This unit of competency applies to operators who are responsible for performing a series of checks prior to commencing a variety of operations within the manufactured mineral products industry. It includes the operation of all ancillary equipment.

This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a team.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Check production plan

1.1. Identify the type of product required, time to run and raw/reclaim materials required

1.2. Check for quantity and quality required and any special requirements

1.3. Check with supervisor/appropriate person if requirements are 'unusual'

2. Identify hazards

2.1. Identify hazards of materials to be used

2.2. Identify hazards in work area

2.3. Implement hazard controls according to procedures

2.4. Report safety concerns according to procedures

3. Assemble raw materials

3.1. Order and check quantities of materials required

3.2. Sample and test materials as required

3.3. Visually check that materials are free from contamination and suitable for production

3.4. Report contamination or other non-conformance

4. Check machinery and equipment

4.1. Check required program

4.2. Check machinery/equipment for operation

4.3. Correct or report maintenance requirements as appropriate

4.4. Check that equipment has been test run

4.5. Check that equipment is set and adjusted according to production schedule as required

5. Rectify routine problems

5.1. Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation

5.2. Determine and rectify fault causes by procedures

5.3. Identify and rectify equipment failure causes to procedures

5.4. Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures

5.5. Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person

Required skills

Required skills include:

recognising conditions which will lead to out of specification product

implementing the enterprise's procedures within time constraints and in a manner relevant to the correct use of the equipment

conveying information relevant to the operation clearly and effectively

maintaining appropriate levels of quality assurance

reading and numeracy to interpret workplace documents and technical information

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

testing procedures

impact of contamination

production schedules

hazards normally associated with the process and controls as per the hierarchy of control

underlying causes of faults such as precipitated by:

product loading and unloading

materials

equipment

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential that the process be understood and that the importance of critical material properties and settings is known.

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

hazards are identified and controls applied

early warning signs of equipment in need of attention/with potential problems are recognised

action is taken to ensure equipment is returned to full performance in a timely manner

communication is timely and effective

problems regarding materials are anticipated and appropriate action is taken.

Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations.

Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation or case studies/scenarios may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this unit of competency. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include 'walk-throughs' of the relevant competency components. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs and questions will be required to probe the reasoning behind observable actions.

Method of assessment

Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites and co-requisites relevant to their processes.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions

Equipment and machinery

Equipment and machinery may include:

any processing plant or equipment relevant to this unit of competency

Operation of machinery/equipment

Operation of machinery/equipment include:

visual checks for damage

leaks

obstructions

blockages

component wear

Materials

Raw materials may include:

first stage products being prepared for subsequent processes

Typical problems

Typical problems may include:

contaminated materials

raw material not to specifications

material variability within specification

equipment malfunctions

Occupational health and safety (OHS)

All operations are subject to stringent OHS requirements and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and OHS requirements, the OHS requirements take precedence.

Unit sector

Operational/technical

This unit contains employability skills.