MEM26017A
Prepare composite or other substrate surfaces

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, by abrasive or chemical means, a composite surface prior to bonding or coating. It includes the preparation of composite surfaces and other surfaces which are used in conjunction with composites (e.g. metal surfaces).

Application

This unit includes preparation of composite surfaces either as a finish or in preparation for further work, such as coating or joining.

Surface preparation may be undertaken by an individual or a team. It may be undertaken in a workshop or factory environment or in the field and may be used to manufacture new products, prototypes, samples or to make repairs.

This unit complements MEM26016A Select and use joining techniques.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Determine characteristics required of substrate

1.1

Identify the chemistry of materials to be applied to the surface

1.2

Identify the surface chemistry of the substrate

1.3

Determine any chemical treatments needed to make the substrate compatible with the materials to be applied

1.4

Interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS) for materials which may be used

1.5

Identify the current physical state of the substrate

1.6

Identify possible required physical states of the substrate

2

Select most appropriate preparation technique for job

2.1

Compile specification for required substrate preparation

2.2

Compare possible substrate preparation methods with specification

2.3

Select most appropriate substrate preparation

2.4

Conduct and evaluate process evaluation test (PET), as appropriate

2.5

Review selection and substrate preparation

2.6

Make any required changes to substrate preparation

3

Prepare substrate

3.1

Identify and control hazards

3.2

Prepare substrate, as required

3.3

Minimise waste

3.4

Review result compared to requirements

3.5

Review substrate preparation process

3.6

Identify areas for improvement and take appropriate actions

3.7

Clean up and perform any routine maintenance required on equipment

3.8

Complete any required documentation/reporting

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills includes:

controlling blasting equipment

operating abrasive equipment by hand

using chemical treatment equipment

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

methods of abrasive cleaning

purposes for abrasive cleaning

types of abrasives and their applications (e.g. sand, bead, shot, soda and grit)

protection of non-blasted surfaces

waste control, reuse and disposal

occupational health and safety (OHS) issues

environmental considerations

surface preparation standards (e.g. surface measurement and surface finish)

types of chemical cleaning (e.g. etching and solvents)

aniline preparation of aluminium

Evidence Required

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential that the process and equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

all reasonably suitable substrate preparation methods have been considered

an appropriate substrate preparation has been chosen

the reasons for choosing the substrate preparation are sound

the product meets its requirements.

Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require the selection of appropriate substrate preparation methods, justification of those choices, and then the application of those methods to prepare given substrates for applications.

Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Method of assessment

A single assessment event is not appropriate. On-the-job assessment should be included as part of the assessment process wherever possible. Where assessment occurs off the job, judgement must consider evidence of the candidate's performance in a productive work environment that includes a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application for this unit.

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways, including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.


Range Statement

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.

Procedures

Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form, and may include:

all work instructions

standard operating procedures

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Responsible Care) and government regulations

Most appropriate substrate preparation

Appropriate substrate preparation refers to that substrate preparation which has:

compliance with product requirements

greatest ease of preparation

best financial return

greatest sustainability contribution

Sustainability

Sustainability incorporates the three aspects of:

survival of the ecology/physical environment – which means that an enterprise needs to manage the impact of the business to ensure the survival of the physical environment

economic viability – efficiency, cost and waste reduction and competitiveness to support survival of the business

social sustainability – an enterprise needs to manage the impact of the business to ensure its continued survival within the community and the survival of the community, including OHS

Logs and reports

Logs and reports may include:

paper or electronic based

verbal reports

items found which require action

Appropriate action

Appropriate action includes:

determining problems needing action

determining possible fault causes

rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility

following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person

Typical problems

Typical problems may include:

incompatible surface applications with substrates

non-uniform substrate preparation

the use of hazardous materials

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence


Sectors

Composites


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.