IMPDT38 – Carry out cask disgorging operations in the spirits industry

 

Overview

This standard covers the skills and knowledge needed to carry out cask disgorging operations in the spirits industry.

This is part of the bulking of spirits as part of the maturation or pre-bottling process which is largely a manual or semi-automatic process.

 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1.            carry out cask disgorging in accordance with relevant organisational health and safety requirements, quality standards, environmental standards and Revenue and Customs requirements

2.            use personal protective equipment in accordance with organisational requirements and manufacturer’s instructions

3.            obtain relevant operational instructions and confirm that information received on the current operational status meets organisational requirements

4.            carry out checking procedures and take relevant action within limits of your authority

5.            confirm product specification in accordance with organisational requirements

6.            start up plant in accordance with organisational requirements

7.            carry out the disgorging process in accordance with organisational requirements

8.            check that the receiving vat is operational and is supplied with the product in accordance with organisational requirements

9.            undertake quality checks in accordance with organisational specifications

10.          monitor the disgorging and vatting process in accordance with organisational requirements

11.          maintain integrity of disgorged casks in accordance with organisational specifications

12.          convey the finished product to the correct location in accordance with organisational requirements

13.          shut down the plant in accordance with organisational procedures

14.          identify and take relevant action to deal with faults and any operational issues

15.          communicate with relevant colleagues when carrying out cask disgorging in accordance with organisational requirements

16.          complete all records in accordance with organisational procedures

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand

1.            how to carry out cask disgorging in accordance with the current legislation and the organisational health and safety, hygiene, environmental, quality standards and instructions, Revenue and Customs requirements

2.            how casks are designed

3.            the function and operation of disgorging equipment

4.            the materials and utilities required for disgorging and vatting

5.            the factors impacting on performance of the vatting operation

6.            how to take samples and interpret results

7.            when and how to condemn faulty casks

8.            the consequences of the product not meeting organisational specification

9.            the need for checking procedures and what may happen if they are not followed

10.          the effect of equipment and services not performing to organisational specification or economic use and the remedial action to be taken

11.          the effect of the operation not meeting organisational specification and the remedial action to be taken

12.          when personal protective equipment is required, how it is used, and what may happen if it is not used

13.          why it is important to keep records and what might happen if this is not done

14.          what should be communicated, to whom and why it should be done

15.          the limits of your authority and the consequences of exceeding them

 

Keywords: Cask; Disgorge; Bulk; Spirits