Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.
Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.
Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to the curing process. Application of approved hazard control, safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and clean-up.
Knowledge of and skills in the curing process sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:
identifying the function of vulcanising equipment, components and the materials used
the influence of the mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic principles on vulcanising equipment operation and product curing
the impact that chemical reactions/mechanical processes have on changing the state, form and condition of the vulcanised materials
the role of retarders, fillers and extenders, processing aids and protective agents appropriate for the rubber compounds and processes used
explaining the impact of vulcanising machine speed, pressure, time, temperature and tension on product quality and production output
describing the role of heat and pressure in relation to providing strength, stiffness, resistance to deformation, fatigue and abrasion
the reasons for minimising waste of vulcanised products
production workflow schedule requirements.
Competence includes the ability to:
plan own work sequence, including identification of key checkpoints for equipment monitoring, product quality checks and monitoring of supplies and downstream operations
identify and describe own role and the roles of others involved directly in the vulcanising process
operate equipment and monitor product quality
identify factors which may influence product quality and production output, and appropriate remedies
make appropriate authorised alterations to own work plan and equipment to maintain both product quality and required production output
locate, interpret and apply relevant information and maintain workplace records
identify and safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task
decide if they (the operator) are able to rectify the fault or if assistance is required
explain the effect of unauthorised or emergency shutdown of equipment on the vulcanising process.
Competence includes the ability to distinguish between causes of faults such as:
materials
process conditions
equipment condition.
Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets and material labels as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is also required to the level of reading and interpreting numbers.
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 the rubber sector and rubber covered cablemaking industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment such as feed and reeling equipment.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions, manufacturer operating instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
the continuous press/autoclave
feed and reeling equipment
monitoring and control equipment
tools for taking samples
relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
burns
vapours
moving equipment.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:
variations in feed material
scorched materials
contamination of materials
temperature variations
pressure variations
entrapped particulates or air
insufficient bond achieved
uncured rubber
exposed reinforcing or wire.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
temperature
pressure
time
feed rate
clamp/press cycle.
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