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. 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 all joining operations where a solid polymer is joined to another substrate. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the joining process.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Substrate suitability
Substrate suitability includes:
surface soundness
surface preparation such as grit blasting, etching, sanding, buffing, scraping, machining or other preparations
substrate porosity
surface pits, protrusions or other irregularities.
Joining materials
Joining materials include:
adhesives (such as commercially available materials 'Loctite, Sikaflex, Plexus)
cohesives
solvents (such as aliphatics, ketones, aromatics)
other materials (such as glues, fillers)
Joining material preparation
Joining material preparation includes:
mixing one pot materials to achieve homogeneity
blending two (or more) pot material components
thinning (eg with solvent) if required
measuring components for blends.
Joining material application
Joining material application to include:
correct application rate
even application
economical application
correct application method.
Contact between surfaces
Contact between surfaces may be effected by:
use of hand rollers
use of presses
may be achieved as part of the curing process where this is done under pressure
other relevant equipment.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
application equipment (eg brushes, syringes, pipettes, spray guns, application scrapers)
additional equipment (eg vapour extraction, application booths)
manual handling aids (eg hand carts, trolleys)
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
spills and splashes
toxic fumes or vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards
flammable vapours.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. Typical process and product problems may include:
incorrect selection of joining materials
variations in materials
contamination of joining materials or substrates
inappropriate application of materials
dust and other contamination
drying rates
film thickness variation
film application rates
coverage
tack (too much, not enough, long leg/short leg)
products with substrate or other faults.
Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reporting to designated person or other action specified in the procedures.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
application patterns
adhesive consistency
substrate preparation, condition and finish
adhesive viscosity
solvent/thinner blend ratios.

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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
apply the required skills and knowledge to complete adhesive bonding jobs
apply approved procedures.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
joining production standards are met consistently
all safety procedures are followed.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using industrial bonding situations and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by using appropriate joining materials, situations and tools
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through 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. 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.