Elements and Performance Criteria

The application of this competency will vary according to the product requirements, range of equipment, technology and the varied range of process procedures within an enterprise. It is NOT intended for people who, as a major function, operate a warehouse. The appropriate Transport and Distribution competencies should be used here.

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the store process. It does not include the operation of forklifts or other devices requiring special licences.

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

This competency includes equipment and storage facilities such as:
motorised rail and road vehicles
mechanical handling equipment
computers
hand tools and safety equipment
mechanical and computerised measuring devices
bunkers, silos, bins/hoppers, weigh bins, tanks and portable tanks
flammable stores.

Products may include:
products supplied from an external source
products produced internally for secondary processes
products ready for despatch.

Typical problems include:
material specifications
contamination of stored stock
quality of received products
equipment failure.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements:
Application of knowledge of the materials/products/packaging sufficient to recognise variance from storage requirements and then determine an appropriate action that is consistent with operating guidelines.
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 describe:
principles of storing products
product characteristics
impact of contamination
hazard identification
transfer system
manual handling techniques
plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
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 storing of products
identify factors which may affect product quality and appropriate remedies
use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
different products
equipment (electrical, mechanical and manual)
contamination.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
recognise the importance of material properties and qualities
apply approved procedures
take appropriate action to resolve problems or report problems to appropriate personnel.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
storing standards are met consistently
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
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, e.g. 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 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.