Application of this unit

This competency applies to operators who are involved in the preparation of surfaces prior to the application of adhesives, primers or surface finishes. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.

The operator:

checks product for quality and conformity to specifications

checks raw material and equipment required

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 equipment 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.

Knowledge of organization 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 process. Application of approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup.

Knowledge of and skills in surface preparation equipment and main components sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:

production workflow sequences and materials demand

accurately monitoring equipment operation and product quality

the potential effects of contamination on surface quality

surface finish measurement techniques

equipment, tools and consumables required to deliver the specified surface finish

different substrates and their preparation requirements

appropriate surface finish techniques for the substrates used

typical problems with each substrate

correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures (such as the combination of surface finish technique and the appropriate substrate).

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 finishing process.

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, eg 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:

apply the required skills and knowledge to prepare surface for coating

apply approved procedures.

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

finishing production standards are met consistently

all safety procedures are followed.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur using industrial surface preparation equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by using appropriate, industrial equipment requiring demonstration of operation and emergency stop procedures

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 unit includes the processes required to prepare surfaces for application of surface coatings to specification. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the surface preparation 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:

hand finishing tools

scrapers

sandpaper

buffs

polishes

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

spills

hazardous materials and vapours (such as fumes from solvents or degreasers, or dust from sanding)

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:

wear and breakage

overuse of tools, requiring rework

incorrect substrate used

incorrect measurement of surface finish.

Typical product problems may include:

contamination of surface prior to polish

damage to polished surface.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.