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Key tasks: Bagging, tying, and sealing.

(2) Quality Standards: Bag tightness must be consistent, and weight must meet specifications (the finished oyster mushroom substrate log should weigh 3.0–3.15 kg); the seal must be tight. When loading the sterilization vessel, logs should be stacked securely against the sides to prevent collapse.

(3) Operating Procedures

① Tying: Use appropriate lengths; the string for each oyster mushroom log should generally be 25–27 cm long to avoid waste.

② Bagging Methods: There are two methods—manual bagging and machine bagging. Pay attention to tightness during bagging and adjust promptly if standards are not met. Also, monitor the fill quantity; the log weight must be 3.0–3.15 kg—neither too much nor too little. Bagging must be done quickly, and sterilization should follow immediately; otherwise, the substrate may sour, especially during hot seasons.

a. Manual bagging essentials: First, tie one end of the bag with string and open the other end. Use a slanted hopper (made from a plastic bottle) to fill the bag with substrate; apply slight pressure by hand to compact the material as you fill, ensuring appropriate tightness and layer-by-layer compaction. When the substrate reaches a point 7–9 cm from the bag opening, level the surface, gather the plastic film slightly, and tie it tightly with string.

b. Machine bagging essentials: Maintain moderate tightness. If the substrate is packed too tightly, air permeability is poor, mycelial growth slows, and mushroom emergence is delayed; if packed too loosely, the mycelium becomes weak and sparse, resulting in low yields.

Before using the bagging machine, check for proper functioning and lubricate parts as required. Never reach into the substrate to move material or remove foreign objects while the machine is running. Do not touch motor belts or rotating gears. The machine must be turned off before being moved. Take care with the power cord to prevent crushing or snapping; disconnect the main power supply before moving the machine over long distances. Currently, a bagging machine is used in oyster mushroom production that integrates bagging, forming the opening, and sealing with an inoculation plug into a single process; this eliminates the need for manual sealing, improves labor efficiency, and allows for direct insertion of spawn after removing the plug during inoculation.

③ Tying the opening: Before tying, check the amount of substrate in the bag; remove excess or add more as needed. Each bag must contain between 3.0 and 3.15 kg of substrate. For manual tying, wrap a thin cord around the bag twice, pull it tight, and secure it with a slipknot to prevent the bag from opening; promptly collect any discarded cord ends from the ground to avoid waste. Currently, sealing machines are primarily used for large-scale production.

④ Material usage: Use up any leftover substrate from the previous day before starting on fresh material to prevent the substrate from turning sour. Aim to use up all prepared substrate within the same day.

⑤ Loading the sterilizer: Handle bags and load them into the sterilizer with care; rough handling is strictly prohibited to prevent bag breakage. Load the bags into the designated sterilizer as instructed by the boiler operator. Stack the bags properly according to requirements to prevent collapse.

⑥ Post-work cleanup: Upon completion of work, clean the work area, organize and neatly store all tools, and clear any remaining substrate from the bagging machine.

⑦ Daily reporting: Accurately record the number of bags filled, the personnel involved, and working hours as required, and submit this information to the supervisor.

(4) Reward and Penalty Regulations

① Rewards: Employees who demonstrate diligence and responsibility and adhere to company regulations will receive a reward at the end of the year.

② Penalties: Violations of these regulations will result in appropriate penalties.