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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare the production area
   • Ensure the production area is clean and free from debris and waste
   • Ensure the production area is ready to receive the plaster mixture and that all equipment is ready
   • Apply stripping agent to the production facility to ensure ease of removal of the product after setting of the plaster mix
2. Mix plaster
   • Ensure that appropriate materials are available to facilitate mixing and production of plaster mix
   • Check that the mixer is clean and free from debris and that there are no obstructions or contaminants present
   • Check that the mixing equipment is safe to use
   • Introduce materials to the mixer and add temper water to specification
   • Mix the plaster for the required time and consistency
   • Discharge the mixed plaster from the mixer when it reaches the desired consistency
3. Produce fibrous plasterboard
   • Insert the fibre into the plaster mix
   • Form the plasterboard to the desired size and screed off
   • Check the plaster sheets for entrapped air or the inclusion of unwanted materials or contamination
   • Ensure product is of the required uniform thickness
   • Allow the product to dry and prepare to strip the product
4. Strip and finish the product
   • Cut the finished product to the required dimensions
   • Strip the product and inspect for imperfections and distortion
   • Hang the product for final drying
   • Remove the product from the dryer and undertake final inspection
   • Stack the product according to size and prepare for storage or shipment
5. Control hazards
   • Identify hazards in mixing and casting areas
   • Assess the risks arising from those hazards
   • Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care
6. Respond to problems
   • Identify possible problems in equipment or process
   • Determine problems needing action
   • Determine possible fault causes
   • Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
   • Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
   • Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person

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, equipment and production processes 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: job cards drawings 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.
Problems	Routine problems must be resolved by applying known solutions. Routine problems are predictable and include one or more of: inappropriate material specifications introduction of contaminants inclusion of air distortion or section thickness variations. Known solutions are drawn from one or more of: procedures training remembered experience. Non-routine problems must be reported according to according to relevant procedures.
Hazards	Hazards must be identified and controlled. Identifying hazards requires consideration of: heat, smoke, dust, vapours or other atmospheric hazards weight, shape, volume of materials to be handled hazardous products and materials sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions slippery surfaces, spills or leaks electricity gas gases and liquids under pressure noise rotational equipment or vibration plant services (steam, condensate, cooling water, etc) structural hazards equipment failures machinery, equipment and product mass limited head spaces or overhangs working at heights working in restricted or confined spaces other hazards that might arise.
Records and reports	Records include one or more of: log books/sheets electronic records job/work sheets other records used for the smooth running of the plant. Reports include one or more of: paper or electronic-based logs and reports verbal/radio reports reporting items found which require action.

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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 job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information

prepare equipment and materials to meet specifications

monitor key variables, including:

mixing time

consistency of mix

thickness

level

surface

sources of contamination

amount and distribution of fibres

entrapped air

drying conditions

product integrity and conformance to specification

combine fibre with plaster and form the plasterboard

finish and dry the plasterboard

monitor product integrity and conformance to specification and make adjustments/repairs to meet product quality and production output specifications

handle/store products

apply safety procedures

apply housekeeping procedures

recognise out-of-specification products, process problems and materials faults

recognise routine and non-routine problems

identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

take action to resolve problems or report them to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine problems, including:

raw material/mix variations

equipment abnormalities

process errors

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 under routine only supervision and to solve routine problems, including knowledge of:

common types of fibres used in plasterboard, their composition and role

basic physics and chemistry relevant to the equipment/process/materials

mixing techniques and principled of operation of related equipment

forming techniques and principled of operation related equipment

the potential effects of variations in raw materials, drying conditions and equipment operation/processes in relation to quality of product

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

routine problems, their probable causes and relevant corrective actions

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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