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 work environments and sectors within the rubber industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the vulcanising process.
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 unit of competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
portable vulcanising equipment (including dispersion plates, pressure bags, edge bars, controllers)
knives and other rubber cutting and shaping equipment
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
manual handling aids such as handcarts
relevant personal protective equipment
powered equipment/aids.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
pressure
heat and hot rubber
chemical splashes or spills
dust or vapours/fumes
manual handling hazards
knife hazards.
Task sequences
Task sequences include:
location of vulcaniser
process monitoring
quality checks.
Monitoring of vulcanisation
Monitoring of vulcanisation includes noting:
times,
vulcanisation quality,
equipment operating temperatures and times
additional pressures applied.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:
incorrect vulcaniser set-up
variations in materials
contamination of materials
unsuccessful vulcanising processes
entrapped gasses
wire or reinforcing exposure
inappropriate material specification.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
heat
pressure
time
tension.

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 the inherent risk associated with using a vulcaniser and the potential consequences of incorrect use
understand procedures
understand the importance of critical material properties and quantities
recognise potential situations requiring action
implement appropriate action and explain logic.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
production standards are met consistently
wire or reinforcing is not visible in the finished product
bonding is achieved in accordance with specifications.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on industrial equipment in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by using an appropriate, portable vulcanising equipment
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to 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.