Elements and Performance Criteria

Context
This competency is typically performed by operators, weighers, mixers or stores personnel, and includes the following tasks (select relevant items):
handling raw chemicals
storing raw chemicals
pre-production assembling and labelling of materials
pre-production inspection of materials, usually involving visual inspections only for identification of deterioration or damage
pre-production measuring of materials, by weight, volume or density
disposal of waste materials
identifying and reporting hazards, safety and other issues that could affect the operation of the plant.

Typical examples of preparation required might include (select relevant items):
warming to melt waxy materials
breaking up solid materials into pieces or smaller lumps
passing materials through an in-line delumper
blending a powder or liquid into a solution prior to use in the process
blending powders prior to production
dilution of solutions
preparation of a solution for dosing into a process.

Equipment may include:
buckets
stirring paddle
propeller or drum mixers
delumpers
hammers or axes
measuring equipment including scales, flow meters and graduated vessels
personal protective equipment.

Documentation may include:
materials safety data sheets (MSDSs)
enterprise procedures
labelling requirements (dangerous goods codes, classification numbers, packaging group numbers)
HAZCHEM symbols and codes
spill containment and disposal procedures.

Materials may include:
raw materials
packaging materials
consumables.

Typical problems are restricted to responding in a routine, predetermined manner as specified in the procedures.

All operations are performed to procedures.

HSE
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

Assessment context and methods
Assessment for this unit of competency will be on an operating plant. 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. Assessment will occur over a range of situations which could include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Critical aspects
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
all operations are performed to procedures and OHS and environmental requirements
signs of problems or potential problems with the equipment/processes are recognised
appropriate action is taken in a timely manner
hazards are recognised and appropriate action is taken to control risks arising from such hazards.

These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what ifs as the stimulus, with a walk-through forming part of the response. The assessment activities should include responding to a range of problems.

Resource implications
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. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

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

It may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with:
PMAOHS100B - Follow OHS procedures.

Essential knowledge
Demonstration of competence in this unit must include knowledge of the following:
identification of materials in plant
classes of compatible and incompatible chemicals
storage requirements of materials
any special storage requirements
basic measurement procedures
routes of entry of chemicals to the body (basic only)
procedures for safe handling of chemicals and hazardous substances
correct selection, use and maintenance of required PPE
labelling requirements (dangerous goods codes, classification numbers, packaging group numbers)
HAZCHEM symbols and codes
spill containment and disposal procedures
procedures related to this competency
environmental requirements related to waste disposal
workplace processes sufficient to recognise non-standard situations
workplace hazards and methods of controlling hazards according to procedures
procedures for reporting or dealing with non-standard or hazardous situations
materials safety data sheets (MSDSs).

An operator is expected to be aware of an MSDS, its general structure and where to find the methods of use, cautions and actions in an emergency. They are not expected to understand the full text of an MSDS.