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.
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.

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

Knowledge of polymers and how their properties vary and the relevance to these properties to processing and product Descriptions of polymer molecular shape and arrangement should be limited to commonly accepted diagrammatic representations of these structures Knowledge of organization procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards

Knowledge as a basis for solving processing and material problems including

type of polymer and polymer structure

impact of additives

the importance of flow and flow properties

the impact of temperature and heatingcooling rate on processing and properties

Competence also includes the ability to distinguish between the causes of faults such as

wrong raw materialsadditives or wrong grade

incorrect quantity of materialsadditives

contaminated materialsadditives

out of specification materials

process setup andor operation

Language literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret technical specifications and similar information

Writing may be required to the level of completing workplace forms

Numeracy is required to the level of understanding the significance of numbers and being able to interpret numerical data

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 PMBPRODB Use materials and process knowledge to complete work operations it may be coassessed with this unit

Where the assessee does not currently possess evidence of competency in PMBPROD235B Use materials and process knowledge to complete work operations, 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 apply a theoretical understanding of polymers to workplace problems

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur using industrial polymers and worklike scenarios

Competence in this unit may be assessed

using appropriate industrial scenarios and problems

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise anticipate and solve 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