Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to the rubber sector and rubber covered cablemaking industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment such as feed and reeling equipment.

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:
the continuous press/autoclave
feed and reeling equipment
monitoring and control equipment
tools for taking samples
relevant personal protective equipment.

Typical hazards include:
burns
vapours
moving equipment.

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

Typical process problems include:
variations in feed material
scorched materials
contamination of materials
temperature variations
pressure variations.

Typical product problems include:
entrapped particulates or air
insufficient bond achieved
uncured rubber
exposed reinforcing or wire.

Key process variables to be checked include:
temperature
pressure
time
feed rate
clamp/press cycle.

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:
the influence of the mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic principles on vulcanising equipment operation and product curing
the impact that chemical reactions/mechanical processes have on changing the state, form and condition of the vulcanised materials
the role of retarders, fillers and extenders, processing aids and protective agents appropriate for the rubber compounds and processes used
the reasons for minimising waste of vulcanised products
production workflow schedule requirements
identification and correct use of materials, equipment, processes and procedures
planning own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
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 machine 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
identify and describe own role and the roles of others involved directly in the vulcanising process
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, product quality checks and monitoring of supplies and downstream operations
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:
apply procedures
explain 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 the specification.

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 to the level of reading and interpreting numbers.

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.