Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the use of manual handling aids and various powered equipment/aids.

This competency applies to work environments and sectors within the rubber industry. It includes the operation of all relevant ancillary equipment.

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:
movement of materials
stacking of materials
basic measurement of quantities
basic pre-blending of materials.

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
hand carts and trolleys
knives and other bag opening equipment
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
bung spanners and similar
basic hand tools required for opening of material packaging
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
spills
dusts/vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards
knife hazards.

Typical problems include:
variations in tyres
contamination of tyres
damaged tyres.

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 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
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
purpose of the buffing and repair processes
changes in tyre texture and dimensions at each stage of the process
characteristics of retreaded tyres in relation to the impact of the production process on product quality
identify requirements for checking:
casing size
buffing head contact pressure
construction
tyre inflation
compound
contour template
defects in casing
recognise pre-cure retreads and cured recaps, remould retreads and the relevant procedures to buff casings for each type
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
wrong raw materials
inappropriate blade selection
insufficient or too deep buffing
previously damaged tyre.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
recognise the importance of material properties and qualities
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.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is required, eg, 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 that the 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.