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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Decorative finishes
Decorative finishes would include nickel, chrome, copper, silver, gold and rhodium
Treatment processes
Pre-treatment, electroplating, electroforming, electroless plating, electrophoretic coating, post treatment plating out, carbon and chemical treatments for decorative finish solutions
Pre-plating treatments
Pre-treatments for common base metals and soils can be given, including degreasing, soak/cleaning, electrolytic cleaning, activating dips
Equipment
Wire racks, handling equipment, barrels, jigs, shields, robbers, etc. Performance requirements and basic maintenance checks for rectifier, bus bars, agitation, heating/cooling, extraction and tank linings
Operating parameters
Calculation and setting of treatment times and currents, bath pH, temperatures and densities, agitation rate, process (deposition) time, solution levels and compositions, purification procedures
Abnormalities
Abnormalities associated with decorative plating and their causes, including poor/uneven brightness/texture, inadequate levelling, roughness, pitting, poor adhesion, blistering, burning, poor plate coverage (particularly chromium), incorrect colour (particularly flash brass, gold)
Maintain solutions
Typical tests for pH density and titration, calculation of adjustments to relevant solutions
Solution compositions
Cleaning, pickling, electroplating, chromate solutions and acid dips
Anodes
Soluble, insoluble auxiliary anodes, etc.
Maintain equipment
Anode condition, electrical contacts etc.
Process transfer equipment
Baskets, spreader bars, racks, hooks etc.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to electroplate decorative finishes. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with electroplating decorative finishes or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment