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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Confirm required properties of compound.
  2. Develop base formulation.
  3. Mix, test and modify formulation.
  4. Monitor factory trials.
  5. Complete compound development.

Required Skills

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

Competence in this unit requires

an understanding of compound components to a level necessary to select appropriate components from a range of similar competing components

an understanding of mixing processes to a level necessary to select an appropriate mixing method an order of addition and mixing conditions

appropriate tests so as to select the tests needed to check for compliance with the specification and interpret test results

HSE issues related to various compound components

Language literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to communicate at all levels about technical issues and bring agreement as to requirements from the different parties

Reading is required to the level of interpreting technical information and writing technical specifications procedures and reports

Numeracy is required to the level of interpreting technical information and test results calculating required proportions and scaling up to a factory sized trial

Evidence Required

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

This competency should be assessed by examining a number of compound development projects where that development has resulted in a new compound introduced into the factory

Critical aspects

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

interpret the requirements of the new compound and express this in suitable form

make appropriate choices of components and justify those choices

develop appropriate mixing procedures and conditions and justify those choices

introduce the new compound into the factory successfully

Consistent performance should be demonstrated For example look to see that

a range of compounds meeting different types of specifications are developed

a range of compounds requiring different componentscomponent amounts are developed

Context of assessment

Competence in this unit may be assessed

on the plant

using questions to assess knowledge

in a laboratorypilot plant

by using suitable simulation andor a range of case studiesscenarios

through a combination of these techniques

Method of assessment

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


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to technicians who develop new compounds/formulations or who make significant modifications to existing compounds. They will typically be based in a laboratory/office or similar and will also have responsibility for ensuring the new compound works in the factory.

A technician working at this level would typically take the lead responsibility for the development of a new compound, but may work with other technicians of similar or greater responsibility for large or complex projects or as part of the development of a new product

Compound

Compound is used to mean any mixture of materials which is undertaken to a set formula and in specified proportions.

Tests

Tests includes the normal range of physical, chemical and environmental (weathering) tests which might be applied to the product.

Identify polymers

Identification of base polymer is a necessary starting point for any compound, but this competency does not necessarily require the choosing of a polymer from an understanding of its characteristics. Identification may be done in liaison with others, or by choosing the base polymer used in other products with similar requirements.

Select components

Selecting of components, and the proportions of components to be used should be done from a knowledge of a wide range of possible components, the properties each would bring to the compound, the relative advantages and disadvantages of each and the change in compound properties with changing amounts of each component.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

All operations are subject to stringent Health, Safety and Environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the technician needs to ensure the HSE requirements take precedence.