Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the granulating process.

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

This competency includes equipment and tools such as:
granulator equipment and auxiliary equipment including regrind evacuation systems, conveyors, hoppers, dust collection systems
tools such as verniers and gauges
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
spills
dusts/vapours
temperature
rotor speed, blades
material hazards
manual handling hazards.

'Rectify routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.

Typical process problems include:
equipment malfunction
variations in materials
contamination of materials
poor maintenance of blades, screens.

Typical product problems include:
inconsistency
incorrect product size.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Knowledge and understanding 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 standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements, along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job.

Competence includes the ability to:
apply and/or explain:
function of granulating equipment, machine components and the materials used
changes to materials during the process conducted by the operator
impact of feed rate on product quality and production output
production workflow sequences and materials demand
safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup
impact of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to final product
waste management and importance of non-conforming materials
correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
wrong raw materials/additives
incorrect quantity of materials/additives
contaminated materials/additives
equipment faults such as clogged screens, poor gap distance between rotor and bed blades, blunt blades, failure in grinding systems.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
understand the importance of critical material properties and granulating variables
recognise potential situations requiring action and then implement appropriate action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
granulating production standards are met consistently
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
common production faults and equipment malfunctions are identified/anticipated and appropriate action is taken (i.e. the fault is fixed or reported)
non routine problems are identified and reported to appropriate personnel
all safety procedures are adhered to.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures and material labels as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is also required, e.g. to determine required kilograms of materials

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.