Occupational Safety Training for Instant Noodle Manufacturing

1. Overview of instant noodles

a. What are instant noodles?

Instant noodles are a type of pre-processed food, often packaged in small packets, containing noodles and pre-cooked powder, spices and other ingredients such as vegetables, meat or seafood. Instant noodles are a convenient and popular snack product all over the world, especially in industrially developed countries.

In Vietnam, the instant noodle manufacturing industry has been developing strongly in recent years. According to Euromonitor’s Vietnam Instant Noodles Market Report 2020, the retail revenue of the instant noodles market in Vietnam reached 670 million USD in 2019 and is expected to grow significantly in the following years.

The consumption of instant noodles in Vietnam is becoming more popular because it is a convenient, easy-to-use, affordable food with many different flavors suitable for the taste of consumers. Famous brands such as Acecook, Omachi, Vina Acecook, and Unilever are the leading manufacturers in the instant noodle industry in Vietnam. In addition, there are many small instant noodle manufacturing and trading enterprises nationwide.

Similar instant products to instant noodles include:

• Dried vermicelli: Dried vermicelli is a type of dish originating from Vietnam, made from dried vermicelli, grilled meat, fresh vegetables and fish sauce. It is very convenient and easy to eat.
• Dried rice noodle soup: Dried rice noodle soup is also a popular dish in Vietnam. It is made from dried rice noodles, grilled meat, fresh vegetables and fish sauce. These ingredients are contained in a small bag or box for a take-out meal.
• Instant pho is a type of instant product made from pho, a traditional Vietnamese dish. Instant pho is usually packaged in a small box or bag, containing the ingredients of pho such as pho noodles, beef, chicken or tofu, vegetables and spices.
• Instant porridge is a type of instant product made from porridge, a popular traditional dish in many countries. Instant porridge is often packaged in small bags or boxes, containing the ingredients of porridge such as rice, meat, fish or vegetables.
• Instant glass noodles is a type of instant product made from glass noodles, a type of thin noodle popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. Instant glass noodles are often packaged in small bags or boxes, containing the ingredients of the glass noodle dish such as glass noodles, meat, shrimp, vegetables and spices.

b. Types of instant noodle manufacturing machinery

Types of instant noodle manufacturing machinery usually include:

• Flour grinding machine: This machine is used to grind wheat flour and other ingredients into fine powder.
• Mixing machine: A mixing machine is used to mix wheat flour and other ingredients with water to create a uniform mixture.
• Noodle cutting machine: A noodle cutting machine is used to cut the noodle strands into the desired size and shape.
• Noodle cooking machine: A noodle cooking machine is used to cook noodles for a certain period of time to achieve the desired doneness and elasticity.
• Packaging machine: A packaging machine is used to package noodles into convenient packs or bags before they leave the factory.

These types of machinery can be used individually or combined to form a complete automated manufacturing line.

c. Typical instant noodle manufacturing enterprises

Typical instant noodle manufacturing enterprises include:

• Acecook Vietnam: is a pioneer company in the field of instant noodle manufacturing in Vietnam, established in 1993. Currently, Acecook Vietnam is one of the leading enterprises in this field in Vietnam, with many famous brands such as Hao Hao, Tuong An, King Cook, Wakame…
• Masan Consumer Corporation: is one of the leading multi-industry enterprises in Vietnam, with one of the most famous instant noodle products being Kokomi. This company also owns many other brands in the fields of food, beverages, household appliances, real estate…
• Asia Food Joint Stock Company: is one of the leading companies in Vietnam in the field of manufacturing and trading frozen food products, including instant noodles. The company’s instant noodle products include King Chef, Trung Nguyen Instant Coffee…
• Vina Acecook: is a joint venture between Acecook Japan and Masan Group of Vietnam, established in 1995. Vina Acecook specializes in manufacturing and trading instant noodle products, with many famous brands such as Vina Acecook, Oh! Ricey, Kim Chi, Omachi…
• Colusa-Miliket Foodstuff Joint Stock Company: is an instant noodle manufacturing enterprise in Vietnam, with the famous brand Miliket. This company also manufactures other confectionery and beverage products.

d. Specific jobs in an instant noodle manufacturing factory

Group 1

• Executive director, deputy executive director, department head in an instant noodle manufacturing factory.

