- PMBPROD211B - Operate blow moulding equipment
Assessor Resource
PMBPROD211B
Operate blow moulding equipment
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
Application of this unit
This competency applies to operators who are required to undertake the routine operation of blow moulding equipment. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.
The operator:
takes product off the machine,
checks product for quality and conformity to specifications
checks raw material feed
notices any problems and takes required action (e.g.reporting)
deals with non-conforming products, waste and scrap
completes logs and reports.
They may record key variables such as machine conditions and production rate and reasons for interruptions.
This unit does not include:
packing of product - see MSASUP204A Pack products or materials
finishing of product - see PMBFIN201 Finish products and components.
This competency covers the operation of blow moulding equipment and the resolving of routine problems to procedure.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
This unit has no prerequisites.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
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.
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 to operate a blow moulding machine
apply approved procedures.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that blow moulding production standards are met consistently.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on an industrial blow moulding machine(s) equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by using an appropriate, industrial blow moulding machine 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.
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.
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Application of an operational knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults. For example, the product may not be fully inflated, leading to undersized and malformed product. Blow pressure may be insufficient or the compressed air supply may be partially blocked.
Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards. For example action must only be taken if the parison mass varies by more than 2 grams.
Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to the blow moulding process. Application of approved hazard control, safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup.
Knowledge of and skills in the operation of blow moulding equipment and main components sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:
production workflow sequences and materials demand
the reasons for checking process control panels and reporting readings which are outside of normal range of process variability
accurately monitoring equipment operation and product quality
purpose and requirements of 'dry running' before starting production
the potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product
processing behaviour of polymers and the role of additives
waste management and knowing the importance of reusing non-conforming products wherever possible
correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
explain the effect of unauthorised or emergency shutdown in relation to safety and production requirements
identify factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies.
Competence also includes the ability to:
plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
identify when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance
identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the blow moulding process.
Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, basic machine control panels, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is required, (eg to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed for a requirement for 50 kg).
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 applies to all blow moulding operations within the plastics and rubber sectors. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the blow moulding process.
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:
bottom blow, top blow, needle blow, tail to tail blow, parison
pre-blow and pre-squeeze, parison stretching and parison orientation type machines
ancillary equipment (such as chillers/cooling towers, die heating equipment, hopper driers, mixing hoppers, dehumidifying driers, air compressors, dosing machines, colour blending equipment and conveyors)
hand tools used in the blow moulding process
material loading equipment used for loading of raw materials
relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
spills
dusts/vapours
slip and fall (such as due to spilt granules)
temperature (such as due to heated moulds)
hazardous substances (including decomposing polymer during start up and shut down)
moving equipment (such as moving moulds, robots and ancillary equipment)
manual handling hazards.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:
equipment malfunction
variations in temperature, pressure, speed, inflation
variations in materials or contamination of materials
incorrect quantity of materials/additives
die damage
routine blow moulding faults (eg wall thinning, holes, poor surface finish, warping, poor colour dispersion, ejection damage, colour contamination, black spots and other defects)
machine malfunction
die/tooling problems.
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 work requirements from production plan or request. | |||
Check product, materials and equipment meet requirements for job(s). | |||
Recognise requirements which may not be in accordance with usual practice. | |||
Ask questions of appropriate person to confirm unusual practice. | |||
Ensure housekeeping is to requirements. | |||
Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action. | |||
Perform other pre-operational checks in accordance with procedures. | |||
Conduct pre-start checks. | |||
Start up equipment safely and 'dry run' to warm hydraulics and components to operating temperature before production, as required. | |||
Check condition of equipment and introduce raw materials as required. | |||
Check process is operating within required limits. | |||
Check product is in specification and to required quality standard. | |||
Ensure product is consistently ready for next operation. | |||
Maintain supply of material(s) as required. | |||
Complete logs and records as required. | |||
Collect and segregate scrap, trim and other materials as required. | |||
Keep equipment and work area clean . | |||
Pause machine cycle and perform emergency stop, as required. | |||
Identify likely faults that occur during the operation. | |||
Identify and take action on causes of routine faults in accordance with procedures. | |||
Make sure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures. | |||
Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person. |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PMBPROD211B - Operate blow moulding equipment
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
PMBPROD211B - Operate blow moulding equipment
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: