Elements and Performance Criteria

Context
This competency unit includes the operation of glass container forming equipment, such as -
feeders and delivery
independent section (IS) forming machines
ware handling equipment (conveyors, etc)
hot end inspection equipment.
This competency includes the operation of all ancillary equipment and the operation of plant using PLCs as appropriate.
It does NOT include -
melting, furnace or raw materials
packing and handling.
Typical problems include -
container weight off specification
container sizes not meeting specification
equipment breakdown.
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 equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties and settings 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:

production rates are acceptable
product meets specification
procedures are carried out to requirements and timing (eg, swabbing)
work area meets occupational cleanliness and hygiene standards.
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.

This unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

PMCSUP282A Use computers and related programs in the workplace.
Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites relevant to their processes.

Essential knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of the equipment sufficient to recognise conditions which will lead to out of specification product.
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 equipment.

Competence includes the ability to:


apply and/or describe:

basics of glass
IS machine and mould operation
forming processes (blow and blow, press and blow, narrow neck press and blow)
swabbing
inspection, quality procedures and records

distinguish between causes of faults such as:

heat and temperature
dies and forming
other equipment faults
as is relevant to the practical operation of the equipment.

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
(1)