This competency applies to paint technologists, technical service personnel, research and development personnel requiring information on the correct application methods for various coatings. It includes:

application techniques

rheology of the coating

formulation considerations

surface preparation

customer requirements

OHS

identification of paint defects

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Match coating to substrate.

1.1. Identify substrate to be used.

1.2. Determine requirements of final coated surface.

1.3. Recommend appropriate coating system.

2. Recommend preparation and application techniques.

2.1. Recommend substrate preparation.

2.2. Select appropriate coating application equipment

2.3. Determine required rheology of coating

2.4. Specify required coating tests

2.5. Specify coating application

3. Analyse problems with surface coatings.

3.1. Identify non-conformances in coated product

3.2. Distinguish between preparation, application and paint problems

3.3. Recommend correct preparation and application to prevent problems.

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

Required skills

This competency includes the following skills:

analysis

selection

discrimination

maths

Required knowledge

Competence in this unit includes the following knowledge:

Material Safety Data Sheet

OHS requirements

calculate VOC levels

different types of application equipment - brush, roller, paint pad, various spray applications, electrostatic, dip, hot melt, flow coating, powder coating,

reasons for prevention of corrosion

methods used to prepare common substrates for application of a coating

knowledge of atmospheric conditions ie temperature, humidity and dew point

identify substrate coating surface defects

methods than can be used to prevent paint defects in both wet and dry film defects

explain the different types of test procedures and test equipment

impact of the final coating if substrate preparation not adequate

identification of appropriate substrates and their uses

reasons for the selection of coatings on the customer substrate

identify the reasons for different types of application equipment

problems that may arise if incorrect equipment is recommended

the reasons for compliance coatings

issues surrounding volatile organic compounds(VOC)

problems that may arise if incorrect coating is recommended

effects of shear in surface coatings

characteristics of shear rates and their importance in coating application

the effect of rheology on surface coatings

adequate tests and equipment to identify correct rheological properties

differing types of paint defects - dry paint films/wet films

the correct preparation

the potential effects of climate and other environmental influences on both the coating and substrate

decorative requirements such as colour, gloss and texture

the customer requirements

specific service conditions such as impact, abrasion and general wear and tear and their affect on the final coating.

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.

Overview of assessment

Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.

This unit of competency requires a significant body of knowledge which will be assessed through questioning and the use of what-if scenarios both on the plant (during demonstration of normal operations and walk-throughs of abnormal operations) and off the plant.

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

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

paint defects can be identified and corrected

correct selection of the coating to the required substrate

implement correct equipment for the required application

maintain a safe working environment

assess problem situations and initiate effective corrective action

the many types of application methods

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Method of assessment

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with other relevant units.

Guidance information for assessment

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

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 italicized 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.

Codes of practice/ standards

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Particular standards of relevance include:

AS 2311 "Painting of Buildings"

AS1580 "Paints & related materials-test methods"

AS 2310 "Glossary of Paint and Painting Terms"

AS 3978 "Non destructive testing-visual inspection of metal products and components"

AS 3894 Site testing of protective coatings"

Context

This competency applies to technical staff to provide the correct advice to customers for the application of surface coatings to required substrates.

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State 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.

Unit sector

Operational/technical

This unit contains employability skills.