Application of this unit

This competency applies to operators who are required to build conveyor belts prior to their curing. This process may be referred to as consolidation. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team. The operator:

checks supply of materials to the machine

checks product for quality and conformity to specifications

checks raw material feed

notices any problems and takes required action (eg reporting)

deals with non-conforming products, waste and scrap

completes logs and reports.

They may record key variables such as machine conditions and production rate and reasons for interruptions.

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.

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

Application of an operational knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults. For example misaligned reinforcing, separation of belt edges and incorrect thickness.

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

Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to the belt building process. Application of approved hazard control, safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup.

Knowledge of and skills in the operation of belt building equipment and main components sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:

production workflow sequences and materials demand

the reasons for checking process control panels and reporting readings which are outside of normal range of process variability

accurately monitoring equipment operation and product quality

the potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product

waste management and knowing the importance of re-using non-conforming products wherever possible

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

explain the effect of unauthorised or emergency shutdown in relation to safety and production requirements

identify factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies.

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 belt making process.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

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

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is required, eg to interpret belt thickness data and determine production rates.

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:

apply the required skills and knowledge to operate belt building equipment

apply approved procedures.

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

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on an industrial belt building equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by use of appropriate, industrial belt building equipment requiring demonstration of operation and emergency stop procedures

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

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

by 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 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 all belt building operations within the industry. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the belt building process.

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 competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

belt building consolidator/layup equipment

components of belt building machines (such as material supply systems, pressure systems, take up systems)

ancillary equipment (note creel racks are not included)

hand tools used in the belt building process

material loading and take off equipment

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

crush

cut

hazardous substances (eg solvent)

moving equipment

manual handling hazards.

Problems

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

equipment malfunction

variations in cycle time, pressure, belt tension

variations in materials or contamination of materials.

Typical product problems may include routine belt faults such as:

width

thickness

cover/carcass tack

reinforcing damage or contamination.

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.