Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the use of manual handling aids such as handcarts. It does not include the use of powered equipment/aids.

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry.

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

This unit of competency may be designated for one of the following streams where workers use that unit substantially only in that stream area:
cablemaking
blow moulding
blown film
calendering
composites
compounding
extrusion
fabrication
injection moulding
polystyrene
expanded foam polyurethane
rotational moulding
thermoforming
belt splicing
rubber Lining
tyre manufacture
tyre retreading
surface coating.

The processes covered by this unit include, but are not limited to:
movement of raw materials
opening of bags, drums, etc.
making judgements about product anomalies
identifying the cause of product faults
appropriate waste disposal or recycling.

It includes all materials which are relevant to the job.

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
hand carts and trolleys
basic hand tools required for opening of material packaging
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
rules or callipers
relevant personal protective equipment
inventory and workplace records systems.

Typical hazards include:
material spills
fumes, dusts/vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards
machinery hazards.

Typical problems include:
variations in materials
contamination of materials
variations in equipment operations
product faults
equipment breakdowns.

Operating principles include the effect of:
temperature
materials manipulation
chemical bonding
other process characteristics.

All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.
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 to:
apply and/or explain:
impact of incorrect or faulty materials
types of products made with different processes
the changes to raw materials during the process
production workflow sequences and materials demand
focus of operation of work systems and equipment
correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
wrong raw materials/additives/catalyst
incorrect quantity of materials/additives/catalyst
contaminated materials/additives/catalyst
equipment malfunctions
incorrect process condition (e.g. temperature) operating ranges.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
recognise the importance of material properties and qualities
recognise the importance of process conditions
apply approved procedures
take appropriate action to resolve faults or report faults to appropriate personnel
explain and implement emergency shutdown procedures.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production standards are met consistently
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
operating procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly
problems are identified and appropriate action is taken (i.e. the problem is fixed or reported)
all safety procedures are followed.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that production standards are met consistently.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets and material labels as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is also required, e.g. to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

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
by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
by a combination of these techniques.

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.

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 or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.