Elements and Performance Criteria

Context
This competency unit includes the operation of float forming equipment, such as -
bath
ancillary equipment
computers
measuring recording equipment
communication equipment
hand tools
safety clothing and equipment.
Typical problems include -
temperature and pressure problems
equipment problems
quality problems
loss of ribbon.
This competency includes the operation of all ancillary equipment and the operation of plant using PLCs where appropriate.
All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

OHS
All operations are subject to stringent OHS requirements and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and OHS requirements, the OHS requirements take precedence.

Assessment context and methods
Assessment for this unit of competency will be on an operating plant. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.
Simulation or case studies/scenarios may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this competency unit (eg, element 4 referring to the identification of a range of faults occurring during operation). Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include 'walk-throughs' of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the reheating equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings, parameters and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that -
temperatures are maintained within limits
start up and shut down occur first time
signals and alarms are responded to immediately
process measurements are continually made, observed and interpreted
quality is maintained to customer specifications.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this competency unit. These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what ifs as the stimulus, with a walk-through forming part of the response. The assessment activities should include responding to a range of problems.

Resource implications
Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Other assessment advice
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.

Essential knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of the float forming process and equipment sufficient to recognise process conditions which will lead to out of specification production and to take appropriate action.
Knowledge of the enterprise's standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the forming equipment.

Competence includes the ability to:


apply and/or explain:

composition and nature of the glass
set up/changeover of equipment
start up and shut down processes
construction and limitations of the equipment
out of specification situations
quality problems including poor optics, excessive breakage, non-uniform break pattern, excessive bow, scratches, poor glass shape

distinguish between causes of faults such as:

raw materials
equipment
types of defects/faults
electrical/instrumental
as is relevant to the practical operation of the plant.

Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(2)