Application of this unit

This competency applies to production support or moulding operators who are required to apply knowledge of product quality standards, and product defect classification, and operate value adding secondary processing units such as trimming and assembly, and, other personnel who perform initial finishing processes to products after the production process. The key factors are the removal of waste/excess material from the product and preparing the product for either further processing or customer delivery. This includes:

checking job sheets for work to be done

following approved hazard minimisation procedures for any hazards connected with materials and process, using work instructions, labels and materials safety data sheets, and in accordance with occupational health and safety (OHS) legislative responsibilities

inspecting the product for routine and non-routine finishing processes

discussing finishing requirements with other workers

applying finishing process to product

inspecting finished product and sorting in accordance with job specifications

identifying and taking action on routine product imperfections

discussing non-routine product imperfections with designated person.

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.

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

Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification product imperfections and techniques necessary to finish products for customer use.

Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability to:

apply and/or explain, selection and application of appropriate processes, and selection of appropriate tools for the process

locate, interpret and apply relevant information to the finishing process

identify and safely handle products

select and apply appropriate finishing process

meet waste and recycling requirements

It is also necessary to demonstrate the ability to distinguish between causes of faults such as:

product defects, eg flashing, distortions, stress marks, sinks, voids, short shots, poor colour distribution, moisture marks, gassing, burn marks

inappropriateselection and use of finishing equipment/processes

poor surface finish

fining or shuts

variations in section thickness.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets and material labels as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is also required, eg counting numbers of products and percentage of rejects.

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 this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to

recognise potential situations requiring action implement appropriate action

understand procedures.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

production standards are met consistently

the importance of critical material properties and quantities to the finishing process is recognised

safety procedures are followed.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur finishing industrial products and components and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

on a processing plant allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions

in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

Method of assessment

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

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.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

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

Context:

This competency applies to personnel working either independently or as part of a work team.

Procedures:

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

electric and/or air powered routers, saws, drills, drivers and sanders knives, files and scrapers

hand carts and trolleys

hoists/jigs/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences

knives and knife sharpeners band saws, hand saws

personal safety equipment such as gloves and goggles or face shields handling aids such as jigs and gantries.

Hazards:

Typical hazards include:

manual handling hazards

knife hazards

humidity, air temperature, radiant heat

stationary and moving machinery, parts and components.

Problems:

'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:

movement of jigs or fixtures

power failures

non-supply of materials

broken cords

damaged or inoperable equipment

variations in materials

temperature of product to be finished

movement of inserts, reinforcements or fittings size of some products

inappropriate selection and use of finishing equipment/processes

poor surface finish

fining or shuts

variations in section thickness.

Variables:

Key variables to be monitored include:

finishing production rates

degrees of finish

preservation of identifying marks and trademarks

ability to deal with material variations

correct application of protective coatings

waste collection and disposal

conformance with frequency and quality of organisational reporting requirements.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.