Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce basic lithographic printing, including small offset product. This requires operation of a lithographic press in a way that supports efficient routine production flow while maintaining product quality standards. It includes requirements related to shutdown and cleaning of the printing press.
It applies to individuals who work under direct supervision and perform a range of routine printing tasks in a defined context. The practical skills and operational knowledge required to perform these tasks is at a fundamental level.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Maintain routine operation of delivery systems | 1.1 Delivery systems are monitored and adjusted to ensure efficient and continuous operation and ensure finished product is undamaged 1.2 Substrate is added and removed from process according to job instructions |
2. Maintain basic routine lithographic printing process | 2.1 Lithographic plate and plate cylinder condition is monitored and adjusted to ensure quality of printed product meets the approved proof standard 2.2 Lithographic blanket and blanket cylinder condition is monitored and adjusted to ensure quality of printed product meets the approved proof standard 2.3 Lithographic impression cylinder condition is monitored and adjusted to ensure quality of printed product meets the approved proof standard 2.4 Lithographic inking condition is checked and maintained to ensure quality of printed product meets the approved proof standard 2.5 Lithographic dampening system condition is monitored and adjusted to ensure quality of printed product meets the approved proof standard |
3. Maintain routine production process | 3.1 Production process is operated in association with fellow workers and according to company specifications and planned daily schedule 3.2 Production is maintained within work health and safety (WHS) requirements and company and manufacturer’s specifications 3.3 Manual and/or automatic control is used as per specification 3.4 Performance is monitored and verified according to enterprise procedures 3.5 Ink performance, colour, register and position of print are monitored, adjusted and maintained throughout production run 3.6 Faulty performance of equipment is identified and reported according to enterprise procedures 3.7 Waste is sorted according to enterprise procedures |
4. Rectify minor lithographic machine faults | 4.1 Adjustments or corrections are carried out according to specified procedures and consistent with operator’s skill level 4.2 Problems with lithographic machine operation are identified and reported according to enterprise procedures 4.3 Lithographic machine operation is checked to ensure correct operation |
5. Conduct shutdown of production process | 5.1 Correct shutdown sequence is followed according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise procedures 5.2 Shutdown is conducted in association with fellow workers and in compliance with WHS requirements 5.3 Unused ink is correctly labelled and stored according to manufacturer/supplier specifications and enterprise procedures 5.4 Solid and liquid waste is removed from operating area and recycled or disposed of, where required, according to regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures 5.5 All product is removed from operating area 5.6 Machine faults requiring repair are identified and reported to designated person according to enterprise procedures 5.7 Repair/adjustment is verified prior to resumption of operations |
6. Clean and wash up printing machine at end of print run | 6.1 Cylinders, plate and roller surfaces are cleaned ready for next run 6.2 Inking system and dampening system are washed up ready for next run, and liquid waste is disposed of according to company and regulatory requirements 6.3 In-line printing/converting/binding/finishing units are cleaned ready for next run 6.4 Transportation and delivery systems are disengaged and cleaned ready for next run 6.5 Production records or other documentation are accurately completed where required by enterprise procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
safely operate a lithographic printing press consistent with efficient routine production flow that maintains product quality standards; ensuring any production problems are rectified with minimum downtime
correctly shutdown production and clean and/or wash printing machine according to work health and safety (WHS) guidelines
use control, monitoring and data entry systems
find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
produce TWO basic lithographic printing jobs (if possible, including at least one in-line process) according to job specifications and enterprise procedures.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
For reel systems only
identify WHS concerns applicable to loading and handling heavy reels
describe effect on the print of excessive tension on the rewinding reel
identify implications if web is not spliced correctly
For sheet systems only
explain why sheets are fanned before loading into the press
identify that the double sheet detector must be set and checked during the print run
identify components that can be adjusted to ensure correct delivery
describe effect of excessive suction on the slow-down wheels
Lithographic printing operations
describe required action if non-image area of the print was scumming during printing
identify causes of emulsification while printing on a lithographic printing press
describe how to identify signs of wear in image area of the plate
identify level the ink should be maintained at
In-line processes
identify WHS concerns for in-line components of the press
identify frequency in-line components of the job should be examined
Quality control and problem-solving
identify precautions to ensure the rewound product is of consistent, acceptable quality
describe how to identify material below acceptable standard
identify how often product quality should be assessed
identify how to mark product deemed unacceptable by the operator
Shutdown and wash press
identify dangers of solvents and solutions used to clean the inking system, plates, cylinders and press
describe effect of excessive gum on the plate image
list parts of the machine to be thoroughly cleaned following the print run
list components to be inspected for wear following the print run
describe record-keeping requirements important for following or repeat prints
Information sources
identify information sources (including machine manuals, safety documentation and other information) relevant to these tasks including where they are located and what they cover.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the printing field of work and include access to:
a lithographic printing machine with in-line processes
industry software packages
special purpose tools, equipment and materials.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 51, 5.3 | Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements from information contained within relevant procedures and specifications |
Writing | 3.6, 4.2, 5.3, 5.6, 6.6 | Enters routine data associated with production processes and enterprise procedures |
Oral Communication | 3.1-3.3, 3.6, 4.1, 42, 5.1-5.3, 5.6 | Speaks clearly using appropriate vocabulary, tone and pace to report faults and discrepancies |
Numeracy | 6.5 | Interprets and analyses a range of mathematical information used in familiar and routine tasks |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.4, 5.6, 6.1-6.6 | Recognises and follows explicit and implicit protocols and meets expectations associated with own role Recognises and follows all procedures for cleaning and maintenance of equipment, incorporating regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures |
Interact with others | 3.1-3.3, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1-5.3, 5.6 | Cooperates with others as part of familiar routine activities, and contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability Understands what to communicate, with whom and how, in routine work situations |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1-2.5, 3.1, 3.4-3.7, 4.1-4.3, 5.1-57, 6.1-6.5 | Determines priorities and sequences steps involved in clearly defined, familiar tasks Recognises and anticipates an increasing range of familiar problems, their symptoms and causes, actively looking for early warning signs and implementing contingency plans Follows routine procedures for using digital technology by reading data from electronic monitoring and control systems |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Delivery systems MUST include EITHER: | reel OR sheet |
Setting up and adjusting MUST include EITHER: | unwind and rewind reels webbing procedures splicing/joining reels printed web viewing devices folder and sheeter systems set off / marking prevention devices OR feeder and delivery systems sheet pick-up and transportation systems transfer and control systems set off / marking prevention devices |
Sectors
Printing