Assessor Resource

PMBPROD265
Operate portable vulcanising equipment

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate portable vulcanising equipment and ancillary equipment that is integral to the process.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to plan the curing job, set up equipment and materials, conduct vulcanising operations, assess the finished work, 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 work requirements for vulcanising operations

1.1

Identify the job and vulcaniser characteristics and product quality outcomes required

1.2

Obtain specifications relevant to the material being vulcanised

1.3

Identify and obtain equipment and materials required for the vulcanising process

1.4

Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action

1.5

Check materials, ancillary supplies and equipment for quality, access and condition

1.6

Identify and check emergency stops, gauges, guards and controls

2

Plan vulcanising operations

2.1

Identify time, pressure and temperature requirements

2.2

Plan the task sequences

2.3

Plan for waste management, maintenance and housekeeping requirements

3

Prepare vulcanising equipment

3.1

Check vulcaniser, ancillary, equipment and attachments are fit for purpose

3.2

Set up vulcanising press according to procedures

3.3

Set equipment control parameters to specifications

3.4

Obtain appropriate clearances for vulcanising to commence

4

Conduct and monitor vulcanising operations

4.1

Start the unit and commence vulcanising

4.2

Monitor the unit operation throughout the entire process

4.3

Note and report non-conformity to specifications to procedures

4.4

Make adjustments as required

4.5

Shut down unit when cycle completed

4.6

Follow procedure to disassemble equipment as required

4.7

Assess the outcome of the vulcanising process and take remedial action as necessary and report to the appropriate person

4.8

Brand splice according to company policy

4.9

Clean up, lubricate and adjust equipment as required

4.10

Complete waste removal or recycling as required

5

Respond to routine problems to procedure

5.1

Recognise known faults that occur during the operation

5.2

Identify and take action on causes of routine faults

5.3

Log problems as required

5.4

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, basic machine control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

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

plan and sequence the work

set up portable vulcanising and ancillary equipment

monitor the equipment using measured/indicated data and smell, sight, sound and feel as appropriate

monitor and interpret key variables, including:

equipment operating temperatures and times

additional pressures applied

tension

output rate

product integrity and general conformance to specification/sample

operate and adjust the equipment to meet product quality and production output specifications

pause the equipment or shut down equipment in normal and abnormal circumstances

clean up, lubricate and adjust the equipment

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

apply safety procedures

apply housekeeping procedures

apply waste management procedures

recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems

recognise routine and non-routine problems

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

take action to resolve faults or report faults to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine faults, including:

raw material variations/contamination

process abnormalities

procedural errors

mechanical abnormalities

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

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:

the function of vulcanising equipment, machine components and guides

principles of operation of the equipment

the potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product

reasons for checking process control panels and reporting readings which are outside of normal range of process variability

changes to materials during the vulcanising process

role of additives

production workflow sequences and materials demand

impact of vulcanising speed, pressure, time, temperature and tension on product quality and production output

role of heat and pressure in relation to providing strength, stiffness, resistance to deformation, fatigue and abrasion

factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies

differences in vulcanising processes and additives for natural, synthetic and mixed rubber compounds

routine problems, their probable causes and relevant corrective actions

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 operation of an operating plant

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 an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start and stop procedures and responding to problems

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 work requirements for vulcanising operations

1.1

Identify the job and vulcaniser characteristics and product quality outcomes required

1.2

Obtain specifications relevant to the material being vulcanised

1.3

Identify and obtain equipment and materials required for the vulcanising process

1.4

Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action

1.5

Check materials, ancillary supplies and equipment for quality, access and condition

