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. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. 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 technicians who are required to analyse the mechanical/ physical responses of polymer structures and components. These may include:
large structural beams,
small mechanical components,
damping products such as bridge or acoustic bearings
other items where the mechanical/physical properties are important.
It includes a wide range of polymer compounds including:
crystalline and amorphous polymers
reinforced (fillers or fibres) and filled compounds
crosslinked and uncrosslinked polymers.
However, the properties of these polymers is not the prime focus of this unit.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards. ASNZ/ISO standards for mechanical/physical testing of polymers will be relevant here and appropriate standards should be followed.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
stress/strain testers
impact testers
cycling testers
environmental aging equipment
basic length/thickness measuring equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
stored energy (eg in stressed test samples
test preparation equipment
conditions and materials used for causing sample degradation.

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
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
explain test results in terms which are appropriate to the polymeric material of the sample
apply the results of the analyses to typical applications
identify applications where typical polymer properties are an advantage
distinguish between applications where polymers may be used satisfactorily (although without an inherent advantage) and those where it has an inherent advantage.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
the model(s) of viscoelasticity can be consistently applied to a range of likely situations
the response to the application of stress in a range of circumstances can be explained
the effect of shape can be predicated and explained for different stress application situations.
Context of assessment
This unit will require an assessment of the underpinning principles and should also include practical analyses as indicated by the elements. Such practical would typically be undertaken in a laboratory, either in an industry workplace or a teaching facility
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
in a teaching facility laboratory
in an industrial laboratory
in a situation where the tests can be done
using suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
Method of assessment
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.