Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the finishing process.

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

This competency includes the use of equipment and tools such as:
electric and/or air powered routers, saws, drills, drivers and sanders
knives, files and scrapers
hand carts and trolleys
hoists/jigs/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
knives and knife sharpeners
band saws, hand saws
personal safety equipment such as gloves and goggles or face shields
handling aids such as jigs and gantries.

Typical hazards include:
manual handling hazards
knife hazards
humidity, air temperature, radiant heat
stationary and moving machinery, parts and components.

Typical process problems include:
movement of jigs or fixtures
power failures
non-supply of materials
broken cords
damaged or inoperable equipment.

Typical product problems include:
variations in materials
temperature of product to be finished
movement of inserts, reinforcements or fittings
size of some products.

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 product imperfections and techniques necessary to finish products for customer use.
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:
selection and application of appropriate processes
selection of appropriate tools for the process
locate, interpret and apply relevant information to the finishing process
identify and safely handle products
select and apply appropriate finishing process
meet waste and recycling requirements
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
product defects such as: flashing; distortions; stress marks; sinks, voids; short shots; poor colour distribution; moisture marks; gassing; burn marks
inappropriate selection and use of finishing equipment/processes
poor surface finish
fining or shuts
variations in section thickness.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
recognise potential situations requiring action
implement appropriate action
understand procedures.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production standards are met consistently
the importance of critical material properties and quantities to the finishing process is recognised
safety procedures are followed.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets and material labels as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is also required, e.g. counting numbers of products and percentage of rejects.

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 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.