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 integral to the hand mixing 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:
hand carts and trolleys
knives and other bag opening equipment
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
mixing spatulas or paddles
portable electrical paddle mixers
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
spills and splashing
noxious fumes and vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards.

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

Typical process problems include:
incorrect material composition
over or under mixing
broken mixing equipment
temperature variations.

Typical product problems include:
variations in materials
contamination of materials
variations in setting times.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.
Knowledge of the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:
apply and/or explain:
impact of incorrect or faulty materials
production workflow sequences and materials demand
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/catalyst
incorrect quantity of materials/additives/catalyst
contaminated materials/additives/catalyst
inadequate mixing
incorrect setting times/temperature/composition.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
recognise the importance of material properties and qualities
apply approved procedures
take appropriate action to resolve faults or report faults to appropriate personnel
explain and implement emergency shutdown procedures
plan and set up work before beginning the hand mixing process.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production standards are met consistently
mixing produces a consistent product
timing of mixing batches is consistent with production needs.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets 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 that mixtures might comprise 2 parts of A, 8 parts of B; and 20 parts of C; for a total mix comprising 30 parts.

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.