The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to start up, operate and monitor an electroplating process. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with starting up, operating and monitoring an electroplating process or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

recognising deviations and faults in product/equipment/process

identifying machine process requirements, untreated materials and process sequences

identifying incorrectly loaded work

inspecting job surface conditions

checking plant and equipment for conformance to safety and operational requirements

checking solution levels and identifying visible contamination such as solution clarity, oil, surface contamination

maintaining required contacts and immersions while moving materials

monitoring operating parameters, identifying deviations and making required adjustments

adjusting settings such as voltage, current and temperature within permissible limits

correcting deviations within scope operator's control

reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures. May include drawings

following oral instructions

performing calculations using formulae

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

basic knowledge of electroplating process, machine components, treatment solutions, process parameters

a basic knowledge of electroplating solutions and handling procedures

treatment stages

information relevant to plating products, treatment baths, settings

characteristics of a variety of base materials that can be plated

pre-treatment s, treatments and post treatments in relation to task requirements

required equipment checks

hazards and control measures associated with electroplating processes

operational requirements of all plant and equipment associated with the relevant process

the purpose and typical settings of different instruments/gauges

sequences and requirements involved in moving materials

the range of adjustments permissible for given operating parameters including voltage, current and temperature

variances outside the control of the operator

common faults and imperfections/deviations

adjustments to suit specific process deviations

effects of rust, corrosion and other contaminants

the reasons for rejecting incorrectly loaded work

safe operating procedures, safety and personal protective equipment, hazards of specific solutions

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Electroplating requirements

Coating thickness, appearance, ductility, hardness, corrosions resistance, wear

Untreated materials

Steel, copper, brass, cast iron, stainless steel

Electroplating treatment

Pre-treatment

Electroplating operations

Post treatment

Checked

Equipment checking includes componentry, electrodes, circuitry equipment

Instruments and gauges

Volt meters, AMP meters, temperature recorders/indicators

AMP per hour meters

Electroplating operations

Engineering coatings, protective finishes, decorative plating

Work instructions

Standard operating procedures, verbal and written job instructions, job cards, specifications, drawings

Adjustment

Time, temperature, current density, voltage

Visual inspection

Surface texture, brightness, free from roughness, pitting, cracking, machining marks