Application of this unit

This competency applies to operators who collect and prepare materials for the production process. The key factors are the delivery of the right material to the right place at the right time and ensuring there is no contamination of the materials.

It includes:

checking job sheets for work requirements

discussing work progress with other workers

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 OHS legislative responsibilities

collecting a range of materials and assembling them close to the start of the process and in the same sequence as the jobs are to be done

moving the correct number of bags, drums, etc into the assembly area

checking materials to ensure no contamination

moving required materials into the right place by the right time.

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 products, processes and material faults.

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

Knowledge of and skills in the assembling of materials and equipment sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:

basic units of measurements such as additions, subtractions, divisions, fractions, percentages

dial, scale and digital read-outs

materials safety data sheets

a limited knowledge and application of polymer materials

definitions of thermoplastics and thermosetting materials

trade names of common plastic materials

formulas of common plastics

end use examples of plastics, by type and common family names

hazard and safety precautions for common polymer family characteristics; dangerous goods Act, regulations, as relevant

Hazchem requirements as relevant to the job

safe working practices in handling polymers

PPE equipment requirements

impact of incorrect or faulty materials

production workflow sequences and materials demand

focus of operation of work systems and equipment

correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures;

hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

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

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is required, e.g. to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

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:

get the right materials to the right place, in the right quantity and at the right time

ensuring there is no contamination

placing (storing) them at the correct location in a safe manner.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that production standards are met consistently.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on using industrial materials and equipment 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 for 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 operators 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:

hand carts and trolleys

knives and other bag opening equipment

hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences

bung spanners and similar

basic hand tools required for opening of material packaging

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

spills dusts/vapours

slip and fall, particularly due to spilt granules

temperature

hazardous substances

moving equipment

manual handling hazards

knife hazards.

Problems

Respond to/rectify 'non-routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:

equipment malfunction

non-supply or incorrect supply of materials

misreading labels or instructions

variations in materials

contamination of materials

incorrect quantity of materials/additives.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

nature and type of materials

nature and type of equipment

power medium for equipment

location of equipment

material mass

material handling equipment.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.