Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 12:19 AM AWST

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Operate manufacturing extrusion systems

Operate manufacturing extrusion systems

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS211
State Code
AXN46
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
02/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/08/2016
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate extruders and related equipment to produce plastic granules/pellets from polymer resin and similar extrusions, e.g. powder coating resin.This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to start up and shut down the extrusion system, build the extrusion rate up correctly, monitor and adjust the system to maintain the required output rate and quality, and clean and maintain the system according to procedures. This unit of competency applies to an individual who may work alone although under routine direction and supervision. They may work as part of a team or group and will work in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.This unit of competency applies to all items of equipment and unit operations which form part of the extrusion system. Examples include:extrudersadditive (including masterbatch) systemsinput/output feeder systemsgranule/pellet cutting and cooling systemsbarrel/head heating and cooling systems. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
  • 1.2 Identify work requirements
  • 1.3 Identify and control hazards
  • 1.4 Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • 1.5 Check for recent work undertaken on plant item
  • 1.6 Note any outstanding/incomplete work
  • 1.7 Check operational status of extruder system
2 Operate extrusion system in accordance with procedures
  • 2.1 Identify the type of extruder, the ancillaries and their duty
  • 2.2 Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking appropriate action on unexpected readings
  • 2.3 Adjust extrusion system to achieve required output rate and quality with maximum plant efficiency
  • 2.4 Change rate, grade or specification smoothly
3 Recognise and take action on abnormal situations in accordance with procedures
  • 3.1 Monitor extrusion system frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses
  • 3.2 Inspect pellet/granule properties and recognise and correct problems
  • 3.3 Identify impacts of any changes upstream and downstream
  • 3.4 Recognise situations which may require action
  • 3.5 Resolve routine problems
  • 3.6 Take actions on other abnormal situations to make safe and have the situation resolved
4 Isolate and de-isolate extruder system
  • 4.1 Complete any required pre-start checks.
  • 4.2 Start up/shut down extrusion system according to the plant type and duty in liaison with other personnel
  • 4.3 Isolate extrusion system
  • 4.4 Make safe for required work
  • 4.5 Check extrusion system is ready to be returned to service
  • 4.6 De-isolate and prepare extrusion system for return to service
5 Change production rates and/or product grade/specification
  • 5.1 Predict from rates and schedule when a transition will be required
  • 5.2 Clean extrusion equipment to requirements according to procedures
  • 5.3 Manage transitions smoothly and in a timely manner
  • 5.4 Minimise scrap/off grade as a result of a transition
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W8849 PMAOPS211B Operate manufacturing extruders Unit of competency