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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 9321

Hand packer

A hand packer is a person who collects, packs and labels goods and materials by hand, making sure everything is packed according to the instructions and requirements that apply to it.

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Rate 5 of the 9 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

use packaging equipment

stack goods

follow written instructions

ensure correct goods labelling

lift heavy weights

About hand packer

The packer picks what belongs in an order, uses the packing equipment provided, and secures the goods so that they survive handling: void fill, strapping, wrapping and the right box for the weight. The packer knows the types of packaging material, such as cartons, padded envelopes, crates and shrink wrap, what each of them protects against, and how to match the material to the goods.

The packer ensures goods are labelled correctly, which means the right label on the right package the right way up, so that the parcel reaches the right destination.

The packer follows written instructions and checklists, which set out how each item is to be packed. Each item is confirmed against the list before the box is closed. Heavy items are lifted as well, which calls for proper lifting technique and attention to the packer's own safety. Formal requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

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

Essential (9)

types of packaging materialstypes of packaging materialsProperties of materials that make them suitable for packaging. Conversion of raw materials into packaging materials. Different types of labels and materials used which comply with the correct storage ...packaging processespackaging processesProcesses for the design and development of packaging, including decorating and printing processes and packaging machinery and line operations.use packaging equipmentuse packaging equipmentUse fastening and packaging tools such as plastic strapping, applicators and adhesives, marking and labelling equipment, and tape.stack goodsstack goodsStack goods and manufactured products into containers. This may include anticipating the need for and utilising additional protective materials in stacking the products.follow written instructionsfollow written instructionsFollow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.ensure correct goods labellingensure correct goods labellingEnsure that goods are labeled with all necessary labeling information (e.g. legal, technological, hazardous and others) regarding the product. Ensure that labels respects the legal requirements and ad...lift heavy weightslift heavy weightsLift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.secure goodssecure goodsFasten bands around stacks or articles prior to shipment or storage.comply with checklistscomply with checklistsFollow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.
Optional (13) — show
weigh shipmentsweigh shipmentsWeigh shipments and calculate the maximum weights and dimensions, per package or per item, for each consignment.perform packing of footwear and leather goodsperform packing of footwear and leather goodsPerform packing and expedition of footwear and leather goods. Perform a final inspection, pack, label, store the orders in the warehouse.operate voice picking systemsoperate voice picking systemsOperate voice pick systems applying various picking methods; work using verbal instructions and prompts via headphones and a microphone.pack leatherpack leatherEnclose or protect products for distribution and storage. Packaging refers to a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing, logistics, sale, and use. Leather packaging requires s...pack timber productspack timber productsEnsure that the timber and the timber goods are wrapped or packed conforming to the provide specifications and the schedule agreed upon. Make sure the goods are not damaged during the packing or wrapp...pack electronic equipmentpack electronic equipmentSafely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.weigh merchandiseweigh merchandiseWeigh products sold by weight in order to determine price.pack vegetables or fruitspack vegetables or fruitsSort and pack vegetables or fruits considering specific methods for the different products.pack soappack soapPack finished soap products such as soap flakes or soap bars into boxes.pack fragile items for transportationpack fragile items for transportationPack fragile items such as glass panes or glass objects using the appropriate boxes and cushioning materials such as air-encapsulated plastic or customised foam enclosures to make sure the content wil...maintain stock control systemsmaintain stock control systemsKeep stock control systems up to date and ensure inventory accuracy.identify damaged goods before shipmentidentify damaged goods before shipmentIdentify damaged goods before packaging and shipping following established procedures.pack stone productspack stone productsUse lifting equipment to lower the heavy pieces into boxes and guide them by hand to make sure they take the right place. Wrap the pieces in a protective material. When all the pieces are in the box, ...

Related Occupations

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Frequently asked questions

What does a hand packer do?

Hand packers collect, pack and label goods and materials by hand. They ensure that all goods and materials are packed according to instructions and requirements.

What skills does a hand packer need?

A hand packer needs 9 essential skills, including types of packaging materials, packaging processes, use packaging equipment, stack goods, follow written instructions.

Will AI replace hand packer jobs?

The AI disruption score for hand packer is 61/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: comply with checklists, follow written instructions, weigh merchandise. Most resilient: lift heavy weights, stack goods, pack vegetables or fruits.

AI Replacement Risk

61/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupLabourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport
Essential Skills9

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