Group 2

• Safety officer: manages safety in the factory, designs safety procedures, monitors and urges employees to comply with safe working procedures.

Group 3

• Sieving and grinding flour: Wheat flour is sieved to remove impurities, then ground into fine powder to prepare for the manufacturing process.
• Mixing ingredients: Wheat flour and other ingredients such as salt, water, and moisture-regulating agents are mixed evenly to form a noodle mixture.
• Noodle pressing: The noodle mixture is pressed through pipes to the noodle molds to shape the product.
• Steaming noodles: The noodles are put into the steaming oven to be cooked and maintain the elasticity of the product.
• Drying: After steaming, the noodles are dried to reduce moisture and preserve the product.
• Packaging: The noodles are packaged in specialized packaging to preserve the product and distribute it to stores.

Group 4

• Office, service, sales, and marketing jobs.
• Production management, quality management, human resources management, material management, and financial accounting management.
• Research and development of new products, design of product packaging.

2. Overview of the labor safety training course for instant noodle manufacturing

Within the scope of this article, we will focus on issues related to group 3, because group 3 is the group directly involved in the manufacturing process and bears the highest risk of labor safety. See more about the other groups here

a. What is group 3 labor safety training?

• Labor safety training for group 3 consists of sessions that provide awareness of how to prevent labor accidents for workers.
• The labor safety training course will help workers recognize and avoid dangers and limit the risks of labor accidents during work.

ĐĂNG KÝ DỊCH VỤ HUẤN LUYỆN AN TOÀN LAO ĐỘNG

b. Training time

First-time safety training time

• The total training time is at least 24 hours, including the test time.
• 8 hours of theoretical study on the system of policies and laws on occupational safety and health.
• 8 hours of theoretical study on basic knowledge of occupational safety and health.
• 4 hours of theoretical study on specialized training content.
• 2 hours of practical training on specialized training content.
• 2 hours for a theoretical test at the end of the training course.

The safety training center will distribute the time into many training sessions depending on the time arrangement for employees. But usually, there will be 6 training sessions, and the course will take place over 3 days, provided that the manufacturing enterprise can arrange continuous study time.

Periodic safety training time

• Before the labor safety card expires, if workers want to renew it, they must undergo a periodic labor safety training course, with the periodic safety training time being at least 50% of the first-time safety training time.

Explanation: The total periodic labor safety training time is at least 12 hours, including the test time. After completing the periodic training course and passing the test, the worker will be re-issued or have their labor safety card renewed.

c. Contents of the training course

See more training content for 6 groups

d. Labor safety card

After completing the labor safety training course and passing the test, the worker will be issued a labor safety card (in practice, it is often called the group 3 labor safety certificate).

The group 3 safety card will clearly show information such as: full name, date of birth, specific job, and working environment. It also has the training time, red stamp, and signature confirming completion of the training course.

According to the regulations on issuing safety cards as specified in Clause 2 Article 24 of Decree 44/2016/ND-CP, there are 2 cases:

• If the employer and the employee have a labor contract with each other, the employer must sign, stamp, and initial the safety card for the trained person in group 3 after they have gone through the training course from a labor safety training unit and passed the test.
• If the worker is a freelancer, seasonal worker, and does not have a labor contract, the training unit must sign, stamp, and initial the safety card for the worker after they have gone through the training course from a labor safety training unit and passed the test.

