PMC552032C
Operate pressing equipment

This unit of competency covers the operation of pressing equipment including identifying and isolating equipment malfunctions. It involves preparing equipment for operation, monitoring equipment and facilitating output changes.

Application

This unit of competency applies to operators in a large plant who are responsible for looking after the operation of mechanical press forming equipment for clay, ceramic and concrete products.

This unit does NOT apply to extruding, slip forming, or manual forming.

This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a team. At all times they would be liaising and cooperating with other members of the team.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare the pressing equipment

1.1. Determine the product formation requirements from the production program

1.2. Ensure the required change parts are in place

1.3. Ensure the required raw materials are selected and loaded or connected to the equipment

1.4. Ensure the equipment is safe to use

2. Operate pressing equipment

2.1. Operate equipment to produce product of the required shape, dimensions and consistency

2.2. Monitor equipment conditions and adjust as required

2.3. Monitor and adjust product properties as required

2.4. Record production data as required

3. Unload and shut down pressing equipment

3.1. Unload and shut down pressing equipment at conclusion of the production run to requirements

3.2. Clean up work area and perform housekeeping

3.3. Store materials appropriately

4. Rectify routine problems

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

4.2. Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

4.3. Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

4.4. Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions

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

5. Control hazards

5.1. Identify hazards in pressing work area

5.2. Assess the risks arising from those hazards

5.3. Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include:

recognising conditions which will lead to out of specification product or equipment operation

implementing the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirementswithin time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the equipment

conveying information relevant to the operation clearly and effectively

reading and numeracy to interpret workplace documents and technical information

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

composition and nature of the products being manufactured

construction and limitations of the equipment

startup and shutdown processes

adjustments required

ability to distinguish between causes of faults such as:

material/moisture variations

equipment adjustment/set up variations

maintenance requirements

Evidence Required

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 pressing equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings 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:

dies/moulds are in satisfactory condition

product is to specification (size, shape and consistency)

press is operating as required.

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

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.

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


Range Statement

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 unit operations

This unit includes all such items of equipment and unit operations which form part of the pressing system. These may include:

moulds

presses

press dies

PLCs where fitted

Typical problems

Typical problems may include:

moisture content not within specifications

unsatisfactory alignment

damage to the product

uneven distribution of material in mould

incorrect amount of fill in mould

incorrect pressure/vibration for product

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


Sectors

Unit sector

Operational/technical


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.