Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the analysis of equipment components such as screws and casters or items of equipment or processes.
This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the industry, but does require both a theoretical/mathematical and a practical analysis of the process at a level equivalent to an analysis of screw performance in an extruder.
The competency does not require a knowledge of industry sectors and materials other than that in which the technician works. It assumes an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.

Typical problems include:
worn components
validation of new components to design specification
component performance analysis in order to upgrade process performance.
All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Knowledge and understanding of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to predict their interactions and their impacts on performance.
Knowledge of the enterprise's procedures and policies along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:

calculate equipment and component performance from the design specification
identify hazards associated with the trial and implement controls by applying the hierarchy of control
determine equipment and design performance from practical trials
determine the 'limiting component' in the performance of an item of equipment or a process
determine possible performance of an item of equipment/process if practical improvements were made to the 'limiting item'.

Critical aspects
The critical aspect for this unit of competency is the ability to apply a thorough understanding of process materials, their additives and the

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires high levels of numeracy and literacy with the ability to interpret technical specifications and reports. Advanced numeracy allowing the calculation and interpretation of statistics, product formulae and process conditions is also required.

Assessment method and context

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

on an operating plant over a timeframe which allows 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
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.

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(3)