3. Identifying hazards when manufacturing instant noodles

The hazards for workers when manufacturing instant noodles can include:

• The instant noodle manufacturing process involves many electronic devices, chemicals and flammable materials, so the risk of fire, explosion and injury is very high.
• Instant noodle manufacturing workers often have to come into contact with toxic chemicals such as acids, alkalis and detergents during the manufacturing process, which endangers their health.
• The instant noodle manufacturing process often causes contact with chemical dust and vapors, causing respiratory irritation and other health problems.
• Equipment in the instant noodle manufacturing factory can cause labor accidents such as cutting, crushing, collisions, punctures, causing injury and death.
• Workers can come into contact with electrical equipment such as grinders, fryers, etc. Therefore, the risk of electric shock is very high if proper labor safety procedures are not followed and electrical equipment is not checked regularly.

4. Common labor accidents in instant noodle manufacturing

Common labor accidents that occur during the instant noodle manufacturing process include:

• Electrical accidents: During the instant noodle manufacturing process, electrical problems such as electrical leakage, short circuits, electric shock… can occur. Contact with electricity can cause serious injuries or endanger the lives of employees.
• Accidents caused by machinery: The instant noodle manufacturing process uses many different types of machinery, such as dough presses, noodle cutters, and bag sealers… These machines can cause accidents such as cutting, crushing, pulling… if not operated correctly or not maintained periodically.
• Risk of infection: During the instant noodle manufacturing process, workers may come into contact with many toxic substances such as chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides… If not used correctly or not properly protected, these toxic substances can cause danger to the health of workers.
• Food safety accidents: During the instant noodle manufacturing process, workers need to ensure food hygiene and food safety to avoid the risk of enteritis, bacterial infections, plague…

5. Safety measures when participating in instant noodle manufacturing

To ensure safety during the instant noodle manufacturing process, the following safety measures need to be implemented:

• Labor safety training for employees on labor safety procedures and regulations.
• Ensure that equipment and machinery are maintained regularly and operated correctly.
• Apply personal protective methods such as wearing safety glasses, masks, cleanroom suits and non-slip shoes.
• Install safety protection measures for machinery such as shields, safety sensors, and automatic shutdown.
• Organize periodic inspections, maintenance, and cleaning of equipment.
• Ensure food hygiene and safety by using safe chemicals and pesticides.
• Have a plan for evacuation and response in case of a labor accident.
• Ensure occupational hygiene and safety by arranging a cool, clean workspace with adequate ventilation and lighting.
• Strictly supervise the manufacturing process and grasp the situation, thereby making timely modifications.
• Issue clear regulations on the use of chemicals, materials and manufacturing equipment, to minimize the risk of accidents and harm to the health of workers.
• Periodically organize labor environment monitoring in the factory or enterprise, collect and analyze harmful factors to workers, thereby adjusting the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.

6. Benefits of labor safety training for instant noodle manufacturing

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with the following great benefits after completing labor safety training courses as regulated in Decree 44/2016/ND – CP on occupational safety and health for companies, factories, enterprises.

• Workers can identify the potential risks of labor accidents and take preventive measures to avoid labor accidents.
• Your business can establish risk prevention measures in the manufacturing, operation, and maintenance process.
• Minimize costs when unsafe conditions occur in labor.
• Uninterrupted manufacturing will help increase labor productivity and product quality.
• Comply with labor safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Create prestige and professionalism in all aspects, thereby enhancing your business’s brand.

Nam Viet’s training courses are a solution to prevent and combat external factors affecting each individual so that they can avoid danger that can lead to injury or, more seriously, death.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING SERVICES

7. Customer feedback after completing the labor safety training course for instant noodle manufacturing

An Toan Nam Viet has many years of experience in accompanying many businesses in Vietnam in general and in the southern provinces in particular. And that responsibility is something extremely valuable to Nam Viet, which is why Nam Viet’s Labor Safety Training work is increasingly focused on becoming more professional. The motivation for An Toan Nam Viet to grow strongly comes from the positive feedback and suggestions from businesses. Below is the feedback from the partners we have served.

