Assessor Resource

PMBTECH406
Diagnose production equipment problems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to diagnose production equipment problems. It applies to product faults, including reject products and other faults, and production faults/problems.

This unit of competency applies to advanced operators, technicians or those in similar roles who are required to determine the possible causes of product/production faults; investigate the likely equipment, plant and/or process causes of the faults; isolate the most probable cause; recommend the solution and monitor its implementation.

This unit of competency applies to an operator/technician applying specialised theoretical and technical knowledge and well developed skills in situations that require autonomy, discretion and judgement. The operator/technician will take the lead role in the activity but will need to liaise with a range of people at all levels in the organisation to obtain information and to implement the solution. The operator/technician will have detailed operational and process knowledge but is not required to demonstrate 'hands on' operation of equipment as part of this competency.

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 faults in products/production

1.1

Examine products/production process

1.2

Identify faults

1.3

Categorise faults according to type/likely cause

1.4

Prioritise faults for action

2

Determine most probable possible cause(s) of fault

2.1

Analyse fault to determine possible causes

2.2

Investigate possible causes to eliminate less probable causes

2.3

Short list probable causes

2.4

Check hypothesis of cause(s) is supported by the data available

2.5

Identify most probable cause

3

Implement solution to fault

3.1

Develop recommended solution to fault

3.2

Check health, safety and environment (HSE) implications of solution and modify solution as appropriate

3.3

Communicate the recommendation as appropriate

3.4

Check recommendation has been understood and can be implemented

3.5

Check all hazard controls are in place

3.6

Monitor progress of implementation

3.7

Modify recommended solution as required

4

Check fault solution has worked

4.1

Monitor product/process for fault

4.2

Monitor HSE impacts of changes

4.3

Repeat analysis and solution process if required

4.4

Update records and procedures to reflect successful solution

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 test results, technical information, product specifications, instruments/control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

examine products/process to identify faults via one (1) or more of:

visual examination

examination of product quality or other records

examination of inspection records

examination of test results

specific examination testing undertaken as part of a product improvement activity

analyse the faults to identify all feasible causes of the problem

investigate possible causes to short list probable causes including one (1) or more of:

talking with operators and others

checking machine histories for prevailing process conditions

checking current process/equipment conditions

carrying out small tests to determine the likelihood of a causal link between a condition and a fault

confirm most probable cause based on available data

develop and communicate solution to the fault which meets safety requirements

monitor implementation of the solution and review and make adjustments as required

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

document updates to procedures

write equipment/process condition specifications.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role including knowledge of:

how the process/equipment works

characteristics of materials and their behaviour in relation to process conditions and stages of production

impact of variations process conditions on the product

impacts of equipment failure/change/variation on the product

changes to materials at various stages of production

quality/inspection/testing regime and relationship of results of to process conditions and equipment faults

types of product faults, including variations in:

colour

surface finish

size/shape

physical properties

chemical properties

biological/biochemical/microbiological properties

types of process/equipment condition problems, including:

settings, such as temperature and pressure

rates, such as feed rate and flow rate

setting and adjustment of equipment parts

worn and broken equipment parts

product faults that can be caused by process/equipment problems and possible solutions

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.

The diagnosis and solving of a number of faults with different types of causes is required, including:

product defect with process condition cause

product defect with equipment problem cause

process fault/problem with process condition or equipment cause.

The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:

a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria

multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.

A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.

Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur using 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 faults in products/production

1.1

Examine products/production process

1.2

Identify faults

1.3

Categorise faults according to type/likely cause

1.4

Prioritise faults for action

2

Determine most probable possible cause(s) of fault

2.1

Analyse fault to determine possible causes

2.2

Investigate possible causes to eliminate less probable causes

2.3

Short list probable causes

2.4

Check hypothesis of cause(s) is supported by the data available

2.5

Identify most probable cause

3

Implement solution to fault

3.1

Develop recommended solution to fault

3.2

Check health, safety and environment (HSE) implications of solution and modify solution as appropriate

3.3

Communicate the recommendation as appropriate

3.4

Check recommendation has been understood and can be implemented

3.5

Check all hazard controls are in place

3.6

Monitor progress of implementation

3.7

Modify recommended solution as required

4

Check fault solution has worked

4.1

Monitor product/process for fault

4.2

Monitor HSE impacts of changes

4.3

Repeat analysis and solution process if required

4.4

Update records and procedures to reflect successful solution

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:

HSE legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the workplace, manual handling, 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:

technical specifications

technical drawings

test procedures

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.

Hazards

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

hazardous products and materials

vapours or other atmospheric hazards

interaction of polymers, additives and other materials

sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

structural hazards

equipment failures

machinery, equipment and product mass

other hazards that might arise.

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 test results, technical information, product specifications, instruments/control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

examine products/process to identify faults via one (1) or more of:

visual examination

examination of product quality or other records

examination of inspection records

examination of test results

specific examination testing undertaken as part of a product improvement activity

analyse the faults to identify all feasible causes of the problem

investigate possible causes to short list probable causes including one (1) or more of:

talking with operators and others

checking machine histories for prevailing process conditions

checking current process/equipment conditions

carrying out small tests to determine the likelihood of a causal link between a condition and a fault

confirm most probable cause based on available data

develop and communicate solution to the fault which meets safety requirements

monitor implementation of the solution and review and make adjustments as required

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

document updates to procedures

write equipment/process condition specifications.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role including knowledge of:

how the process/equipment works

characteristics of materials and their behaviour in relation to process conditions and stages of production

impact of variations process conditions on the product

impacts of equipment failure/change/variation on the product

changes to materials at various stages of production

quality/inspection/testing regime and relationship of results of to process conditions and equipment faults

types of product faults, including variations in:

colour

surface finish

size/shape

physical properties

chemical properties

biological/biochemical/microbiological properties

types of process/equipment condition problems, including:

settings, such as temperature and pressure

rates, such as feed rate and flow rate

setting and adjustment of equipment parts

worn and broken equipment parts

product faults that can be caused by process/equipment problems and possible solutions

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.

The diagnosis and solving of a number of faults with different types of causes is required, including:

product defect with process condition cause

product defect with equipment problem cause

process fault/problem with process condition or equipment cause.

The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:

a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria

multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.

A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.

Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur using 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
Examine products/production process 
Identify faults 
Categorise faults according to type/likely cause 
Prioritise faults for action 
Analyse fault to determine possible causes 
Investigate possible causes to eliminate less probable causes 
Short list probable causes 
Check hypothesis of cause(s) is supported by the data available 
Identify most probable cause 
Develop recommended solution to fault 
Check health, safety and environment (HSE) implications of solution and modify solution as appropriate 
Communicate the recommendation as appropriate 
Check recommendation has been understood and can be implemented 
Check all hazard controls are in place 
Monitor progress of implementation 
Modify recommended solution as required 
Monitor product/process for fault 
Monitor HSE impacts of changes 
Repeat analysis and solution process if required 
Update records and procedures to reflect successful solution 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMBTECH406 - Diagnose production equipment problems
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

PMBTECH406 - Diagnose production equipment problems

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: