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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify and apply applications of polymer materials
   • Identify typical applications for common polymer materials
   • Recognise physical properties of common polymers
   • Use additives with knowledge of the effects of using the incorrect amount/type of additive
   • Handle additives to minimise the associated risks
2. Identify and apply impacts of impurities on polymer products
   • Identify major impurities of concern to product and process
   • Examine polymer materials for impurities
   • Apply corrective actions to remove/compensate for impurities
3. Determine expected material properties from polymer type and grade
   • Identify the relationship between polymer type and polymer characteristics
   • Identify the relationship between polymer grade and degree of polymerisation
   • Identify the influence of polymer structure on properties
4. Solve process problems related to polymer flow characteristics
   • Use polymer flow test methods and recognise the importance of flow properties to the process
   • Control critical factors leading to changes of state of the polymer during processing using knowledge of the causes
   • Identify the relationship between polymer flow and other polymer properties
   • Recognise process/product signs of incorrect polymer flow characteristics
   • Recommend corrective actions for problems caused by polymer flow
5. Solve process/product problems related to heating and cooling of product/material in process
   • Recognise the importance of the degree of cross linking on product properties if appropriate
   • Recognise the importance of the degree of crystallisation/crystal size on product properties if appropriate
   • Recognise the impact of shrinkage on product properties if appropriate
   • Recognise the impact of annealing on product properties if appropriate
   • Recognise process/product signs of incorrect heating/cooling
   • Recommend corrective actions for problems caused by heating
6. Solve process problems related to polymer faults
   • Recognise an actual or a potential process problem
   • Analyse that problem in a formal manner
   • Determine appropriate corrective action
   • Implement that corrective action if it is within the range of workplace authority
   • Make recommendations for corrective action outside range of workplace authority
   • Follow through on corrective action and make sure problem is resolved

Range Statement

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, manual handling 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: problem solving techniques 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 with process variables other hazards that might arise.

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Performance Evidence

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, instruments/control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

recognise actual and potential process and product problems in which materials properties and/or characteristics may play a role

analyse actual and potential process and product problems to identify the role of materials properties and/or characteristics

apply formal problem analysis/solving methods

distinguish between causes of problems, including:

instrument failure/malfunction

electrical failure/malfunction

mechanical failure/malfunction

wrong readings

equipment design deficiencies

wrong raw materials/additives or wrong grade

incorrect quantity of materials/additives

contaminated materials/additives

out-of-specification materials

process set-up and/or operation process variables

apply a theoretical understanding of polymers to determine corrective action

implement corrective action within area of responsibility or make recommendation according to procedures

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

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

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to operate independently and to solve routine and non-routine problems, including knowledge of:

types and application of common polymer materials and additives

structure of common polymers

commonly accepted diagrammatic representations of polymer molecular shape and arrangement

polymer properties related to flow, including:

molecular weight

molecular structure

factors effecting viscosity

polymer properties related to common polymer types and grades

impact of common impurities on process and product

the impact of temperature and heating/cooling rate on processing and properties

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

application of problem analysis/solving methods to polymer processing/products

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.

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