Elements and Performance Criteria

Context
This competency unit includes, but is not restricted to-
honing
polishing
grit and sand blasting
graffiti treatments
applications of paints and sealers
sprayed finishes on cured concrete
acid etching
routine housekeeping and maintenance of equipment and area.
Typical problems include -
variations in hardness of product
handling damage
product not sufficiently flat
obtaining correct and uniform finish
selection of correct grit and maintenance of grit supply
use of correct pressures, machine nozzles/heads
use of consistent patterns of work
selection of correct acid strength/time and uniformity of application.
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
The identification and control of hazards and the application of OHS to be in accordance with current, applicable legislation and regulations, and company procedures. All work is carried out at all times in accordance with these requirements.

Assessment context and methods
Competence in this unit may be assessed by observation over time on an operating plant. Where this is done, the timeframe must allow for adequate assessment of operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions. Where this is not practical, additional assessment techniques must be used.
Competence may also be assessed by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios. A combination of these techniques should be used to ensure the competency is adequately assessed.
In all cases it is expected that the practical assessment will be supported by targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in such a manner as is appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the operator and reflecting the requirements of the competency.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the process be understood and that the importance of critical material properties and surface finishing techniques 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:

surface finish matches specification and is consistent
progress is continuously monitored and final finish is approached smoothly and confidently
finished surface is cleaned and sealed as required.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this competency unit.

Resource implications
Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment which allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios will also be required where these 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 lunch room. No other special resources are required.

Essential knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of concrete and of the finishing process sufficient to recognise problems and 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 finishing process.

Competence includes the ability to:


apply and/or describe:

principles of concrete
principles of concrete finishing

distinguish between causes of faults such as:

material
product
finishing
handling
as is relevant to the practical operation of the equipment/process/system.

Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)