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 manufacture of composites products using pre-pregs within the plastics and rubber industries.
It includes all moulds, pumps and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) if fitted and all relevant ancillary equipment integral to the composites forming process.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
moulds, formers, closures and fittings
equipment including presses and ancillaries
controller, such as PLC if fitted
relevant personal protective equipment (PPE)
hand tools used in the production process
material loading equipment used for loading of raw materials
release films and fabrics
pre-pregs.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
hazardous vapours and materials
fibres, airborne and handled
humidity, air temperatures, radiant heat, hot moulds
stationary and moving machinery, parts and components
manual handling hazards.
Problems
Respond to/rectify 'non-routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems'.
Typical process and product problems may include:
pre-preg incorrectly applied to mould
release agents performance
contamination
temperature variations, affecting resin cure-rate
blemishes
missing detail
warped moulds or dies
worn or damaged mould parts or fittings
variations in materials and/or contamination of materials
processing
heat
poor handling or storage of pre-pregs
equipment - adjustments/set-up
equipment - maintenance requirements incorrect quantity of materials
contaminated materials.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
operating temperatures
cycle time
output rate
surface finish and condition
product weight
product integrity and general conformance to specification/sample.

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.
Where the assessee does not currently possess evidence of competency in PMBPROD298A Operate equipment using pre-pregs material, it may be co-assessed with this unit.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
identify critical materials properties and composites moulding process characteristics in relation to the process requirements and the end product
plan own work process within workplace procedures and explain the reasons for the steps in the process
take appropriate action to observe equipment, materials and products for out of specification results, make adjustments and identify problems to be reported.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
production quality and output standards are met consistently
problems are anticipated from process observations
problems are efficiently resolved
the process runs consistently and smoothly.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on an industrial pre-pregs and equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
using an appropriate, industrial pre-preg and equipment
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through 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 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.