Assessor Resource

PMC552002
Operate equipment to blend/mix materials

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to select and blend/mix materials using blending/mixing and ancillary equipment.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to select the correct type and quantity of materials, set up and operate equipment, monitor the process, rectify routine problems and conduct routine maintenance.

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.

Where manual handling forms part of the work the operator will also require competency in PMBHAN103 Shift materials safely by hand.

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

Determine blend/mix requirements

1.1

Check work schedule/job specification/job card

1.2

Identify customer requirements and set parameters in accordance with standard procedures

1.3

Select correct type and quantity of materials

1.4

Meet all special requirements and specifications

1.5

Identify any material handling problems and take action in accordance with standard procedures

1.6

Update material records as appropriate

2

Control hazards

2.1

Identify hazards from the materials

2.2

Identify other hazards in blending/mixing work area

2.3

Assess the risks arising from those hazards

2.4

Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures

3

Blend/mix materials

3.1

Set up, start and operate blending/mixing equipment as required by specifications and standard procedures

3.2

Prepare and add materials to blender/mixer as required by specification and standard procedures

3.3

Check that materials prepared match requirements

3.4

Use ancillary equipment, as required, according to standard procedures

3.5

Ensure equipment is operated in accordance with established enterprise procedures

3.6

Blend/mix materials to obtain required results

4

Monitor and record operation

4.1

Monitor equipment performance in accordance with work instructions and manufacturer specifications

4.2

Monitor non-conforming product against customer specifications

4.3

Adjust and control equipment to ensure correct product quality

4.4

Complete final inspection checks

4.5

Complete appropriate records and logs

5

Rectify routine problems

5.1

Recognise any faults that occur during the operation

5.2

Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

5.3

Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

5.4

Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions

5.5

Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person

6

Maintain blending/mixing plant and area

6.1

Keep area and equipment clean and in good order

6.2

Unload and shut down equipment as required

6.3

Respond to routine faults according to enterprise procedures

6.4

Report non-routine faults according to enterprise 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 instruments/controls, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information

set up and operate the equipment according to procedures

select and prepare materials to meet job specifications

monitor key variables, including:

process conditions/parameters

duration of blend/mix

mixing sequence

blend/mix tolerance

product integrity and conformance to specification

adjust the equipment to meet product quality and production output specifications

pause or shut down equipment in normal and abnormal circumstances

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

apply safety procedures

recognise out-of-specification products, process problems and materials faults

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 problems or report them to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine problems, including:

raw material variations

process problems

mechanical abnormalities

electrical/instrument reading variations

equipment faults/damage/failure

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, 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:

principles of blending/mixing products

principles of operation of the blending/mixing equipment and ancillary equipment that is integral to the process

basic physics and chemistry relevant to the equipment/process/materials

impact of blending/mixing on final product

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

impact of variations in product specification on the blending/mixing process

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

equipment limitations and impact on blending/mixing efficiency and effectiveness

basis of the process used to transform the feed materials into the product

product specifications and tolerances

routine problems, their probable causes and relevant corrective actions

start-up and shutdown processes

enterprise production schedules

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.

It may be appropriate to assess this unit in conjunction with:

MEM11011B Undertake manual handling.

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 (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 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

Determine blend/mix requirements

1.1

Check work schedule/job specification/job card

1.2

Identify customer requirements and set parameters in accordance with standard procedures

1.3

Select correct type and quantity of materials

1.4

Meet all special requirements and specifications

1.5

Identify any material handling problems and take action in accordance with standard procedures

1.6

Update material records as appropriate

2

Control hazards

2.1

Identify hazards from the materials

2.2

Identify other hazards in blending/mixing work area

2.3

Assess the risks arising from those hazards

2.4

Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures

3

Blend/mix materials

3.1

Set up, start and operate blending/mixing equipment as required by specifications and standard procedures

3.2

Prepare and add materials to blender/mixer as required by specification and standard procedures

3.3

Check that materials prepared match requirements

3.4

Use ancillary equipment, as required, according to standard procedures

3.5

Ensure equipment is operated in accordance with established enterprise procedures

3.6

Blend/mix materials to obtain required results

4

Monitor and record operation

4.1

Monitor equipment performance in accordance with work instructions and manufacturer specifications

4.2

Monitor non-conforming product against customer specifications

4.3

Adjust and control equipment to ensure correct product quality

4.4

Complete final inspection checks

4.5

Complete appropriate records and logs

5

Rectify routine problems

5.1

Recognise any faults that occur during the operation

5.2

Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

5.3

Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

5.4

Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions

5.5

Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person

6

Maintain blending/mixing plant and area

6.1

Keep area and equipment clean and in good order

6.2

Unload and shut down equipment as required

6.3

Respond to routine faults according to enterprise procedures

6.4

Report non-routine faults according to enterprise procedures

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:

job cards

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.

