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 the testing of raw materials and moulded laminates, using a range of standard testing equipment and test methods within the plastics industry.
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:
testing equipment such as gel timer, flow meter, tensile tester, hardness tester, mold flow indexer, flammability/smoke tester, flexular tester etc.)
materials handling equipment
relevant PPE
equipment as specified by AS/NZ standards (where applicable).

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:
select and apply the appropriate test methods for the job, and correctly interpret the test results
identify and take appropriate action on problems and potential problems.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
tests are performed to procedures at all times
all safety procedures are always followed.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on appropriate fibre composite testing equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by direct observation using appropriate testing 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.
Additional resources might include sets of specifications from which test requirements might be determined and a range of samples of materials/products from which test samples might be prepared and then tests conducted.