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 covers the application of gel coat to specification, using manual application or spray equipment. It involves the application of gel coat to a mould as part of a manufacturing process. Where gel coating is not part of the manufacturing process, but a similar process occurs, then this unit should be customised to suit a similar coating process.
It is not intended to cover repairs or patching work to the gel coat surface of products.
It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the process of applying gel coat.
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 competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
measurement devices, such as depth gauges, containers, weighing machines, scales or meters
hand application equipment including brushes
spray equipment
relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
hazardous materials and vapours
manual handling
stationary and moving machinery, parts and components.
Problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical product problems may include:
wrinkles and pinholes
slow gel coat cure
sagging of the gel coat
porosity
separation of colour
discolouration.
Typical process problems may include:
equipment problems, including spray blockage/build-up and wear and breakage
poor mixing
temperature variation
catalyzation
incomplete cure.
Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reporting to designated person or other action specified in the procedures.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
thickness
temperature
air pressure
surface finish
product integrity and general conformance to specification.

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:
apply the required skills and knowledge in gel coat application
apply approved procedures.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
gel coating production standards are met consistently
all safety procedures are followed.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on a gel coat application process and equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by using a gel coat application method or equipment requiring demonstration of operation and emergency stop procedures
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. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.