Equipment and unit operations

This unit of competency includes all such items of equipment and unit operations which form part of the blending/mixing system. A unit comprises two or more components of plant/equipment that are operated together to produce product, including as appropriate to the site:

pumps (lubrication and cooling pumps)

utilities and services

heat exchangers (intercoolers)

vibration monitoring

other equipment integral to the operation of the system.

Problems

Routine problems must be resolved by applying known solutions.

Routine problems are predictable and include one or more of:

equipment malfunction

material handling, such as equipment failure and blockages

material property variation

blend/mix tolerance

uniform dispersion of minor ingredients/additives

blending/mixing to special requirements/colour

mixing sequence

matching mixes produced with production requirements

monitoring and adjusting process conditions

recognising and acting on potential and actual problems

quality problems including customer requirements.

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.

Hazards

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

heat, smoke, dust, vapours or other atmospheric hazards

weight, shape, volume of materials to be handled

hazardous products and materials

sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

electricity

gas

gases and liquids under pressure

noise

rotational equipment or vibration

plant services (steam, condensate, cooling water, etc)

structural hazards

equipment failures

machinery, equipment and product mass

limited head spaces or overhangs

working at heights

working in restricted or confined spaces

other hazards that might arise.

Records and reports

Records include one or more of:

log books/sheets

electronic records

job/work sheets

other records used for the smooth running of the plant.

Reports include one or more of:

paper or electronic-based logs and reports

verbal/radio reports

reporting items found which require 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 instruments/controls, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information

set up and operate the equipment according to procedures

select and prepare materials to meet job specifications

monitor key variables, including:

process conditions/parameters

duration of blend/mix

mixing sequence

blend/mix tolerance

product integrity and conformance to specification

adjust the equipment to meet product quality and production output specifications

pause or shut down equipment in normal and abnormal circumstances

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

apply safety procedures

recognise out-of-specification products, process problems and materials faults

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 problems or report them to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine problems, including:

raw material variations

process problems

mechanical abnormalities

electrical/instrument reading variations

equipment faults/damage/failure

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, 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:

principles of blending/mixing products

principles of operation of the blending/mixing equipment and ancillary equipment that is integral to the process

basic physics and chemistry relevant to the equipment/process/materials

impact of blending/mixing on final product

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

impact of variations in product specification on the blending/mixing process

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

equipment limitations and impact on blending/mixing efficiency and effectiveness

basis of the process used to transform the feed materials into the product

product specifications and tolerances

routine problems, their probable causes and relevant corrective actions

start-up and shutdown processes

enterprise production schedules

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.

It may be appropriate to assess this unit in conjunction with:

MEM11011B Undertake manual handling.

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 (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 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
Check work schedule/job specification/job card 
Identify customer requirements and set parameters in accordance with standard procedures 
Select correct type and quantity of materials 
Meet all special requirements and specifications 
Identify any material handling problems and take action in accordance with standard procedures 
Update material records as appropriate 
Identify hazards from the materials 
Identify other hazards in blending/mixing work area 
Assess the risks arising from those hazards 
Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures 
Set up, start and operate blending/mixing equipment as required by specifications and standard procedures 
Prepare and add materials to blender/mixer as required by specification and standard procedures 
Check that materials prepared match requirements 
Use ancillary equipment, as required, according to standard procedures 
Ensure equipment is operated in accordance with established enterprise procedures 
Blend/mix materials to obtain required results 
Monitor equipment performance in accordance with work instructions and manufacturer specifications 
Monitor non-conforming product against customer specifications 
Adjust and control equipment to ensure correct product quality 
Complete final inspection checks 
Complete appropriate records and logs 
Recognise any faults that occur during the operation 
Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions 
Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions 
Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions 
Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person 
Keep area and equipment clean and in good order 
Unload and shut down equipment as required 
Respond to routine faults according to enterprise procedures 
Report non-routine faults according to enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMC552002 - Operate equipment to blend/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

PMC552002 - Operate equipment to blend/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: