Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:

Glass silvering
Glass silvering involves processes and equipment to silver glass for the manufacture of mirrors and other glass products

Unit context
Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of glass silvering machines and equipment
Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, environment legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant regulations and organisation insurance requirements
OH&S requirements may include legislation, standards, building codes, material safety management systems and local safe operating procedures
Work is generally performed individually, with general supervision and may be part of a production process

Tools and equipment are to include:
semi-automatic and computer-navigated silvering equipment
buffing and cleaning tables
spray booths
copper plating electrodes
extractor fans
dual nozzle spray guns
compressors
solution containers
heated drying racks
water distiller
silvering formulas
tinning solution
backing paint and stripping acid tanks for resilvering

Materials are to include but are not limited to:
annealed
sheet
laminated and toughened glass

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulation and enterprise policies and practices. It may include:
gauntlets
gloves
safety glasses
respiratory masks
hard hats
safety footwear
aprons and overalls

Information and procedures
Workplace procedures relating to the setting up and operation of glass silvering processes and equipment
Equipment manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures
Workplace procedures relating to the handling and movement of glass
Work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs
Safety standards include personal protective equipment, OH&S regulations and enterprise requirements
Australian Standards

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Interpret work order/job instruction and locate and apply relevant information to operate glass silvering equipment
Plan and prepare for the conduct of glass silvering operations
Conduct glass silvering operations
Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

minimise the risk of injury to self and others
prevent damage to glass, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality

To complete a minimum of:

prepare silvering formulae
perform equipment checks
set up and prepare silvering equipment
clean and prepare glass for silvering
apply tinning, silvering and copper solutions on glass
dry and apply packing paint
strip, buff, clean, prepare and re-silver mirrors
handle and store mirrors
clean solution tanks, lines, spray guns and equipment after use
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Procedures for the planning, preparation, operation and completion of glass silvering operations
Workflow in relation to the operation of glass silvering equipment
Workplace procedures for the reporting of material, product or equipment faults
Relevant Australian Safety Standards
Identify, handle and store hazardous chemicals
Characteristics of materials used and uses of products produced by glass silvering operations
Workplace safety system requirements related to the operation of glass silvering equipment

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans, and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
Planning. Plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate work requirements, optimise glass sizes for handling and processing and assemble required materials
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to plan work, avoiding reworking and wastage
Use of technology. Use the workplace technology related to the operation of glass silvering equipment

Resource Implications
Glass silvering equipment, demineralised water, acid, silvering chemicals, backing paint, workplace operating procedures, unprocessed materials, personal protective equipment and an appropriate work area.

Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other relevant units of competency.

Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant glass silvering equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Key Competency Levels
NB:These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.
There are three levels available:
Level 1 where work is within set conditions and process
Level 2 where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised; and
Level 3 where the design and/or development of conditions or process is required
Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)