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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm requirements of modified formula
   • Check that specifications for new compound are complete and unambiguous
   • Clarify items which are unclear or beyond the normal scope of work
   • Investigate the type of changes/materials which are likely to meet these requirements
   • Clarify any possible issues if different, unusual or exotic materials are likely to be required
   • Identify tests required on trial compound
2. Estimate starting formula
   • Identify existing compound(s) with similar specifications
   • Estimate required changes to existing compound
   • Check practicality of proposed changes
   • Check health, safety and environment (HSE) impacts of proposed changes
   • Modify proposed starting formulae as appropriate
3. Prepare trial compounds
   • Identify and control all hazards for pilot mixing
   • Identify and check all required plant and equipment
   • Obtain and prepare all required materials
   • Mix trial compound and obtain sample(s)
   • Interpret test results
   • Modify formula and repeat trials as required
4. Check initial factory trial
   • Check availability of required resources and plant availability
   • Ensure all authorities and permissions have been obtained
   • Check all hazard controls have been implemented
   • Monitor factory trial mixing of compound
   • Obtain sample(s) and interpret test results
   • Modify formula and repeat factory trial as required
5. Complete trial
   • Complete all required records and reports
   • Check any changes to resources and procedures have been incorporated into standard procedures
   • Ensure any additional HSE or skill requirements have been included in future plans

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: 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: 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 in developing/trialling the compound.

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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)

identify specifications for amended formula

apply a theoretical understanding of polymers to estimate changes that will meet production and safety requirements

undertake tests and laboratory/pilot trials

monitor factory trial

modify the formula based on test data

make final adjustments for the scaled up formula to work successfully in the factory

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records and reports

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:

existing compounds, their properties and components

characteristics of compound components and their impact on compound properties

expected impact of variations in compound components on compound properties

mixing methods and the impacts of different mixing on compound properties

requirements for factory trialling and scaling up from laboratory/pilot scale

tests which might be used and the applicability of the different tests for different compound properties

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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