Assessor Resource

PMBPROD246
Hand mix materials

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to hand mix materials in the plastics, rubber and cablemaking sectors, other than the composites sector.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to select materials and equipment, plan and sequence the work, mix ingredients, check conformity to specifications and recognise routine and non-routine problems and take appropriate action.

This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members, team leader and supervisor, as appropriate.

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

Identify the requirements for hand mixing of materials

1.1

Identify materials to be included in the hand mixing process

1.2

Identify hand mixing equipment and components used in the mixing process

1.3

Identify characteristics of the blended material produced in relation to the impact on the production process and final product quality

1.4

Compare stages in the mixing process with the quality requirements for the product

2

Pre-plan hand mixing operations

2.1

Identify work requirements from workplace approved operating procedures

2.2

Identify equipment and processes used for materials measurement, preparation, mixing and for the delivery of material to production area

2.3

Identify materials, including base raw materials and required additives

2.4

Identify hazards connected with materials and process from observation of workplace reference materials, including safety data sheets (SDS) and equipment instructions

2.5

Identify appropriate measures to minimise risks from the identified hazards

2.6

Plan task sequences within scope of authority

3

Check hand mixing set-up

3.1

Identify equipment information, required quality specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

3.2

Check materials for conformity with workplace operational requirements

3.3

Discard non-conforming materials or make adjustments to blending operations in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

Identify changes in materials at each stage of the blending process

4

Conduct hand mixing operations

4.1

Monitor hand mixing operations noting materials quantity and product quality

4.2

Make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity to product blend standards, where applicable

4.3

Move materials to point of use and pour in the appropriate manner

4.4

Collect and reuse material which is able to be reprocessed and deal with waste and scrap in accordance with workplace procedures

4.5

Complete equipment clean-up and waste management in accordance with workplace procedures

5

Respond to product quality improvement requests

5.1

Monitor hand mixing process and note conditions which may affect product quality standards

5.2

Report process variations within workplace procedures

5.3

Note and implement authorised changes in SOPs and specifications

6

Respond to routine problems to procedures

6.1

Recognise known faults that occur during the operation

6.2

Identify and take action on causes of routine faults

6.3

Log problems as required

6.4

Identify non-routine process and quality problems and take appropriate action

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

read and interpret procedures, job specifications, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

select and use materials, tools and equipment to meet job specifications

combine and mix ingredients according to procedures

monitor key variables, including:

atmospheric conditions

sequencing of material additions to the mix

volumes/mass of materials being mixed

mixing time

amount of moisture

product quality

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

implement emergency shutdown procedures

apply safety procedures

· apply housekeeping procedures

· apply waste management procedures

recognise routine and non-routine problems

identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

take action to resolve faults or report problems to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine problems, including:

wrong raw materials/additives/catalyst

incorrect quantity of materials/additives/catalyst

contaminated materials/additives/catalyst

inadequate mixing

incorrect setting times/temperature/composition

atmospheric conditions

process/procedural problems

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

use measuring systems, scales and calculating devices

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including additions, subtractions, divisions, fractions and percentages.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to operate under routine only supervision and to solve routine problems, including knowledge of:

types and applications of materials commonly mixed by hand

characteristics of commonly blended materials and the impact on production process and final product quality

common mixing methods and related tools/equipment

sources of contamination that may affect the mixture and how to eliminate them

routine and non-routine problems that may arise, the range of possible causes and appropriate actions

impact of incorrect or faulty materials on mixture

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

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

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units such as:

teamwork

communication.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations and provide for demonstration of responding to problems

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, 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 use of industry appropriate materials, tools, equipment, data and documentation

may use industry-based simulation for all or 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 that reflects 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 demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

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 shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall 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

Identify the requirements for hand mixing of materials

1.1

Identify materials to be included in the hand mixing process

1.2

Identify hand mixing equipment and components used in the mixing process

1.3

Identify characteristics of the blended material produced in relation to the impact on the production process and final product quality

1.4

Compare stages in the mixing process with the quality requirements for the product

2

Pre-plan hand mixing operations

2.1

Identify work requirements from workplace approved operating procedures

2.2

Identify equipment and processes used for materials measurement, preparation, mixing and for the delivery of material to production area

2.3

Identify materials, including base raw materials and required additives

2.4

Identify hazards connected with materials and process from observation of workplace reference materials, including safety data sheets (SDS) and equipment instructions

2.5

Identify appropriate measures to minimise risks from the identified hazards

2.6

Plan task sequences within scope of authority

3

Check hand mixing set-up

3.1

Identify equipment information, required quality specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

3.2

Check materials for conformity with workplace operational requirements

3.3

Discard non-conforming materials or make adjustments to blending operations in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

Identify changes in materials at each stage of the blending process

4

Conduct hand mixing operations

4.1

Monitor hand mixing operations noting materials quantity and product quality

4.2

Make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity to product blend standards, where applicable

4.3

Move materials to point of use and pour in the appropriate manner

4.4

Collect and reuse material which is able to be reprocessed and deal with waste and scrap in accordance with workplace procedures

4.5

Complete equipment clean-up and waste management in accordance with workplace procedures

5

Respond to product quality improvement requests

5.1

Monitor hand mixing process and note conditions which may affect product quality standards

5.2

Report process variations within workplace procedures

5.3

Note and implement authorised changes in SOPs and specifications

6

Respond to routine problems to procedures

6.1

Recognise known faults that occur during the operation

6.2

Identify and take action on causes of routine faults

6.3

Log problems as required

6.4

Identify non-routine process and quality problems and take appropriate action

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.

