Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:39 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:39 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Make minor modifications to products
Make minor modifications to products
Unit of competency
National Code
PMBTECH303A
PMBTECH303A
State Code
W7688
W7688
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/08/2014
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
19/08/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This competency covers the minor modification of products in a laboratory or using pilot equipment and then monitoring initial factory trials. This competency would typically be done by an advanced operator either working alone for a minor modification or with other relevant person(s) for a major modification or a new product.This competency covers minor modifications to existing products to develop an updated version of an existing product or a 'new' product which is strongly based on an existing product. Processes may also need to be modified, but again this modification of process will be minor and based on established practice.A minor modification will be based on an existing product and will produce a modified product of similar specification. Changes may include things like small changes to sizes, shapes, surface finish. Changes may include minor modification to tooling but will not normally include new or significantly redesigned tooling.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Confirm requirements of modified/new product.
- 1.1 Check that specifications for new product are complete and unambiguous.
- 1.2 Clarify items which are unclear or beyond the normal scope of work.
- 1.3 Investigate the type of changes/modifications which are likely to meet these requirements.
- 1.4 Clarify any possible issues if processes, plant, equipment or tooling outside the plant's normal range are likely to be required.
- 1.5 Identify tests required on trial product.
2. Identify similar existing product(s).
- 2.1 Identify existing product(s) with similar specifications.
- 2.2 Estimate required changes to existing product(s).
- 2.3 Check practicality of proposed changes.
- 2.4 Check HSE impacts of proposed changes.
- 2.5 Draft initial product design and manufacturing process.
3. Prepare trial products.
- 3.1 Identify and control all hazards for pilot/trial production.
- 3.2 Identify and check all required plant and equipment.
- 3.3 Obtain and prepare all required materials and tooling.
- 3.4 Make trial product and obtain sample(s).
- 3.5 Interpret test results.
- 3.6 Modify product design/manufacturing process and repeat trials as required.
4. Check initial factory trial.
- 4.1 Check availability of required resources and plant availability.
- 4.2 Ensure all authorities and permissions have been obtained.
- 4.3 Check all hazard controls have been implemented.
- 4.4 Monitor factory trial manufacture of product.
- 4.5 Obtain sample(s) and interpret test results.
- 4.6 Modify product design/manufacturing process and repeat factory trial as required.
5. Complete trial
- 5.1 Complete all required records and reports.
- 5.2 Check any changes to resources and procedures have been incorporated into standard procedures.
- 5.3 Ensure any additional HSE or skill requirements have been included in future plans.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency applies to advanced operators who modify products. They will typically be based in a laboratory or similar pilot/product development area but will also have responsibility in the factory for monitoring new products and ensuring that modified products are suitable when released for standard production.
An operator working at this level would typically be responsible to a more senior operator and would work closely with them on new products and major modifications of existing products.
The operator would not be expected to develop a new product or make a major modification to an existing product unless under the direction of a more senior operator.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
All operations are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the operator needs to ensure the HSE requirements take precedence.
Tests
Tests includes the normal range of physical, chemical and environmental (weathering) tests which might be applied to the product.
Trial product
The trial product may be full sized, or a scale version. Trial production will typically be 'one off' or small run compared to final production which will occur in normal run sizes under normal conditions.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency applies to advanced operators who modify products. They will typically be based in a laboratory or similar pilot/product development area but will also have responsibility in the factory for monitoring new products and ensuring that modified products are suitable when released for standard production.
An operator working at this level would typically be responsible to a more senior operator and would work closely with them on new products and major modifications of existing products.
The operator would not be expected to develop a new product or make a major modification to an existing product unless under the direction of a more senior operator.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
All operations are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the operator needs to ensure the HSE requirements take precedence.
Tests
Tests includes the normal range of physical, chemical and environmental (weathering) tests which might be applied to the product.
Trial product
The trial product may be full sized, or a scale version. Trial production will typically be 'one off' or small run compared to final production which will occur in normal run sizes under normal conditions.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit may be best assessed either through a portfolio of products developed/ modified, or the use of projects to develop/modify a range of existing products.
Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
clarify the requirements of the modified product
make an initial design and process and justify that initial design and process
modify the design/process based on test data and justify the modifications
make final adjustments for the scaled up product to work successfully in the factory
Consistent performance should be demonstrated through the evidence from several formula modifications requiring different types of changes.
Context of assessment
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on the plant
using questions to assess knowledge
in a laboratory/pilot plant
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
Method of assessment
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement 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 that 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.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Overview of assessment
This unit may be best assessed either through a portfolio of products developed/ modified, or the use of projects to develop/modify a range of existing products.
Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
clarify the requirements of the modified product
make an initial design and process and justify that initial design and process
modify the design/process based on test data and justify the modifications
make final adjustments for the scaled up product to work successfully in the factory
Consistent performance should be demonstrated through the evidence from several formula modifications requiring different types of changes.
Context of assessment
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on the plant
using questions to assess knowledge
in a laboratory/pilot plant
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
Method of assessment
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement 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 that 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.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAI06 | PMBTECH303 | Make minor modifications to products | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W528 | MSA60108 | Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology | Qualification |
| W522 | MSA30208 | Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology | Qualification |
| W526 | MSA50108 | Diploma of Manufacturing Technology | Qualification |
| W400 | PMB30107 | Certificate III in Polymer Processing | Qualification |
| W401 | PMB40107 | Certificate IV in Polymer Technology | Qualification |