Elements and Performance Criteria

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

This competency unit includes materials, equipment and tools such as:
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licenses
plastic or other filling compounds
basic hand tools required for cosmetic repairs of products
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
spills
dusts/vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards.

In some circumstances hazards may also include entry to confined spaces.

Typical process problems include:
inappropriate materials being selected and used
equipment failures
effect of weather on curing time and surface finish deterioration.

Types of repair and associated repair techniques may include:
marine
automotive
aerospace
industrial
architectural
civil construction.

Standards of repair may include:
AS/NZ standards
industry codes of practice
original manufacturers standards.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements may include:
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 and to apply and explain:
damage assessment: both sides accessible; one side only accessible; cosmetic damage; structural damage; planning, costing and organizing job repair
repair techniques: surface and part preparation; laminating, reinforcing and strengthening techniques; filling and joining techniques; surface preparation for top coating, painting, finishing; application procedures for gelcoat, flowcoat; air drying; detailing for customer delivery
rectification procedures for repair of: marine; automotive; aerospace; industrial; architectural; and other FRP mouldings
use of manufacturer supplied, structural repair manuals, where available
release documentation, legal and insurance procedures for FRP product repairs.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to: assess the damage and apply the appropriate repair method for the job.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical manufacturer's manuals, insurance documentation, technical specifications, product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to technicians.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Numeracy is required, e.g. to determine quantities required, interpret technical specifications and undertake costings.

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
in the field undertaking a range of repairs
by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be supported by targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be supported by 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 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, etc.