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:

understand the inherent risk associated with using a vulcaniser and the potential consequences of incorrect use

understand procedures

understand the importance of critical material properties and quantities

recognise potential situations requiring action

implement appropriate action and explain logic.

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

production standards are met consistently

wire or reinforcing is not visible in the finished product

bonding is achieved in accordance with specifications.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on industrial equipment in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by using an appropriate, portable vulcanising equipment

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 knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.

Knowledge of organization 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 vulcanising process. Application of approved hazard control, safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup.

Knowledge of and skills in the operation of portable vulcanising equipment and main components sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:

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

identifying the function of vulcanising equipment, components and the materials used

describing changes to materials during the vulcanising process

explaining the impact of vulcanising 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

explaining any differences in vulcanising processes and additives for natural, synthetic and mixed rubber compounds

deciding if they (the operator) are able to rectify the fault or if assistance is required

explaining the effect of unauthorised or emergency shutdown of equipment on the vulcanising process

understand the underlying risks in the process and how best to manage them.

Competence includes the ability to:

plan own work sequence, including identification of key checkpoints for equipment monitoring and product quality checks

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.

Distinguish between causes of faults such as:

equipment condition

materials (eg. contaminated or wrong raw materials/additives/catalyst)

process conditions (eg incorrect temperatures or pressures and entrapped air in the vulcanised area).

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, eg to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement 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 applies to all work environments and sectors within the rubber industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the vulcanising process.

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 unit of competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

portable vulcanising equipment (including dispersion plates, pressure bags, edge bars, controllers)

knives and other rubber cutting and shaping equipment

hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences

manual handling aids such as handcarts

relevant personal protective equipment

powered equipment/aids.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

pressure

heat and hot rubber

chemical splashes or spills

dust or vapours/fumes

manual handling hazards

knife hazards.

Task sequences

Task sequences include:

location of vulcaniser

process monitoring

quality checks.

Monitoring of vulcanisation

Monitoring of vulcanisation includes noting:

times,

vulcanisation quality,

equipment operating temperatures and times

additional pressures applied.

Problems

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

incorrect vulcaniser set-up

variations in materials

contamination of materials

unsuccessful vulcanising processes

entrapped gasses

wire or reinforcing exposure

inappropriate material specification.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

heat

pressure

time

tension.

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