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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 8131

Capsule filling machine operator

A capsule filling machine operator is a person who controls the filling of gelatine capsules with specified medicinal preparations. The product is a dose: each capsule has to contain the right amount of the right substance, and the machine has to do that identically thousands of times over.

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Check yourself in a minute: capsule filling machine operator

Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

eject filled capsules

control minor maintenance

scoop capsules

follow written instructions

maintain work area cleanliness

About capsule filling machine operator

Running the machine is a cycle of feeding and collecting. The operator brings the medicinal preparations to the machine and feeds the empty capsules in, and takes the filled capsules out at the other end. The operator scoops both the capsules and the medicinal preparations, keeping the machine supplied throughout the run.

Checking is the part that makes the product usable. The operator carries out capsule inspections, looking for capsules that are underfilled, split, badly joined or dirty, and takes decisions in a short time. Time-critical decisions are made within the procedures and the information available. Filled capsules are ejected by pressing a pedal and collected in a container.

The setting is pharmaceutical, which shapes everything around the machine. The operator follows the written instructions exactly, keeps the work area clean, and plans the maintenance activities.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

quality assurance methodologiesquality assurance methodologiesQuality assurance principles, standard requirements, and the set of processes and activities used for measuring, controlling and ensuring the quality of products and processes.health and safety regulationshealth and safety regulationsNecessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.eject filled capsuleseject filled capsulesDepress the pedal to eject the already closed capsules into the receiving container.control minor maintenancecontrol minor maintenanceFollow up on the maintenance and repairs to be carried out. Solve minor problems and pass harder problems on to the person responsible for maintenance.scoop capsulesscoop capsulesScoop the empty capsules into the loading hopper.follow written instructionsfollow written instructionsFollow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.maintain work area cleanlinessmaintain work area cleanlinessKeep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.plan maintenance activitiesplan maintenance activitiesPlan and organise the process aimed at preserving equipment or systems in good working condition by inspecting the installation, resolving malfunctions, replacing worn parts and performing other maint...make time-critical decisionsmake time-critical decisionsPursue optimal time-critical decision making within the organisation.assemble machinesassemble machinesPut together devices, and components according to drawings. Program and install the components where needed.inspect capsulesinspect capsulesInspect, according to specification sheet, the finished capsules in order to detect any weight mismatch, any breakage or defective filling.scoop medicinal preparationsscoop medicinal preparationsScoop medicinal preparations into the capsulating machine's filling hopper.
Optional (5) — show
business management principlesbusiness management principlesPrinciples governing business management methods such as strategy planning, methods of efficient production, people and resources coordination.maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.provide informationprovide informationEnsure quality and correctness of provided information, depending on the type of audience and context.wear protective equipment against industrial noisewear protective equipment against industrial noiseStand the exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable. Use adequate protection equipment to mitigate the noise.perform pill brandingperform pill brandingPerform the printing of the institution identity on pills using the pill branding laptop.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a capsule filling machine operator do?

Capsule filling machine operators control the filling of gelatine capsules with the specific medicinal preparations.

What skills does a capsule filling machine operator need?

A capsule filling machine operator needs 12 essential skills, including quality assurance methodologies, health and safety regulations, eject filled capsules, control minor maintenance, scoop capsules.

Will AI replace capsule filling machine operator jobs?

The AI disruption score for capsule filling machine operator is 64/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: eject filled capsules, follow written instructions, scoop capsules. Most resilient: wear protective equipment against industrial noise, maintain equipment, assemble machines.

AI Replacement Risk

64/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupStationary plant and machine operators
Essential Skills12

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