Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the processes required to prepare surfaces for application of surface coatings to specification. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the surface preparation process.

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

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
hand finishing tools, scrapers, sandpaper, buffs and polishes
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
hazardous materials and vapours
moving equipment
manual handling hazards.

Typical problems include:
equipment
wear and breakage
process
overuse of tools, requiring rework.

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:
effects of contamination on surface quality
surface finish measurement techniques
identify:
equipment, tools and consumables required to deliver the specified surface finish
different substrates
list and describe:
appropriate surface finish techniques for the substrates used
typical problems with each substrate
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
materials
contaminants
equipment
correctly select and use equipment, materials, processes and procedures
plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
monitor equipment operation and product quality
identify when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance
identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the finishing process
use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task.

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.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
finishing production standards are met consistently
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
operating procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly
problems are identified and appropriate action is taken (i.e. the problem is fixed or reported)
all safety procedures are followed.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is required, e.g. to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

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.