Elements and Performance Criteria

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. Add any 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.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency applies to all plastic and rubber processes which involve a mould. It applies to complex composite moulds, rotomoulding and thermoforming systems,. It does not apply to situations such as injection or blow moulding dies.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
hand tools as required
relevant personal protective equipment.
Equipment types may include:
rotational moulding (eg fixed spindle, single spindle, multiple spindle, shuttle open-flame, swing, carousel, shuttle and 'rock and roll').
complex composite moulds
complex thermoforming moulds.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
noise, light, energy sources
humidity, air temperatures, radiant heat
stationary and moving machinery, parts and components.
Problems
'Anticipate and solve problems' means resolve a wide range of routine and non-routine problems, using product and process knowledge to develop solutions to problems which do not have a known solution/a solution recorded in the procedures.
Typical process and product problems may include:
selecting the right tools for a new job
using new and untried moulds
adapting the process to the new product and mould
observing the process to obtain useful trial data
comparing the product to the desired specification
determining the cause of non-compliances.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
performance of mould
temperatures
machine speed
materials, quantities and composition
product quality requirements.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this training package.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
understand procedures and know the importance of critical material properties and quantities
recognise potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate action.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
new or un-tried moulds are tested thoroughly
product quality and output standards are met consistently
problems are anticipated from process observations
problems are efficiently resolved
the process runs consistently and smoothly.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on industrial equipment in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on a processing plant, allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through 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 theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement 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 that 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.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.