Elements and Performance Criteria

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

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

This competency includes equipment and tools such as:
knives and other rubber cutting and shaping equipment
hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences
manual handling aids such as handcarts
relevant personal protective equipment
powered equipment/aids.

Typical hazards include:
heat and hot rubber
chemical splashes or spills
dust or vapours/fumes
manual handling hazards
knife hazards.

'Rectify routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.

Typical process problems include:
variations in materials
contamination of materials
unsuccessful vulcanising processes.

Typical product problems include:
entrapped gasses
wire or reinforcing exposure
inappropriate material specification.

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:
impact of incorrect or faulty materials
production workflow sequences
focus of operation of work systems and equipment
correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
wrong raw materials/additives/catalyst
incorrect temperatures or pressures and entrapped air in the vulcanised area
contaminated materials/additives/catalyst
identify the function of vulcanising equipment, components and the materials used
describe changes to materials at the stages of production conducted by the employee
explain the impact of vulcanising speed, pressure, time, temperature and tension on product quality and production output
describe the role of heat and pressure in relation to providing strength, stiffness, resistance to deformation, fatigue and abrasion
explain any differences in vulcanising processes and additives for natural, synthetic and mixed rubber compounds
decide if they (the operator) are able to rectify the fault or if assistance is required
explain the effect of unauthorised or emergency shutdown of equipment on the vulcanising process
plan own work sequence including identification of key checkpoints for equipment monitoring and product quality checks
operate equipment and monitor product quality
identify factors which may influence product quality and production output and appropriate remedies
make appropriate authorised alterations to own work plan and equipment to maintain both product quality and required production output
locate, interpret and apply relevant information and maintain workplace records
identify and safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
materials
process conditions
equipment condition.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
understand procedures
understand the importance of critical material properties and quantities
recognise potential situations requiring action and then implement appropriate action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
production standards are met consistently
wire or reinforcing is not visible in the finished product
bonding is achieved in accordance with specifications.

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, eg, to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

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.