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.

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 the required skills and knowledge in gel coat application

apply approved procedures.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

gel coating production standards are met consistently

all safety procedures are followed.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on a gel coat application process and equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by using a gel coat application method or equipment requiring demonstration of operation and emergency stop procedures

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

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 practical/simulation 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 studies/scenarios 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 and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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

Application of an operational knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults. For example, surface blemishes can be caused by improper catalyst ratios and improper air pressure, both high and low.

Knowledge and ability to implement the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements, within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to the gel coat application process. Application of approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup.

Knowledge of and skills in the operation of gel coat application methods and equipment:

production workflow sequences and materials demand

potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product

operation of gel coat application equipment and components

function of gel coat in the composite products being manufactured

importance of gel coat application to the standard of the finished work

waste management and importance of reusing non-conforming products wherever possible

correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures

accurately monitoring equipment operation and product quality

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

Competence also includes the ability to:

plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

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

identify and describe role and role of others involved directly in the process.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is required, eg to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed for 50 kg.

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 covers the application of gel coat to specification, using manual application or spray equipment. It involves the application of gel coat to a mould as part of a manufacturing process. Where gel coating is not part of the manufacturing process, but a similar process occurs, then this unit should be customised to suit a similar coating process.

It is not intended to cover repairs or patching work to the gel coat surface of products.

It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the process of applying gel coat.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

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

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

measurement devices, such as depth gauges, containers, weighing machines, scales or meters

hand application equipment including brushes

spray equipment

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

hazardous materials and vapours

manual handling

stationary and moving machinery, parts and components.

Problems

Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical product problems may include:

wrinkles and pinholes

slow gel coat cure

sagging of the gel coat

porosity

separation of colour

discolouration.

Typical process problems may include:

equipment problems, including spray blockage/build-up and wear and breakage

poor mixing

temperature variation

catalyzation

incomplete cure.

Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reporting to designated person or other action specified in the procedures.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

thickness

temperature

air pressure

surface finish

product integrity and general conformance to specification.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist