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:

Forming glass
Forming glass is the texturing or patterning of glass by bringing float glass to a semi-molten state and forming or slumping it over a pattern. As kiln-formed glass is custom manufactured, patterns/artwork are specific to a project. Moulds and patterns are formed to produce textures and patterns for the industry (glass merchants, architects, designers, shop fitters, signwriters and bathroom supplies, commercial and domestic)
Glass being formed may include but is not limited to: sheet glass, float glass and patterned glass

Unit context
This unit covers work involving the operation and monitoring of glass forming in kilns
OH&S requirements may include legislation, standards, building codes, material safety management systems and local safe operating procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, environment legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant regulations and organisation insurance requirements
Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment
Work is generally performed individually, with general supervision and may be part of a production process
Work may be performed in workplaces which are involved in the manufacture of customised formed glass products

Tools and equipment are to include:
kiln bed (sand bed screed flat and firm to create the patterns or artwork)
moulds and items for background patterns such as paint rollers
wire
trowels
etc.

Materials are to include but are not limited to:
float glass
sand and patterning material such as silicone
dowel
sea shells
etc.

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

Information and procedures
Equipment manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures
Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of glass forming equipment
Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
Safety standards include personal protective equipment, OH&S regulations and enterprise requirements
Quality standards and procedures

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 prepare to form glass
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 forming glass of four differing patterns using varying slumping techniques to the capacity of the kiln being used. Patterns may be existing moulds or improvised designs
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
The qualities and characteristics of glass, including the hazards and handling requirements
Identification of equipment, processes and procedures for forming glass
Procedures for reporting materials, product or equipment faults
Workplace safety system requirements related to the forming of glass
Workflow in relation to forming of glass
Characteristics of materials used and uses of products produced

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, minimise wastage and assemble required materials
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to plan work, avoiding reworking and wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to the forming of glass

Resource Implications
Glass forming equipment, work area, work order, standard operating procedures, unprocessed materials.

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 process 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)