Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Physical properties and capabilities may include:
exploration of the properties of a variety of glasses, including:
compatibility
ductility
fired strength: robust or fragile
high melt and low melt
opacity or translucency
properties of glass forming materials:
fluxes, for example calcium oxide, barium oxide, potassium oxide, lithium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide, strontium oxide and zinc oxide
glass formers, for example silica and boric oxide
properties of additives in glass:
colourants, such as oxides/salts of chrome, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, gold and silver
the effect of temperature and atmosphere on a variety of glass colourants in glasses of different chemistry
properties and appropriate use of a variety of model making and mould-making materials, including:
alginates
pottery clays, including oil or polymer-based modelling clays
pottery plaster and other plaster products, such as Forton MG and gypsum
resins, such as polyesters and polyurethanes
silicone, including condensation cure and addition cure
waxes, such as microcrystalline, paraffin and beeswax
properties and appropriate use of a variety of abrasives, such as:
alumina
cerium oxide
diamond powder
silicon carbide.
Glassworking materials may include:
glass:
clear and coloured compatible glass, including glass for:
flameworking
furnace work (blowing, hot forming and hot casting)
fusing and slumping
kiln casting
float glass
leadlighting glass
decorating materials, including:
commercial colours
metallic salts
precious metal leaf and foil
precious metal lustres
stains and enamels
abrasives, including:
alumina
cerium oxide
diamond powder
materials for prototyping, including:
clay
metals
paper products
plaster products
plastics
stone
model and mould-making materials, including:
ceramic fibre products
clay
graphite
parting agents
pottery plaster and other plaster products
refractory board
refractory fillers, such as silica and grog
refractory products, including RI bricks
resins
silicones
sillimanite bats
waxes
refractory release agents, such as:
alumina
bead release
graphite
powdered clay
talc
resist materials, including:
adhesive tape
glues
latex
sheet
wax
sheet glass
silicon carbide powder and paper.
Safety issues may relate to:
dust and airborne particles
equipment used for glassworking
fire
fumes
manual handling requirements
noise
sharp objects
use and labelling of chemicals
use of equipment with moving parts
work posture.
Data may include:
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
quantity calculations
results of experimentation.
Glassworking processes may include:
annealing
assemblage
combination of two or more techniques
cutting
engraving
etching
fuming
grinding
hot glass processes:
blowing
hot casting
hot forming
kiln forming:
bending
draping
fusing
kilncasting
pâtédeverre
raking
slumping
lampworking for:
beads
small sculptures
small vessels
lathe work
leadlight and copperfoil
melting glass in a furnace, kiln or flame
polishing
sandblasting
use of colour in or on glass
use of inclusions
use of pattern and texture.
Cost and supply parameters may relate to:
budgetary restrictions
capacity to share costs with others
continuity of supply
delivery issues
location of suppliers
potential for use of found objects
terms of payment
use of freely available natural materials
use of recycled materials.
Creative and professional opportunities may relate to:
creative potential:
communication of ideas
personal affinity with particular materials and processes
potential for combining materials and processes
potential for interactions of different materials and processes
themes in work
professional potential:
collaboration
emerging market trends
professional development
saleability.
Limitations and constraints may include:
availability of supplies
financial expenditure
safety aspects of process
storage facilities
studio space
timeframe
transportation.
Different ways of working with materials and processes may involve:
combining materials and processes in new ways
making samples, prototypes and maquettes
varying established approaches to achieve new effects
working collaboratively with a particular material or process.
Safe work practices may include:
completing MSDS
correct disposal of waste materials
dust and fume extraction
ergonomic safety
managing risk
reporting accidents and incidents
use of tools and equipment
using clearly designated wet and dry areas
using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Sustainable supply is:
available when needed
environmentally friendly
of appropriate quality
safe
within budgetary requirements.
Appropriate handling and storage may include:
appropriate racks, shelving and cupboards for:
glass cullet
glassworking in progress
plaster moulds
sheet glass
smaller quantities of dry materials
tools and equipment
appropriate storage containers and rooms for storing:
bulk dry materials
plastic clay
pottery plaster
liquid materials, including:
alternative casting materials, such as silicone, resins and waxes
commercial colours
solvent-based
water-based.

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.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
apply knowledge of glassworking materials and processes and how they may be adapted and extended at a professional level
evolve and refine ways of working with materials and processes through a demonstrated process of experimentation
integrate materials and processes into own work in a way that supports coherence of the creative work
demonstrate technical proficiency in the use of selected materials and processes
use safe and sustainable work practices.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
equipment, materials and tools used to produce glasswork.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
evaluation of the use of materials and processes in terms of the coherence of the body of work
evaluation of processes used by the candidate to develop new ways of working with glassworking materials and processes
evaluation of the work documentation
questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.