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.

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

This competency unit includes equipment and tools such as:
hand carts and trolleys
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
plastic or other filling compounds
basic hand tools required for cosmetic repairs of products
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
spills
dusts/vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards.

Typical process problems include:
inappropriate filling materials being selected and used
equipment failures
effect of weather on curing times.

Typical product problems include:
variations in materials
contamination of materials
separation of filling and parent materials.

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 material 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
focus of operation of work systems and equipment
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 routine finishing faults such as:
wrong raw materials/additives
incorrect quantity of materials/additives/catalyst
contaminated materials/additives/catalyst
equipment malfunctions
tool slips and mould or product inclusions.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
recognise the importance of critical material properties and quantities
maintain tools in a manner that promotes cleanliness and safety
identify problems and take appropriate action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production standards are met consistently
all safety procedures are followed.

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 16 units and 46 units are equal to a total of 62 units.

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.