Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:16 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Adjust resin chemicals for current conditions

Adjust resin chemicals for current conditions

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM26014A
State Code
WC769
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/03/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2012
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
06/08/2012
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit of competency covers the knowledge of resin chemistry, particularly catalysis and resin curing, to make adjustments to the chemistry to suit current requirements caused by weather, job specifications or other factors. It also requires knowing the limits of these adjustments and having discussions with suppliers/manufacturers regarding resin chemistry.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Identify current conditions impacting on resin chemistry
  • 1.1 Identify variables for the chemistry of resin types
  • 1.2 Identify impacts on resin chemistry of environmental changes
  • 1.3 Observe current environmental conditions
  • 1.4 Predict impact of current conditions on resin chemistry
2 Identify adjustments which may be made to meet current conditions
  • 2.1 Determine impact on resin chemistry of changing resin composition
  • 2.2 Select resin composition changes to counteract impact of current conditions
  • 2.3 Compare selected composition changes with adjustments allowed by manufacturer of resin system
  • 2.4 Select most appropriate resin composition changes
  • 2.5 Identify alternative process changes to adjust for conditions
  • 2.6 Fabricate a sample using the selected adjustment
  • 2.7 Conduct/organise for relevant tests
  • 2.8 Evaluate process evaluation test (PET) results
  • 2.9 Review match of PET results with product requirements
  • 2.10 Review resin composition changes
  • 2.11 Take appropriate action
3 Fabricate product using adjusted composition/ conditions
  • 3.1 Identify and control hazards
  • 3.2 Make any appropriate adjustments to the resin system recipe
  • 3.3 Prepare materials, as required
  • 3.4 Prepare tools and equipment, as required
  • 3.5 Minimise waste
  • 3.6 Review product compared to requirements
  • 3.7 Review chemistry modification process
  • 3.8 Identify areas for improvement and take appropriate actions
  • 3.9 Complete any required documentation/reporting
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Procedures
Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form, and may include:
all work instructions
standard operating procedures
formulas/recipes
batch sheets
temporary instructions
any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Responsible Care) and government regulations
Resin chemistry
Resin chemistry includes:
process of curing/cross linking of resins
rate of cure and change of properties over cure time
changes in viscosity and other flow properties during progress of cure
final properties of resin post-cure
Environmental changes
Environmental changes may include:
temperature
humidity
air flow/wind
solar/ultraviolet (UV) insolation
Resin composition
Resin composition includes:
resin/catalyst ratio
resin/promoter ratio
resin/catalyst/promoter ratios
changing temperature of resin components (e.g. using chilled catalyst or resin)
ratios of other resin system components
Most appropriate resin composition changes
Most appropriate resin composition changes refers to those resin system changes which:
comply with product requirements
adjust for the current conditions
have greatest ease of use in manufacture
have best financial return
have greatest sustainability contribution
Appropriate action
Appropriate action may include, but is not limited to:
making any required changes to resin composition changes
deferring the fabrication until more suitable conditions prevail
Sustainability
Sustainability incorporates the three aspects of:
survival of the ecology/physical environment - which means that an enterprise needs to manage the impact of the business to ensure the survival of the physical environment
economic viability - efficiency, cost and waste reduction and competitiveness to support survival of the business
social sustainability - an enterprise needs to manage the impact of the business to ensure its continued survival within the community and the survival of the community, including occupational health and safety (OHS)
Alternative process changes
Alternative process changes may include:
controlling the environmental conditions
moving the timing of the job to when conditions are more favourable (e.g. at night)
moving the location of the job to where conditions are more favourable (e.g. in plant, different site and in shade)
Logs and reports
Logs and reports may include:
paper or electronic based
verbal reports
items found which require action
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes:
determining problems needing action
determining possible fault causes
rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person
Typical problems
Typical problems may include:
unusually hot/cold workplace/weather
extreme humidity
very tight/unusual specification of properties required of product
high/low air flow/wind
Health, safety and environment (HSE)
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that the process and equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings 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:
environmental conditions are correctly interpreted
impact on resin chemistry is understood
appropriate adjustments are made
the reasons for selecting the adjustments are sound
the product meets its required performance.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment will require the adjusting of resin chemistry to meet particular requirements, the justification of those changes and making products with the adjusted chemistry.
Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.
Method of assessment
A single assessment event is not appropriate. On-the-job assessment should be included as part of the assessment process wherever possible. Where assessment occurs off the job, judgement must consider evidence of the candidate's performance in a productive work environment that includes a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application for this unit.
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways, including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.
The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAT44 MEM26014 Adjust resin chemicals for current conditions Unit of competency