Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the processes required to prepare surfaces for application of mould release systems to specification. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the surface preparation process. It includes the demoulding of a previous product or protective surface to procedures where relevant.

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

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
hand finishing tools, plastic scrapers, buffs and polishes
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
hazardous materials and vapours
moving equipment
manual handling hazards.

Typical problems include:
equipment wear and breakage
overuse of tools, requiring rework.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to apply mould release system to specification.
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:
effects of contamination on surface quality
identify:
equipment, tools and consumables required to deliver the specified mould surface
different mould release systems
list and describe:
appropriate application techniques for the mould release systems used
typical problems with each mould release system
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
materials
contaminants
equipment
correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
monitor equipment operation and surface quality
identify when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance
identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the application process
use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
finished product will release from mould successfully.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
surface standards are met consistently
upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective
application procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly
repairs are identified and appropriate action is taken (i.e, the problem is fixed or reported)
all safety procedures are followed.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
Operators need to be able to interpret job specifications and recognise containers for different mould releases. They also need to be able to communicate work requirements with other operators.

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 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 a range of mould release systems and 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.