This unit applies to the setting up and operation of backwash plant and associated equipment. Operator maintenance of presses and equipment, which may be scheduled or unscheduled and may vary according to workplace requirements. Work is conducted under limited supervision with the exercise of initiative, discrimination and judgement. Occasional supervision of other personnel may be required.

Work conducted in a variety of environments, such as:

operational workplace activities

hazardous, controlled or exposed conditions

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising the safe and effective use of wool backwash processes and technology. This unit also requires an ability to interpret, document and communicate job related information, check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to own work.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Operate wool backwash equipment

1.1 All necessary settings and preparation for machine or equipment operation are identified and assessed in accordance with specifications and workplace standard procedures

1.2 Work area around machine or equipment is cleaned and maintained to meet workplace and OHS practices

1.3 Backwash equipment is started

1.4 Tubs, cans are changed or removed as required

1.5 Backwash equipment is stopped or shut down in accordance with all safety and workplace standard operating procedures

2 Carry out operator maintenance

2.1 Minor running problems are identified, corrected by the operator where appropriate, and reported in accordance with workplace and equipment manufacturer procedures

2.2 Major machine or equipment or product faults are reported

2.3 Minor maintenance and cleaning are performed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

3 Control process variables

3.1 Chemicals are prepared, mixed and changed in accordance with manufacturer specifications, workplace requirements and OHS practices

3.2 Water levels and temperatures are regularly monitored and adjusted where necessary to ensure required processing standard is achieved

3.3 All flow rates are monitored and adjusted where necessary in accordance with blend specification and workplace standard operating procedures

3.4 Moisture levels are maintained in accordance with workplace and machine manufacturer procedures

4 Monitor product quality

4.1 Quality requirements for wool product are correctly identified and applied for all stages of the process

4.2 Wool flow is monitored

4.3 Wool product quality is visually checked to ensure standard is maintained

4.4 Any deviations from normal are recognised, isolated and reported

4.5 Environmental requirements and procedures concerned with waste, pollution and recycling of materials are correctly applied at all stages of the process

5 Communicate production information

5.1 Records and other documentation are clearly and accurately completed

5.2 Information from other operators, shifts and supervisory personnel regarding production status and problems is accurately interpreted by the operator

5.3 Information regarding production status and problems is accurately communicated to other operators, shifts and supervisory personnel

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

principles of operating backwash plant and associated equipment

requirements of machine setting and adjustment

product quality standards

safety and environmental aspects of relevant workplace processes, including handling of chemicals

general housekeeping policies and procedures including relevant cleaning agents and equipment

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

set and operate machines

perform operator maintenance of machines and work area

use relevant hand tools

use cleaning agents and dispose of waste products

document and transfer information

read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry our work according to OHS practices

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 the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

comply with all relevant safety requirements

interpret work orders and product requirements

operate backwash plant and associated equipment

monitor processes and operation of backwash plant and associated equipment; including application of quality standards criteria and recognition of non-conforming outcomes

perform operator maintenance of backwash plant and associated equipment including settings and adjustments

perform operator maintenance of work area

document and communicate work related information including reporting of non-conforming outcomes and other problems.

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Machine or equipment may include

automatic machines

semi-automatic machines

high density presses

cleaning equipment

detergents and other chemicals

hand and power tools normally applicable to the tasks

hand trolleys

pallet trucks

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector

Textile Production

This unit contains employability skills.