Applicable legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice include:

health, safety and environmental (HSE) legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the workplace and hazardous materials

Australian/international standards relevant to the materials being used and products being made

any relevant licence and certification requirements.

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent 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 such requirements the legislative requirements take precedence.

Procedures

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or any combination of:

emergency procedures

work instructions

SOPs

safe work method statements (SWMS)

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.

Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment will be selected as required from:

measurement equipment

hand carts and trolleys

basic hand tools required for opening of material packaging

hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences

mixing spatulas or paddles

portable electrical paddle mixers

relevant personal protective equipment (PPE).

Hazards

Hazards must be identified and controlled. Identifying hazards requires consideration of:

weight, shape, volume of materials to be handled

hazardous products and materials

sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

heat, smoke, dust, vapours or other atmospheric hazards

electricity

gas

gases and liquids under pressure

structural hazards

equipment failures

machinery, equipment and product mass

other hazards that might arise.

Routine problems

Routine problems must be resolved by applying known solutions.

Routine problems are predictable and include one or more of:

incorrect material composition

over or under mixing

broken mixing equipment

temperature variations

variations in materials

contamination of materials

variations in setting times.

Known solutions are drawn from one or more of:

procedures

training

remembered experience.

Non-routine problems must be reported according to according to relevant procedures.

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

read and interpret procedures, job specifications, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

select and use materials, tools and equipment to meet job specifications

combine and mix ingredients according to procedures

monitor key variables, including:

atmospheric conditions

sequencing of material additions to the mix

volumes/mass of materials being mixed

mixing time

amount of moisture

product quality

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

implement emergency shutdown procedures

apply safety procedures

· apply housekeeping procedures

· apply waste management procedures

recognise routine and non-routine problems

identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

take action to resolve faults or report problems to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine problems, including:

wrong raw materials/additives/catalyst

incorrect quantity of materials/additives/catalyst

contaminated materials/additives/catalyst

inadequate mixing

incorrect setting times/temperature/composition

atmospheric conditions

process/procedural problems

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

use measuring systems, scales and calculating devices

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including additions, subtractions, divisions, fractions and percentages.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to operate under routine only supervision and to solve routine problems, including knowledge of:

types and applications of materials commonly mixed by hand

characteristics of commonly blended materials and the impact on production process and final product quality

common mixing methods and related tools/equipment

sources of contamination that may affect the mixture and how to eliminate them

routine and non-routine problems that may arise, the range of possible causes and appropriate actions

impact of incorrect or faulty materials on mixture

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

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

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units such as:

teamwork

communication.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations and provide for demonstration of responding to problems

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, 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 use of industry appropriate materials, tools, equipment, data and documentation

may use industry-based simulation for all or 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 that reflects 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 demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

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 shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall 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 materials to be included in the hand mixing process 
Identify hand mixing equipment and components used in the mixing process 
Identify characteristics of the blended material produced in relation to the impact on the production process and final product quality 
Compare stages in the mixing process with the quality requirements for the product 
Identify work requirements from workplace approved operating procedures 
Identify equipment and processes used for materials measurement, preparation, mixing and for the delivery of material to production area 
Identify materials, including base raw materials and required additives 
Identify hazards connected with materials and process from observation of workplace reference materials, including safety data sheets (SDS) and equipment instructions 
Identify appropriate measures to minimise risks from the identified hazards 
Plan task sequences within scope of authority 
Identify equipment information, required quality specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs) 
Check materials for conformity with workplace operational requirements 
Discard non-conforming materials or make adjustments to blending operations in accordance with workplace procedures 
Identify changes in materials at each stage of the blending process 
Monitor hand mixing operations noting materials quantity and product quality 
Make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity to product blend standards, where applicable 
Move materials to point of use and pour in the appropriate manner 
Collect and reuse material which is able to be reprocessed and deal with waste and scrap in accordance with workplace procedures 
Complete equipment clean-up and waste management in accordance with workplace procedures 
Monitor hand mixing process and note conditions which may affect product quality standards 
Report process variations within workplace procedures 
Note and implement authorised changes in SOPs and specifications 
Recognise known faults that occur during the operation 
Identify and take action on causes of routine faults 
Log problems as required 
Identify non-routine process and quality problems and take appropriate action 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMBPROD246 - Hand mix materials
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

PMBPROD246 - Hand mix materials

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: