Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the use of equipment and materials to form composite products using hand lamination processes. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the hand lay-up process.

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

The processes covered by this unit include, but are not limited to:
setting up moulds
selection and preparation of resins, including mixing as required
selection and preparation of fibre reinforcement, including cutting and trimming
use of composites materials including gel coats, resins and fibres
use and application of cores, fillers and surface finishes
application of composite materials to the mould by hand lay-up.

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
open moulds for composite products
hand mixing equipment and stirrers
knives and cutters to trim fibres
hand application tools, rollers, trowels, etc.
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
hazardous materials and vapours
manual handling hazards
knife hazards.

Typical problems include:
cracks, dents or imperfections of the mould
use of incorrect materials
variations in materials, colour, consistency or mix
contamination of 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 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 for the practical completion of the job to:
apply and/or explain:
products, materials and material characteristics
properties of the materials required to form a composite structure of the required strength and surface finish
pot life of the resins used
quality requirements at each production stage
safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and clean up
the hierarchy of control including engineering controls
impact of variations in raw materials and application in relation to final product
changes to materials at various stages of production
waste management and importance of non-conforming materials
plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
interpret from production requests the correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
make measurements when required and identify product out of specification
identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the process
identify factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies
identify when the operator is able to rectify faults and when assistance is required
identify hazards of the materials and process
implement appropriate procedures for hazard control
use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
wrong raw materials/additives/catalyst
incorrect quantity of materials/additives/catalyst
contaminated materials/additives/catalyst.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
identify critical materials properties and hand lamination process characteristics in relation to the process requirements and the end product
plan own work process within workplace procedures and explain the reasons for the steps in the process
take appropriate action to observe equipment, materials and products for out of specification results, make adjustments and identify problems to be reported.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production quality and output standards are met consistently
problems are anticipated from process observations
problems are efficiently resolved
the process runs consistently and smoothly.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Numeracy is required to the level of determining required weights/volumes of materials in a resin mix for different circumstances (say using a data sheet), number of layers of impregnated matrix required to yield the required product laminate thickness, and similar activities.

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 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.