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 all compounding operations within the plastics, and rubber industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the compounding process.
It does NOT include the use of internal or open mill blenders. (see PMBPROD253B Operate an internal mill blender or PMBPROD254B Operate an open mill blender)
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. These may include:
movement of materials
opening of packages in boxes
stacking and storing of materials
basic checking of materials and equipment
basic machine operations.
Tools and equipment
This unit of competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
compounding equipment (such as single or twin screw extruders)
components of compounding machines (such as barrels and screw assemblies)
material loading equipment used for loading of raw materials
basic hand tools (such as knives and other bag opening tool)
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
bung spanners and similar
relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
spills
dusts/vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards
knife hazards.
Problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:
equipment failures
uneven mixing
variations in materials
contamination of materials
inappropriate formula selected
quantity errors.
overheating.
Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reporting to designated person or other action specified in the procedure.

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 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:
apply the required skills and knowledge to operate compounding equipment
apply approved procedures.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
compounding standards are met consistently
all safety procedures are adhered to.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on industrial compounding equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by using an appropriate compounding machine requiring demonstration of operation and emergency stop procedures
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to 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.