Application of this unit

This competency applies to operators who hand mix materials in support of the production process. It does not apply to the composites sector. The key factors are the selection and mixing of the right material within the appropriate timeframe and to the consistency and uniformity required, ensuring there is no contamination of the materials. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.

It includes:

checking job sheets for work to be done and identifying the priority in which jobs/product will be made/completed

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

planning which jobs have the higher priority

selecting and obtaining the correct materials in the correct quantities

using the correct mixing container and hand mixers

checking materials to ensure no contamination

adding, mixing and removing the material within the appropriate safety guidelines

completing logs and reports.

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, process problems and materials faults.

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: impact of incorrect or faulty materials; production workflow sequences and materials demand; correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures; hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures

distinguish between causes of faults such as: wrong raw materials/additives/catalyst; incorrect quantity of materials/additives/catalyst; contaminated materials/additives/ catalyst; inadequate mixing; incorrect setting times/temperature/composition

plan tasks, including identifyingtimes and locations in the blending process where checks for product quality are required; production outputs are most appropriately made; ongoing materials input, waste management and work area housekeeping requirements are considered; and any required supplementary equipment for product quality testing is acquired

original manufacturer instructions and guidelines for the use of the specified materials (MSDS)

relevant procedures relating to safe working practices prescribed for the materials

local OHS legislation and/or regulations

site-specific instructions based on production requirements.

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 to determine that mixtures might comprise 2 parts of A, 8 parts of B; and 20 parts of C; for a total mix comprising 30 parts.

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 the importance of material properties and qualities

apply approved procedures

take appropriate action to resolve faults or report faults to appropriate personnel

explain and implement emergency shutdown procedures

plan and set up work before beginning the hand mixing process.

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

production standards are met consistently

mixing produces a consistent product

timing of mixing batches is consistent with production needs.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur 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

mixing spatulas or paddles

portable electrical paddle mixers

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards:

Typical hazards include:

spills and splashing

noxious fumes and vapours

hazardous materials

manual handling 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:

incorrect material composition

over or under mixing

broken mixing equipment

temperature variations.

variations in materials

contamination of materials

variations in setting times.

Variables:

Key variables to be monitored include:

atmospheric conditions

sequencing of material additions to the mix

volumes /mass of materials being mixed

mixing time

amount of moisture.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.