1. Plan own work requirements.
   • Identify most appropriate equipment to be used for production and upstream and downstream operations from production plan or request.
   • Identify and check materials required including additives.
   • Implement measures to control identified hazards in line with procedures and duty of care.
   • Identify requirements for materials, quality, production and equipment checks.
2. Start up compounding equipment to procedures.
   • Determine machine/equipment requirements.
   • Set process to required settings.
   • Check materials are correct.
   • Take appropriate action for non-conforming materials.
   • Set up date, batch and materials markings to specifications, as required.
   • Complete pre-start checks.
   • Start up compounder.
3. Operate and make adjustments to the compounding process to procedures.
   • Operate compounding process, noting key variables.
   • Monitor controls/displays/terminals for production/process data.
   • Take samples as required and identify product out of specification.
   • Monitor product quality.
   • Make adjustments to remedy faults and nonconformity to standard as required.
   • Establish a stable compounding process.
   • Adjust process to minimise scrap.
   • Clean, adjust and lubricate machine/equipment as required.
4. Shut down machine to procedures
   • Determine type of shut down
   • Select appropriate purging method.
   • Purge efficiently and adequately as required.
   • Leave machine in appropriate condition and with appropriate locks, tags or notices.
   • Complete relevant documentation.
   • Ensure area is clean and clear after the shutdown, in readiness for the next start up.
5. Anticipate and solve problems
   • Recognise a problem or a potential problem.
   • Determine problems needing priority action.
   • Refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person, with possible causes.
   • Seek information and assistance as required to solve problems.
   • Solve problems within area of responsibility.
   • Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Application of knowledge of all compounds materials equipment and process sufficient to recognise compound material and equipment conditions which may lead to out of specification production

Knowledge of organization procedures quality requirements at each production stage relevant regulatory requirements eg quality system and standards current operating standards and the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards

Skills to identify the range of possible causes of product faults

Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to compound materials using an internal mill blender Application of approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials equipment operation and cleanup

Knowledge as a basis for solving processing and material problems including

characteristics of materials and behaviour in relation to heat pressure flow rates and time

function and operating principles of compounding equipment machine components and ancillary equipment including the mechanical hydraulic pneumatic electrical and electronic principles which affect machine operation

impact of machine speed temperature pressure time during cycles on product quality and production output

changes to materials at various stages of production

waste management and importance of reusing nonconforming materials

impact of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to final product

polymer properties and their interactions with process conditions

relationships between polymer properties and process conditions

changes to polymer properties to better suit process requirements

product problems related to polymer properties

product problems related to process conditions

adjustments to process conditions to meet polymer and product requirements

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to

plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

maintain output and product quality using appropriate instruments controls test information and readings

identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the internal mill blending process

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

identify when assistance is required to solve problems

Language literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications job sheets and complex machine control panels such as those displaying SPC information

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and production reports

Basic numeracy is required eg to determine how many kg kg and kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for kg Basic statistical knowledge is required to construct histograms and control charts as well as to interpret results and recommend actions

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this training package

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole as defined by the Elements Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge

Where the assessee does not currently possess evidence of competency in PMBPRODC Operate compounding equipment it may be coassessed with this unit

Where the assessee does not currently possess evidence of competency in PMBPROD252C Operate compounding equipment, it may be co-assessed with this unit.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit These may include the ability to

identify critical materials properties and process characteristics in relation to the process requirements and the end product

make adjustments to the process as required

identify and take appropriate action on problems and potential problems

Consistent performance should be demonstrated For example look to see that

the process runs consistently and smoothly with minimum need for human intervention

all safety procedures are always followed

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on an industrial machines equipment and will be undertaken in a worklike environment

Competence in this unit may be assessed

using an appropriate industrial internal mill blender

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation andor a range of case studiesscenarios

through a combination of these techniques

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practicalsimulation or similar assessment Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation A bank of case studiesscenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method Questioning may take place either in the workplace or in an adjacent quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom No other special resources are required

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities