Those undertaking basic operational maintenance within routines, and following basic requirements for maintenance of mechanical equipment and the instructions included in the manufacturers’ specifications apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. Where more complex repair and maintenance are required, specialist assistance would be sought.
Where appropriate the outcomes of this unit could be contextualised to apply to other gemstones.
Not applicable.
1. Perform operational maintenance | 1.1 Perform basic operational maintenance on the equipment and machinery according to manufacturers’ guidelines 1.2 Adjust, clean and store equipment consistent with manufacturers’ specifications |
2. Rectify common mechanical faults | 2.1 Diagnose mechanical faults and, where they do not require specialist attention, rectify according to manufacturers’ guidelines 2.2 Select tools appropriate to each task and follow safe work practices 2.3 Where complex faults are identified, seek assistance from manufacturer or technical experts |
3. Maintain a clean and tidy workshop and document operational maintenance | 3.1 Maintain the workshop as an environment that is clean and free from contaminants 3.2 Identify hazardous materials and remove according to manufacturers’ instructions 3.3 Document procedures and update machinery and equipment log books where required |
Required skills
communication skills to:
seek assistance and ask questions where required
document procedures and update log books
problem-solving skills to:
diagnose mechanical faults and, where they do not need special attention, rectify them according to manufacturer guidelines
identify hazards and remove them according to manufacturer guidelines
numeracy skills to use numerical features of machinery
self-management skills to perform operational maintenance regularly according to manufacturer guidelines
technical skills to:
perform scheduled maintenance
rectify common mechanical faults
maintain a workshop environment
use appropriate tools.
Required knowledge
servicing characteristics of machinery and equipment
fault finding techniques in mechanical devices
recording systems for machinery use.
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: perform operational maintenance and make routine adjustments to equipment and machinery following manufacturer guidelines diagnose and rectify minor faults using appropriate tools and working safely. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to a range of equipment and machinery. |
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: observation of processes and procedures oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills review of portfolios of evidence review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling). |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended. |
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.
Operational maintenance may include: | daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly servicing schedules. |
Equipment and machinery may include: | bench grinder 6″ or 8″ combination units for grind, sand and polish diamond grinding, sanding and polishing units drum or belt sanders dry sanding units free-hand saws grinding arbours with belt drive leather or felt polishing units multi-blade saws slab saws trim saws wet sanding units. |
Opal cutting and polishing
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.