Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:09 PM AWST

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Design and construct moulds for fibrous plaster products

Design and construct moulds for fibrous plaster products

Unit of competency
National Code
PMC553070B
State Code
WA966
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
30/04/2010
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/08/2014
Field of Education
040317 - Plastering
Original Release Date
15/08/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency covers the design and construction of moulds for fibrous plaster products. It involves creating an image of the product to be produced, converting the image to an imagined negatively shaped mould cavity, selecting and mounting material for mould construction and ensuring mould meets requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Develop mould design
  • 1.1. Establish original product concept or design from drawings, originals or consultation with the customer
  • 1.2. Sketch out product prototype design and establish product sizes making appropriate allowance for material shrinkage
  • 1.3. Identify areas where undercuts, cutbacks or other special features are required
  • 1.4. Determine parting line
  • 1.5. Determine material from which mould is to be made
2. Select mould material and prepare for mould production
  • 2.1. Set up material for mould making, ensuring that the mould can be handled or moved without damage
  • 2.2. Establish datum point and mark out design dimensions using geometric and lineal calculations
  • 2.3. Determine correct cavity depths and contours
  • 2.4. Ensure there is adequate ventilation and light to facilitate an appropriate work environment
3. Produce working mould
  • 3.1. Fit appropriate protective equipment to prevent inhalation or irritation of by-products of the mould making process
  • 3.2. Use appropriate tools to carve out mould cavity and detail
  • 3.3. Accurately follow the design detail to produce a mould cavity to specification
  • 3.4. Avoid undercuts which will prevent removal of the plaster product from the mould
  • 3.5. Ensure appropriate degrees of taper are provided to facilitate product removal
  • 3.6. Carve reliefs according to design and remove debris as the work proceeds
4. Complete mould
  • 4.1. Clean down completed mould and clean up work area
  • 4.2. Inspect mould surface for defects or irregularities
  • 4.3. Compare design details with mould cavity to confirm accuracy of translation
  • 4.4. Coat mould surface to preserve finish and allow to dry
5. Produce product prototype
  • 5.1. Apply slipping agent to mould surface
  • 5.2. Prepare and insert anchors or ties
  • 5.3. Prepare plaster mixture and appropriate amount of glass fibre
  • 5.4. Cast plaster mix and fibre into mould cavity, strike off and allow to set
  • 5.5. Remove prototype from mould or mould from prototype
  • 5.6. Check prototype for dimensional and detail accuracy
  • 5.7. Compare prototype and mould to identify any faults or mould inaccuracies
  • 5.8. Adjust or dress mould to remove imperfections and clean mould surface
  • 5.9. Cast second prototype and recheck product and mould
  • 5.10. Clean up mould and mark in accordance with organisation identification practice
6. Control hazards
  • 6.1. Identify hazards in modelling work area
  • 6.2. Assess the risks arising from those hazards
  • 6.3. Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care
7. Respond to problems
  • 7.1. Identify possible routine and non-routine problems in the equipment or process
  • 7.2. Determine problems needing action
  • 7.3. Determine possible fault causes
  • 7.4. Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
  • 7.5. Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions
Moulds
Moulds may be manufactured from:
plaster
timber
rubber
metal
a combination of these
Materials
Materials may include:
additives
body materials
epoxy resins
metal strapping
plaster
release agents
rubber
timber
water
Equipment
Equipment may include:
moulds
chisels and hand held cutting tools
hand and power tools
jigs and fixtures
personal safety equipment
mixing equipment
models
weighing equipment
Typical problems
Typical problems may include:
personal injuries
complexities of mould design and shape
lack of appropriate illumination
Occupational health and safety (OHS)
The identification and control of hazards and the application of OHS are to be in accordance with current, applicable legislation and regulations, and company procedures. All work is carried out at all times in accordance with these requirements
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
OHS requirements are met
quality improvement techniques are applied
emergency procedures are understood and applied
waste is minimised.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations.
Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.
Simulation or case studies/scenarios may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this unit of competency. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include 'walk-throughs' of the relevant competency components. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs and questions will be required to probe the reasoning behind observable actions.

Method of assessment
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.

Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W2691 PMCOPS370A Design and construct moulds for fibrous plaster products Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAH18 PMC553070 Design and construct moulds for fibrous plaster products Unit of competency