This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to analyse and verify equipment performance. It applies to equipment that uses screws and dies/tools as typically used in extrusion, injection moulding and blow moulding.

This unit of competency applies to experienced technicians or those in similar roles who are required to apply in-depth knowledge of materials, process, equipment and problem solving in order to set up and operate performance verification trials, determine actual compared to theoretical performance of equipment and equipment components, and make recommendations based on the results.

This unit of competency may be contextualised to analyse the performance of equipment that does not use screws and dies/tools, however, both the theoretical/mathematical and practical analysis of the process at a level equivalent to a screw/die analysis must be included.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

read and interpret test results, technical information, equipment specifications and instruments/control panels

calculate the theoretical performance of the screw or die from design specifications

design and supervise verification trial and gather data to determine the actual performance of the screw or die

calculate actual versus theoretical performance

determine significant variations and investigate suspicious results

determine the 'limiting component' in the performance of an item of equipment or a process

determine possible performance of an item of equipment/process if practical improvements were made to the 'limiting item'

make recommendations as to the appropriate action to be taken based on the performance verification results

record trial results and complete workplace records

calculate and interpret statistics, product formulae and process conditions.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role, including knowledge of:

characteristics and manufacturing behaviours of polymers involved in the process

polymer materials, their additives and the rheological, heat and other effects of processing to the design of equipment and components to predict practical performance results

types of data and techniques for calculation of theoretical and actual performance

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

Where the assessee does not currently possess evidence of competency in PMBTECH40 Predict polymer properties and characteristics and MSMOPS401 Trial new process or product, one or both may be co-assessed with this unit.

The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:

a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria

multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.

A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.

Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur using a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Not applicable

Technical