The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

set up either wide or narrow reel or sheet-fed lithographic printing machines for routine print jobs. The individual will conduct a proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained

demonstrate use of computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate

demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources

demonstrate all safety devices on the machine

set up for TWO basic lithographic printing jobs according to manufacturer's specifications, enterprise procedures and the Performance Criteria

evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment

a lithographic printing machine.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPSU201C Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machine

ICPSU202C Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine

ICPSU207C Prepare machine for operation (basic)

ICPSU211C Prepare ink and additives

ICPPR232C Produce basic lithographic printed product.

Required skills

OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started

communication of ideas and information by interpreting job tickets and requirements

collecting, analysing and organising information by collecting and assessing data about printing process and machine specifications and characteristics and how these interact

planning and organising activities by providing input into production scheduling about time requirements for set up to ensure efficient operation

teamwork when working with others to coordinate set up to ensure efficient operation

mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating plate position and substrate requirements for the job

problem-solving skills by recognising proofing faults and determining adjustments to correct them

use of technology by using monitoring equipment and interpreting readouts

Required knowledge

vital information missing from the job ticket

checks that should be undertaken prior to set up (availability of materials etc)

problems that can result from the cylinder not being cleaned prior to plate fitting

how the grip edge of the plate is identified

effect of over packing the printing plate cylinder

pitch lines to be used to assist in plate installation

tools or actions are likely to damage the plate

plates be consistently tensioned

OHS precautions that must be observed when webbing up the machine

determining the printing side of the material

effect of low web tension on the print

purpose of nip rollers

types of web splices appropriate for the job

OHS factors that need to be considered when setting up the sheet in-feed and transfer systems

sheet normally set up in the middle of the machine

effect side lay selection has on the job

determining the position of the sheet before it is transported to the printing unit

how a register check would be carried out

two-sheet cut used on most feeders

sheet is missing or late

effect of excessive web tension at the rewind of the machine

risks associated with the rewind of the machine

application of spray powder is sometimes advisable

affects of too much spray powder

slowdown devices to be used in the delivery

effect excessive jogging would have on the stack

OHS and environmental concerns of inks and additives

details that are necessary to check the suitability of an ink for a job

modifying ink that is slightly light

methods that are available to check the ink for correct colour

who passes the colour prior to running the job

OHS factors that need to be considered when setting up the machine

how the cylinder (plate, blanket and impression) specifications are determined for the specific job

effects an incorrectly set dampening system may have on the job

ink profile varies across the machine

optimum ink duct sweep

machine position to engage in-line processing units

precautions necessary when setting up in-line processing units

precautions to be taken if UV drying was utilised to dry the ink film

methods that can be used to minimise waste during make ready

check on the initial print prior to running

how the machine is proof tested

ideal conditions for inspecting the proof

methods that are available to check and adjust ink colour and consistency

adjustments that may have caused mis-register

adjustments that are made to position the image laterally

adjustments that are made to position the image circumferentially

who has the final say in the "OK" of the job

machine manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept and information that is included in these documents

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Substrate handling may include:

wide or narrow reel or large or small sheet handling systems.

Inks/coatings may include:

range of standard inks commonly used in printing.

Colour matching systems may include:

use of visual colour assessment to match basic standard colours under controlled lighting conditions.

Machines may include:

a range of single sheet, stream and reel-fed machines with manual, semi-automated, fully automated or computerised process control.

Design may include:

simple graphics and text. Minor variation in registration and position.

Substrate types may include:

range of substrates within the major categories of paper, pressure sensitive material, board, plastics and related films, or metal.

Routine may include:

routine within this context relates to the set up and production of print runs. The set up of equipment and production is straightforward and does not involve a significant amount of deviation from using standard equipment settings. In this sense, routine does not refer to a job that an individual might repeat on a regular basis.