Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics industry. It includes the operation of all relevant ancillary equipment.

Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

The processes covered by this unit include, but are not limited to:
movement of materials
opening of bags, drums, etc.
stacking and storing of materials
basic measurement of quantities.

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
hand carts and trolleys and other manual handling aids
knives and other bag opening equipment
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
bung spanners and similar
basic hand tools required for opening of material packaging
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
spills
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards.

Typical problems include:
variations in materials
contamination of materials.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements:
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.
Knowledge of the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:
apply and/or explain:
impact of incorrect or faulty materials
focus of operation of work systems and equipment
hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures
plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
monitor equipment operation
identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance
identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the recycle wash process
identify factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies
use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task
pause equipment, or shut down equipment in abnormal circumstances
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
wrong raw materials/additives
incorrect quantity of materials/additives
contaminated materials/additives.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
apply approved procedures
take appropriate action to resolve problems or report problems to appropriate personnel
explain and implement emergency shutdown procedures.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
recycle wash standards are met consistently
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
operating procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly
problems are identified and appropriate action is taken (i.e., the problem is fixed or reported)
all safety procedures are followed.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is required, eg, to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on an operating plant allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
by a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and that the theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment.

Resource implications
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.