KOSIA E&C Co., Ltd.

“I am very satisfied with Nam Viet’s safety training service, the teaching quality meets the standards we set. It helps our company reduce one problem to deal with, so we can focus more on our expertise.”

Lee Ki Hwa / General Director

Bac Nam E&C Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company

“The first time I used the service at An Toan Nam Viet, I was very surprised by the enthusiastic 24/7 support from the team of consultants. The class organization was very quick and convenient for our company, thank you very much for Nam Viet’s service!”

Nguyen Thanh Binh / Director

Hoa Dat Construction and Trading Joint Stock Company

“Nam Viet’s service has helped us a lot in simplifying labor safety and the process of completing safety records for our work. The team of consultants is enthusiastic and responds promptly to our questions. 5 stars for Nam Viet”

Truong Ba Ngoc Minh / Chairman of the Board of Directors

See more customer interviews after using the service of An Toan Nam Viet

8. Labor Safety Training Competence of An Toan Nam Viet

An Toan Nam Viet is currently a reputable and high-quality center specializing in labor safety training in Vietnam. With labor safety training sessions taking place continuously at manufacturing workshops, factories or construction sites across the country (63 provinces and cities in Vietnam).

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING SERVICES

Labor safety training license

• An Toan Nam Viet has been inspected and certified by the Department of Labor Safety of the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs as a unit qualified to conduct occupational safety and health training activities. This further solidifies our capacity to conduct labor safety training.

Materials and lectures

• Before the labor safety training materials are included in the labor safety training courses, they are reviewed and approved to ensure that the lectures are accurate in terms of knowledge and effective when applied.
• The teaching method of our lecturers is synchronized according to the teaching standard of An Toan Nam Viet, which is a method that experts in occupational safety and health training have researched and refined during the teaching process to bring the highest knowledge acquisition efficiency to students.

Facilities

• Controlling the factors in the classroom that affect the training process will increase teaching performance and the effectiveness of knowledge acquisition for students.
• Our facilities supporting the training course always have spacious classrooms that meet standards for area, lighting, training equipment, etc.

9. Reputable and High-Quality National Safety Training Center

At An Toan Nam Viet, we always place our professional dedication to labor safety training as a top priority. For us, imparting the knowledge of self-protection to workers so they have a safe foundation on their journey to make a living is a way of contributing to national development.

To ensure effective training, we prepare carefully and meticulously for every little detail, no matter how small. From preparing tools, equipment, and teaching devices to curriculum, materials, sound, and lighting.

Our labor safety training instructors are experts with many years of experience in the field. They even have research projects on identifying risks in all professions and how to prevent them.

The lecturers’ presentations are distilled from practical experience and are conveyed in the most vivid and easy-to-understand way for workers. These factors help workers feel comfortable during their studies and effectively absorb our taught knowledge. Of course, the knowledge conveyed is always in line with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP.

This allows workers to grasp many measures to prevent dangers and how to protect themselves. At the same time, they can apply this knowledge in the most appropriate way in their actual work.

Our safety training center is proud to be a reputable and professional provider of labor safety training services with the following advantages:

• Competitive training costs, while training quality is still guaranteed.
• Flexible training schedules that adapt to the production situation of the company.
• Fast procedures for issuing labor safety training certificates in compliance with legal regulations.
• Training instructors are people with many years of experience in the profession.
• Classrooms are controlled for factors affecting the training process, increasing teaching performance and the effectiveness of knowledge acquisition for students.
• Lectures are compiled to be suitable for labor safety work at businesses.
• An Toan Nam Viet works with dedication and professionalism to support customers accurately and quickly.

10. For more reference materials on labor safety training for instant noodle manufacturing

• Labor safety materials for instant noodle manufacturing
• Labor safety training materials
• Set of labor safety training test questions
• Multiple-choice test for labor safety in instant noodle manufacturing
• Download slides of the lecture on labor safety training for instant noodle manufacturing