1.6

Identify and check emergency stops, gauges, guards and controls

2

Plan vulcanising operations

2.1

Identify time, pressure and temperature requirements

2.2

Plan the task sequences

2.3

Plan for waste management, maintenance and housekeeping requirements

3

Prepare vulcanising equipment

3.1

Check vulcaniser, ancillary, equipment and attachments are fit for purpose

3.2

Set up vulcanising press according to procedures

3.3

Set equipment control parameters to specifications

3.4

Obtain appropriate clearances for vulcanising to commence

4

Conduct and monitor vulcanising operations

4.1

Start the unit and commence vulcanising

4.2

Monitor the unit operation throughout the entire process

4.3

Note and report non-conformity to specifications to procedures

4.4

Make adjustments as required

4.5

Shut down unit when cycle completed

4.6

Follow procedure to disassemble equipment as required

4.7

Assess the outcome of the vulcanising process and take remedial action as necessary and report to the appropriate person

4.8

Brand splice according to company policy

4.9

Clean up, lubricate and adjust equipment as required

4.10

Complete waste removal or recycling as required

5

Respond to routine problems to procedure

5.1

Recognise known faults that occur during the operation

5.2

Identify and take action on causes of routine faults

5.3

Log problems as required

5.4

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, equipment and production processes 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

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.

Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment include:

portable vulcanising equipment

ancillary equipment that is integral to the process

knives and other rubber cutting and shaping equipment.

Additional tools and equipment will be selected as required from:

powered equipment/aids

hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences

manual handling aids, such as hand carts and trolleys

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

knives, blades and cutting tools

sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

rotational equipment or vibration

high temperatures

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 vulcaniser set-up

variations in materials

contamination of materials

unsuccessful vulcanising processes

entrapped gasses

wire or reinforcing exposure

inappropriate material specification.

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, basic machine control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

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

plan and sequence the work

set up portable vulcanising and ancillary equipment

monitor the equipment using measured/indicated data and smell, sight, sound and feel as appropriate

monitor and interpret key variables, including:

equipment operating temperatures and times

additional pressures applied

tension

output rate

product integrity and general conformance to specification/sample

operate and adjust the equipment to meet product quality and production output specifications

pause the equipment or shut down equipment in normal and abnormal circumstances

clean up, lubricate and adjust the equipment

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

apply safety procedures

apply housekeeping procedures

apply waste management procedures

recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems

recognise routine and non-routine problems

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

take action to resolve faults or report faults to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine faults, including:

raw material variations/contamination

process abnormalities

procedural errors

mechanical abnormalities

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

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:

the function of vulcanising equipment, machine components and guides

principles of operation of the equipment

the potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product

reasons for checking process control panels and reporting readings which are outside of normal range of process variability

changes to materials during the vulcanising process

role of additives

production workflow sequences and materials demand

impact of vulcanising speed, pressure, time, temperature and tension on product quality and production output

role of heat and pressure in relation to providing strength, stiffness, resistance to deformation, fatigue and abrasion

factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies

differences in vulcanising processes and additives for natural, synthetic and mixed rubber compounds

routine problems, their probable causes and relevant corrective actions

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 operation of an operating plant

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 an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start and stop procedures and responding to problems

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 the job and vulcaniser characteristics and product quality outcomes required 
Obtain specifications relevant to the material being vulcanised 
Identify and obtain equipment and materials required for the vulcanising process 
Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action 
Check materials, ancillary supplies and equipment for quality, access and condition 
Identify and check emergency stops, gauges, guards and controls 
Identify time, pressure and temperature requirements 
Plan the task sequences 
Plan for waste management, maintenance and housekeeping requirements 
Check vulcaniser, ancillary, equipment and attachments are fit for purpose 
Set up vulcanising press according to procedures 
Set equipment control parameters to specifications 
Obtain appropriate clearances for vulcanising to commence 
Start the unit and commence vulcanising 
Monitor the unit operation throughout the entire process 
Note and report non-conformity to specifications to procedures 
Make adjustments as required 
Shut down unit when cycle completed 
Follow procedure to disassemble equipment as required 
Assess the outcome of the vulcanising process and take remedial action as necessary and report to the appropriate person 
Brand splice according to company policy 
Clean up, lubricate and adjust equipment as required 
Complete waste removal or recycling as required 
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

PMBPROD265 - Operate portable vulcanising 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

PMBPROD265 - Operate portable vulcanising 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: