Assessor Resource

PMAOPS350
Match and adjust colour

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to recommend adjustments to bring product colour into the acceptable range using a mixture of colourants. It applies to products, such as:

paint

ink

concrete

rubber

plastic

dye mixes/dyed materials.

Any suitable colourants, such as those below may be used:

pigments

dyes

masterbatches

tinters.

This unit of competency applies to technicians who are required to apply a significant understanding of colour to prepare colour samples, compare the sample to the standard, and estimate colourant additions needed to bring the batch to standard. The comparison may be done using a ‘colour computer’ or by eye.

This unit of competency is typically performed by technicians working independently while in liaison with operators, paint/industrial chemists or other personnel.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare colour sample

1.1

Identify required sample properties

1.2

Select sample preparation method

1.3

Identify required sample preparation conditions

1.4

Adjust and control sample preparation conditions

1.5

Prepare colour sample

2

Compare colour sample to standard in accordance with procedures

2.1

Identify light conditions for comparison

2.2

Compare colour sample to standard using 'colour computer' and/or by eye

2.3

Reconcile data from comparison

3

Recommend adjustments to batch

3.1

Estimate the colourant additions needed to bring batch to standard

3.2

Recommend additions to relevant personnel

3.3

Recommend additional mixing/processing requirements to procedure

3.4

Repeat sample preparation, colour matching and adjustment until correct colour is obtained

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

control sample preparation conditions, including one or more of:

temperature

drying rate

time

pressure

volume

discriminate differences in hue, value and chroma (or colour/tone, lightness/shade and saturation)

recognise colourant addition and colourant dispersion differences

make judgements based on:

perceptibility

acceptability/tolerance

grade 1, 2 or 3 match as required by specification

interpolate and extrapolate data

calculate required adjustments consistent with the colour match data

recommend adjustments that avoid overshooting and minimise the number of adjustments to bring the batch into specification.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

types and application of sample preparation methods, such as:

draw down

spraying

brushing

moulding

casting

milling

pressing

the impact of sample properties, including surface finish, gloss, thickness, opacity, substrate properties on sample preparation methods and conditions

the effect of a change of light conditions on the appearance of the colour for the pigment combination used as relevant to the product

the impact of opacity on colour as relevant to the product

types and application of colourants relevant to the application.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the adjustment of a commercial scale batch and equipment to meet a suitable colour standard

may use industry-based simulation for part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare colour sample

1.1

Identify required sample properties

1.2

Select sample preparation method

1.3

Identify required sample preparation conditions

1.4

Adjust and control sample preparation conditions

1.5

Prepare colour sample

2

Compare colour sample to standard in accordance with procedures

2.1

Identify light conditions for comparison

2.2

Compare colour sample to standard using 'colour computer' and/or by eye

2.3

Reconcile data from comparison

3

Recommend adjustments to batch

3.1

Estimate the colourant additions needed to bring batch to standard

3.2

Recommend additions to relevant personnel

3.3

Recommend additional mixing/processing requirements to procedure

3.4

Repeat sample preparation, colour matching and adjustment until correct colour is obtained

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following:

legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS)

industry codes of practice and guidelines

environmental regulations and guidelines

Australian and other standards

licence and certification requirements

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

Hazards

Hazards include one or more of the following:

electricity

equipment failures

industrial (machinery, equipment and product)

noise, rotational equipment or vibration

plant services (steam, condensate and cooling water)

limited head spaces or overhangs

flammability and explosivity

hazardous products and materials

unauthorised personnel

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

other hazards that might arise

Procedures

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, include one or more of the following:

work instructions

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

safe work method statements (SWMS)

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

control sample preparation conditions, including one or more of:

temperature

drying rate

time

pressure

volume

discriminate differences in hue, value and chroma (or colour/tone, lightness/shade and saturation)

recognise colourant addition and colourant dispersion differences

make judgements based on:

perceptibility

acceptability/tolerance

grade 1, 2 or 3 match as required by specification

interpolate and extrapolate data

calculate required adjustments consistent with the colour match data

recommend adjustments that avoid overshooting and minimise the number of adjustments to bring the batch into specification.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

types and application of sample preparation methods, such as:

draw down

spraying

brushing

moulding

casting

milling

pressing

the impact of sample properties, including surface finish, gloss, thickness, opacity, substrate properties on sample preparation methods and conditions

the effect of a change of light conditions on the appearance of the colour for the pigment combination used as relevant to the product

the impact of opacity on colour as relevant to the product

types and application of colourants relevant to the application.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the adjustment of a commercial scale batch and equipment to meet a suitable colour standard

may use industry-based simulation for part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify required sample properties 
Select sample preparation method 
Identify required sample preparation conditions 
Adjust and control sample preparation conditions 
Prepare colour sample 
Identify light conditions for comparison 
Compare colour sample to standard using 'colour computer' and/or by eye 
Reconcile data from comparison 
Estimate the colourant additions needed to bring batch to standard 
Recommend additions to relevant personnel 
Recommend additional mixing/processing requirements to procedure 
Repeat sample preparation, colour matching and adjustment until correct colour is obtained 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMAOPS350 - Match and adjust colour
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

PMAOPS350 - Match and adjust colour

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: