Directory of Semiskilled Trades

Sector : 02 - Agriculture and Fisheries Info

8805 Fish Processing Worker

M805
Field of application Fish processing workers are employed in fish processing plants (herring, halibut, cod, mackerel, flounder, ocean perch, etc.). The equipment used at these plants may be conventional or automated. Fish processing workers do not work in secondary or tertiary processing plants nor in fish stores.
Other job titles Fish skinning worker, seafood packaging/freezing worker, fillet preparer, fish receiver, fish trimming/candling worker, fish selecting/sorting worker

31 - Receive seafood products 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with standards of quality management.
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Accurate data

Tasks

  • Verify the organoleptic status of the seafood products (vitality, integrity, freshness, etc.).
  • Unthaw seafood products, if necessary.
  • Weigh or count the products.
  • Compare the quantities received against invoices and purchase orders.
  • Sort the products according to size.
  • Wash and scale the fish.
  • Ensure the preservation of products: place them in the cold room or in live-boxes, ice the produts or supply the yield tables.
  • Ensure that the work area complies with hygiene and sanitation standards.
  • Fill out administrative forms and forward them to the appropriate department or person. Optional task or competency
  • Record information for inventory purposes.

32 - Prepare for the work 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Proper application of work techniques

Tasks

  • Read the emergency plan.
  • Consult the production record.
  • Make sure that all equipment and raw materials are available.
  • Verify condition of the processing equipment (automated or nonautomated) and adjust the settings. Optional task or competency
  • Make sure that the required personal protective clothing and equipment are available (smock, boots, gloves, earmuffs, hairnet, etc.).
  • Ensure that the work area complies with hygiene and sanitation standards.
  • Detect various problems and notify the person in charge.

830501 - Prepare fresh fish 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with standards of quality management.
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of knives, instruments and equipment
  • Optimal recovery of the flesh
  • Clean-cut whole fish, fillets or steaks
  • Efficient work

Tasks

  • Clean the fish.
  • Weigh and count the products.
  • Prepare whole fish: scale, behead or gut the fish.
  • Prepare fish fillets: examine the fish; determine the size and number of the pieces; skin and fillet the fish; or candle and trim the fillets.
  • Cut fish steaks: examine the fish, determine the size and number of the pieces, cut the fish.
  • Collect the fish eggs. Optional task or competency
  • Verify the quality of the work (absence of parasites and unwanted fish parts, freshness of the product, etc.).
  • Place the fish in bins or other containers and verify the amount of crushed ice.
  • Ensure that the work area complies with hygiene and sanitation standards.

140 - Operate the automated seafood processing equipment Optional task or competency 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with standards of quality management.
  • Careful handling of equipment
  • Demonstration of ability to work in a team

Tasks

  • Operate the automated equipment (descaler, skinner, deheading machine, eviscerating machine, filleting machine, sorter, flesh extractor, separator, etc.).
  • Place the seafood products in the equipment.
  • Monitor the operation of the equipment.
  • Remove the products.
  • Verify whether the products comply with company standards.
  • Detect various problems and notify the person in charge.
  • Perform minor adjustments on the equipment. Optional task or competency
  • Ensure that the work area complies with hygiene and sanitation standards.

830502 - Refrigerate or freeze the fish 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with standards of quality management.
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Correct handling of products
  • Efficient work

Tasks

  • Interpret instructions for refrigeration or freezing.
  • Verify the temperature, humidity percentage and other factors in refrigerating or freezing.
  • Weigh the products.
  • Put the products in bins, boxes, carts, etc.
  • Place the products in the cold room or freezer.
  • Rotate the stock.
  • Verify the quality of the frozen products.
  • Detect various refrigeration or freezing problems and notify the person in charge.
  • Ensure that the work area complies with hygiene and sanitation standards.

715 - Package food and non-food products 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of the work techniques
  • Accurate and visible labelling
  • Concern for efficiency
  • Attractive presentation of products

Tasks

  • Set up the work area and prepare the packaging materials and equipment.
  • Check the condition of the packaging containers.
  • Check that the scale is working properly.
  • Count or weigh products.
  • Sort or organize the products.
  • Place the products in containers or bags and repackage them.
  • Check the quality of the presentation.
  • Close and seal the containers.
  • Verify the accuracy of the information on the labels and affix them to the products.
  • Put food products in the cold room, refrigerated counters or freezers.

511 - Record information related to production 2

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Accurate data
  • Legibility
  • Clear communication with team members

Tasks

  • Record the quantity produced.
  • Record the weight or dimensions of the products.
  • Record the production date.
  • Record the names of the various packaged products.
  • Record the product compliance results.

716 - Keep the workspace clean and orderly, in a food processing plant 1

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Observance of government standards regarding the use of cleaning products
  • Proper use of cleaning and disinfecting products
  • Order and cleanliness

Tasks

  • Pick up the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect the tools.
  • Clean and disinfect the equipment.
  • Clean and disinfect the work surfaces.
  • Put away the cleaning products.
Info Optional competency or task. Competencies or tasks marked with this symbol are not required in all workplaces. They could be included in a student’s training plan if the practicum setting offers the opportunity for the student to apply them.