Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to set up, operate and shut down hot and cold presses as well as their combined operation used to press laminated ply.
The unit applies to production technicians and operators who press laminated ply in a forest and wood products factory setting.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare for pressing. | 1.1 Review and check work order with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Identify hazards and control risk in the work area. 1.3 Acquire type and quantity of ply to be pressed from the assembly process. 1.4 Conduct pre-start checks on equipment in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site requirements. 1.5 Select pressing process in line with site procedures. 1.6 Communicate with relevant personnel as required, to ensure safety and production requirements are met. |
2. Operate, monitor and report pressing process. | 2.1 Set and adjust press cycle times, pressures, temperatures and product parameters to meet production requirements. 2.2 Assess assembled ply and check tack level before loading with defective assemblies returned for reworking. 2.3 Operate and monitor hot or cold press to press boards in line with site requirements. 2.4 Perform unload and reload cycles. 2.5 Regularly assess pressed and finished ply and action necessary changes to assembly and pressing processes. 2.6 Dispose of sub-standard pressed ply in line with site procedures and environmental requirements. 2.7 Record and report pressing process and equipment faults to appropriate personnel. |
3. Unload, maintain and load press. | 3.1 Open press in line with operating procedures. 3.2 Separate and remove ply and plates. 3.3 Load ply into transport or storage racks for cooling. 3.4 Monitor plate condition during unloading, clean and spray with release agent and remove defective plates for repair. 3.5 Stack assembled ply, plates and overlay panels in press to specified height or number and squareness. 3.6 Transfer finished ply for further processing in line with site requirements. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
identify hazards and control risks in the work area
operate hot and cold pressing equipment to produce laminated ply according to safe work procedure:
set parameters
load press
unload press
restart press cycle
monitor quality of pressed and finished ply and adjust pressing process
dispose of sub-standard ply according to site and environmental protection requirements
inspect plates for faults and remove defective plates for repair
record and report pressing process according to workplace procedure
redistribute material on site using designated equipment according to workplace procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
safe work procedure for pressing ply
environmental protection requirements relevant to safe disposal or re-use of waste material
procedures for identifying and controlling hazards and risks associated with pressing ply
laminated ply characteristics
hot, cold and combination pressing methods
storage areas for cooling ply
procedures for identifying and rectifying faults during the pressing process
procedures for identifying signs of defective pressing plates
procedures for equipment lock-out
procedures for recording and reporting pressing process and faults
procedures for transferring finished ply
procedures for removing and cleaning press plates.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
work order
hot or cold press
release agent
ply
overlay panels
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
documents, spreadsheets and commonly used proforma documents
personal protective equipment:
safety glasses
protective footwear
high visibility clothing
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret instruments, gauges and data recording equipment. |
Reading skills to: | interpret safety data sheets (SDS) monitor process information displayed on screens |
Writing skills to: | maintain documentation (log activity) record quality outcomes. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Wood Panel Products