Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to the processes required to mix materials to specification using mixing equipment. Materials may be any resin, multi-part mix or blend requiring specified quantities of raw materials and additives to meet a specification or recipe. It also includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the 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:
measurement devices, such as measuring flasks, containers, weighing machines, scales or meters
mixing or blending equipment (stirrers, paddle, propeller or other driven mixer)
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
hazardous materials and vapours
manual handling
stationary and moving machinery, parts and components.

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

Typical process problems include
wear and breakage of equipment
poor mixing
over or under measurement of components
mixing materials out of sequence.

Typical product problems include
poor formulation
contaminated product
lack of consistency.

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 to:
apply and/or explain:
calculation of volumes or weights used to make a batch from the specification or recipe
shear effects on mixing
identify:
materials used
role of friction in the blending process
list and describe:
changes to materials at each stage of the process
routine faults in materials
routine problems in process
routine recording of jobs and details
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
materials
changes to materials during the mixing process
equipment.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
understand the importance of critical material properties and quantities
recognise potential situations requiring action and then implement appropriate action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production standards are met consistently
mixing results in materials of the correct consistency and specification
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
common production faults and equipment malfunctions are identified/anticipated and appropriate action is taken (i.e. the fault is fixed or reported)
non-routine problems are identified and reported to appropriate personnel
all safety procedures are adhered to.

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.

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.