly, set machines before usage, and assure continuous operability of the equipment.

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ensure sanitation

Keep workspaces and equipment free from dirt, infection, and disease by removing waste, trash and providing for appropriate cleaning.

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follow hygienic procedures during food processing

Ensure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.

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mark differences in colours

Identify differences between colours, such as shades of colour.

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monitor machine operations

Observing machine operations and evaluating product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.

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perform cleaning duties

Perform cleaning duties such as waste removal, vacuuming, emptying bins, and general cleaning of the working area. Cleaning activities should follow health and safety regulations if required.

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Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
history of tobacco

The different stages and developments of tobacco cultivation, cultural particularities and trading through time.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
health, safety and hygiene legislation

The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.

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Optional skills and competences 13 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
assess nicotine levels in tobacco leaves

Assess levels of nicotine in tobacco leaves by referring to the curing and fermentation methods of the tobacco, by using different tools and equipment for testing, and by relying on his/her experience in sensorial testing.

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determine shreds sizes percentage in cigarettes

Weigh tobacco from a single cigarette sorted by shred size and determine percentage of each size using a conversion table.

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ensure compliance with environmental legislation in food production

Make sure to comply with environmental legislation in food production. Understand the legislation related to environmental matters in food manufacturing and apply it in practice.

green
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keep machines oiled for steady functioning

Oil or grease the parts of the machines and equipment that need to be lubricated. Follow safety procedures to do so.

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label samples

Label raw material/product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.

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work in a food processing team

Collaborate in a team with other food processing professionals in service of the food & beverages industry.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
act reliably

Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.

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execute working instructions

Understand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.

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liaise with colleagues

Liaise with fellow colleagues to ensure common understanding on work related affairs and agree on the necessary compromises the parties might need to face. Negotiate compromises between parties as to ensure that work in general run efficiently towards the achievement of the objectives.

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liaise with managers

Liaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.

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lift heavy weights

Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.

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perform services in a flexible manner

Adapt service approach when circumstances change.

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provide training on quality management supervision

Provide training to production employees, in groups or individually, on standard operating procedures, product specifications, visual quality inspection criteria, SPC, production controls, formulas, GMP, and food safety procedures.

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