Elements and Performance Criteria

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 formulae for compounds used in the factory. They will typically be based in a laboratory or similar pilot/product/ material development area but will also have responsibility in the factory for monitoring new batches and ensuring that modified compounds are suitable when released for standard production.
A operator working at this level would typically be responsible to a more senior operator and would work closely with them on new compounds and major modifications of existing compounds.
The operator would not be expected to develop a new compound or make a major modification to an existing compound 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
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.
Compound
Compound is used to mean any mixture of materials which is undertaken to a set formula and in specified proportions.
Tests
Tests includes the normal range of physical, chemical and environmental (weathering) tests which might be applied to the product

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
A holistic approach should be taken to the 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.
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 compound
make an initial estimated formula and justify that initial formula
modify the formula based on test data and justify the modifications
make final adjustments for the scaled up formula 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
This unit may be best assessed either through a portfolio of compounds developed/ modified, or the use of projects to develop/modify a range of existing compounds.
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.