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.

Inks / coatings
Range of standard inks commonly used in 4-colour printing

Colour matching systems
Use of visual colour assessment and densitometry to match basic standard colours under controlled lighting conditions

Machines
A range of stack, in-line and central impression flexographic printing machines with manual, semi-automated, fully automated or computerised process control

Design
4 colours, simple graphics and text. Minor variation in registration and position

In-line processes
Minor processes that are integral to this competency can include basic in-line operations such as perforating, numbering, date coding, slitting that do not in themselves constitute another defined unit of competency. Where a major in-line process is defined as a separate competency (eg flat-bed cutting, folding) it should be assessed as such

Substrate types
Range of substrates within the major categories of paper, pressure sensitive material, board, corrugated board, plastics and related films, or metal

Substrate handling
Wide or narrow reel or large or small sheet handling systems

Degree of autonomy
Working to defined procedures under limited supervision

Routine
Routine within this context relates to the set up and production of print runs. The set up of equipment and production is straightforward and does not involve a significant amount of deviation from using standard equipment settings. In this sense, routine does not refer to a job that an individual might repeat on a regular basis

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency

Evidence of the following is essential:

Operate either a reel or sheet-fed flexographic press ensuring an efficient production flow that maintains product quality standards. Any production problems are rectified with minimum downtime. The machine is correctly shut down and cleaned according to OHS guidelines
Demonstrate use of computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate
Demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
Produce TWO basic flexographic printing jobs (if possible including at least ONE in-line process) according to job specifications, enterprise procedures and the Performance Criteria
Evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment
flexographic press

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:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPSU201B Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machine
ICPSU202B Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine
ICPSU208B Operate and monitor machines (basic)
ICPPR211B Mount and proof flexographic plates for basic printing
ICPPR313B Set up for basic flexographic printing