Directory of Semiskilled Trades

Sector : 13 - Communications and Documentation Info

8727 Rotary Offset Printing Press Assistant

M727
Field of application Rotary offset printing press assistants work in printing facilities that produce newspapers, magazines, books, catalogues, pamphlets, brochures, calendars, agendas, etc. The printed products are created using a manual or digital rotary offset printing press with at least four printing units. A press operator does not need assistance to make-ready and operate rotary offset presses with less than four printing units or offset duplicators. Different types of paper or cardboard can be used for printing.
Other job titles Third hand, roll stand operator, press helper

822701 - Assist the press operator in the make-ready operation for a manual or digital rotary offset printing press 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • staying within the limits of the occupation
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of tools and equipment
  • Close collaboration with team members
  • Concern for company profitability

Tasks

  • Receive instructions from the press operator.
  • Ensure that there are sufficient rolls of paper (webs).
  • Transport rolls of paper, ink cartridges, fountain solution, etc., and place them near the press. Optional task or competency
  • Prepare the roll stand (verify the conformance of the webs, set up the webs, position the webs in the press, verify the parameters of the roll stand and feed paper into the press).
  • When requested by the press operator, help set up the plates, blankets, etc.
  • When requested by the press operator, ensure the availability of raw materials (fill the ink cartridges up to the required levels while taking into account the colour sequences, and add fountain solution).
  • When requested by the press operator, make various adjustments. Optional task or competency
  • Detect any problems and inform the press operator.

822702 - Assist the press operator in producing a proof and conducting a print run on a manual or digital rotary offset printing press 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • staying within the limits of the occupation
  • Observance of production deadlines
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Close collaboration with team members
  • Concern for the quality of the job and reduction of the amount of waste
  • Concern for using materials sparingly
  • Demonstration of a keen sense of observation
  • Patience and sustained focus

Tasks

  • Receive instructions from the press operator.
  • Position the substrate onto the roll stand.
  • Monitor the roll stand during operation.
  • Detect problems relating to the nonconformance of paper or cardboard (creasing, ripping, etc.) and immediately inform the press operator.
  • When requested by the press operator, make various adjustments. Optional task or competency

526 - Package the printed products Optional task or competency 1

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Correct handling of products

Tasks

  • Count or weigh the products to ensure quantity control.
  • Place the printed products in boxes.
  • Stack the boxes on pallets.
  • Operate the packaging equipment.
  • Print the labels.
  • Affix the labels on the packages.
  • Fill out the administrative forms and send them to the appropriate department or person.

822703 - Assist the press operator in maintaining the rotary offset printing press 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Observance of environmental laws and regulations
  • Observance of manufacturer’s specifications
  • staying within the limits of the occupation
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Cleanliness of the press

Tasks

  • rifVerify and maintain the roll stand: clean the safety guards, lubricate the components, etc.
  • Wash the dampening system: drain and rinse the pans of acid solution.
  • Wash the ink supply system: drain and wash the cartridges.
  • Wash the printing system: clean the blankets and other accessories.
  • Inform the press operator or maintenance workers of any breakage.

527 - Help maintain the work area 1

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of environmental laws and regulations
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Observance of maintenance schedule
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Compliance with storage plan
  • Concern for using materials sparingly

Tasks

  • Clean the press accessories and put them away.
  • Clean the tools and put them away.
  • Put away the raw materials and cleaners.
  • Salvage scrap materials for recycling and dispose of waste (rags, garbage, etc.).
  • Clean and sweep the work area.
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.