Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to tyre retreading. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the tread lay-up process.

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

The processes covered by this unit include, but are not limited to:
Bandag retreading
hot cap
laying on green tread.

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
manual handling aids such as hand carts and trolleys
powered equipment/aids such as compression rollers, staplers, cutting instruments and stone grinders
guide lights
cutting tools
basic hand tools required for roughing the surface of tread, cutting and stapling tread
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
fumes/vapours
cutting tools
manual handling hazards
noise.

Respond to/rectify 'non-routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems'.

Typical problems include:
failure to pick up all defects/cracks
poorly aligned tread
tread too long/short
wrong tread profile.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise material and equipment conditions which may lead to out of specification production.
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:
characteristics of finished and second hand tyres in relation to the impact of the retread process on product quality and safety
importance of tyre size, speed rating and aspect ration markings of tyres on inspection decisions
tyre retread processes and the differences between mould cure and pre-cure retreading
equipment and components used at each stage of retreading
adhesives used when fitting retreads
impact of significantly faulty tyres falsely passing inspection
production workflow sequences and materials demand
correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures
identify requirements for checking:
casing size
buffing head contact pressure
construction
tyre inflation
compound
contour template
defects in casing
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
wrong raw materials
wrong size/profile
poorly prepared casing.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
identify critical materials properties and quantities
plan own work process within workplace procedures and explain the reasons for the steps in the process.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production quality and output standards are met consistently
problems are anticipated from process observations
problems are efficiently resolved
the process runs consistently and smoothly.

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 and production reports.
Basic numeracy is required, e.g. to determine how many 2 kg, 3 kg and 5 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 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.