Application of this unit
This competency applies to operators who are involved in the preparation of mould surfaces for composites production processes such as gelcoating or thermoforming. It is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.
The operator will:
check mould for conformity to product requirements and process specifications
check materials are correct
notice any problems and take required action
deal with non-conforming products, waste and scrap
complete logs and reports.
Prerequisites
This unit has no prerequisites.
ELEMENT ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide. |
1. Check work requirements. | 1.1 Identify work requirements from production plan or request. 1.2 Check mould, materials and equipment meet requirements for job(s). 1.3 Recognise requirements which may not be in accordance with usual practice. 1.4 Ask questions of appropriate person to confirm unusual practice. 1.5 Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action |
2. Prepare mould surfaces. | 2.1 Prepare surfaces to procedures. 2.2 Make temporary repairs of minor mould surface defects as needed. 2.3 Clean up equipment and work area when surface preparation is completed. |
3. Apply mould release system, as required. | 3.1 Select the correct system for the job. 3.2 Apply to mould surfaces as per manufacturer specifications. 3.3 Tape-test the surface release system. |
4. Mask-up mould. | 4.1 Select suitable masking tape. 4.2 Apply masking tape and other materials. |
5. Respond to routine problems to procedures. | 5.1 Recognise known faults that occur during the operation. 5.2 Identify and take action on causes of routine faults. 5.3 Log problems as required. 5.4 Identify non-routine process and quality problems and take appropriate action. |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Application of knowledge of materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise conditions which may lead to out-of-specification production. For example, contaminates such as dirt, moisture or oils on the mould surface will cause surface blemishes on the product.
Knowledge and ability to implement organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements, within appropriate time constraints and work standards.
Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of control applied to preparation of mould surfaces. Application of approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and clean up.
Knowledge of and skills in the processes, materials and equipment used for the preparation of mould surfaces, including:
correct selection and use of equipment, tools and consumables required to deliver the specified mould surface
effects of contamination on surface quality
different mould release systems and the appropriate application techniques for each
typical problems with each mould release system
waste management and the importance of re-using non-conforming products wherever possible
factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies (eg mould/tool design, resin type).
Competence also includes the ability to:
plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
identify when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance
identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the applicationprocess.
Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
Operators need to be able to interpret job specifications and recognise labels for different mould releases. They also need to be able to communicate work requirements with other operators.
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:
prepare mould surfaces from which the finished product will release successfully
apply approved procedures.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
surface standards are met consistently
all safety procedures are followed.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur over a range of mould surface preparation procedures and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by using an appropriate, industrial moulds
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.
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 the preparation of mould surfaces for gel coating or thermoforming. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the surface preparation process. It includes the demoulding of a previous product or protective surface to procedures where relevant.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Tools and equipment
This unit of competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
applicators (such as brushes, spray gun)
cleaning tools (such as plastic scrapers, buffs and polishers)
cutters
measuring devices
relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
hazardous materials and vapours
moving equipment
manual handling hazards.
Problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:
mould damage/ cracks on the mould
equipment wear and breakage
overuse of tools, requiring rework
build up on mould surface
variations in materials or contamination of materials.
Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reporting to designated person or other action specified in the procedures.
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.