PMC552048C
Operate glass finishing equipment

This unit of competency covers the preparation and operation of glass finishing equipment. It involves setting up and monitoring process operation, undertaking changeovers, making adjustments and rectifying routine problems.

Application

This unit of competency applies to operators who are responsible for operating glass finishing equipment.

This unit of competency was developed for larger production contexts but may also be relevant to craft practitioners producing glass products.

This competency includes the operation of all ancillary equipment.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare the glass finishing equipment for production

1.1. Set up line/equipment in accordance with job specifications

1.2. Transfer glass to conveyor

1.3. Conduct pre-startup procedure and visual checks according to enterprise procedure checklist

1.4. Set up and configure finishing equipment/materials to ensure startup function complies with standard operating procedures

1.5. Load and separate glass in accordance with work instructions

2. Operate glass finishing equipment

2.1. Identify customer requirements and set minimum parameters in accordance with enterprise standards

2.2. Start up equipment in accordance with work instructions

2.3. Ensure glass finishing equipment is operated in accordance with established enterprise procedures/work instructions

3. Monitor and record glass finishing equipment operation

3.1. Monitor equipment performance in accordance with work instructions and manufacturer's specifications

3.2. Monitor non-conforming product against customer specifications

3.3. Adjust and control equipment/material to ensure correct product quality in accordance with company requirements

3.4. Complete final inspection checks according to enterprise standards

3.5. Complete appropriate records and logs according to enterprise standards

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

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

4.4. Make sure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures

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

5. Shut down equipment

5.1. Ensure line/equipment is clear of all product and left in a safe manner for startup

5.2. Shut down equipment in accordance with work instructions

5.3. Complete appropriate records and logs

5.4. Shut down equipment in an emergency situation

6. Control hazards

6.1. Identify hazards from the job to be done

6.2. Identify other hazards in the work area

6.3. Assess the risks arising from those hazards

6.4. Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include:

recognising process conditions which will lead to out of specification production

implementing the enterprise's standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the finishing equipment

reading and numeracy to interpret workplace documents and technical information

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

composition and nature of the glass

start up and shut down processes

importance of occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures in handling glass

construction and limitations of the glass finishing processing equipment

out of specification situations

distinguish between causes of faults such as:

raw material

mechanical

electrical/instrument

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 glass finishing 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:

quality is monitored to minimise wastage

products are produced within specifications and customer requirements

startup and shutdown are correctly implemented

signals and alarms are responded to immediately

process measurements are continually made or observed

all OHS requirements are followed.

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 or co-requisite units 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

Finishing equipment

This unit includes finishing equipment applicable to each of the specific areas of glass products manufacture. These may include:

flat glass

insulation, glass wool insulation, laminated blankets, roll and boards

fibreglass and glass filaments

packaging, bottles and jars

laminated/toughened glass

automotive glass

Equipment

Equipment may include:

cutting/breakout and drilling

trimming and packing

lathes

etching/surface coating/ treatment equipment

wide line equipment

laminating line equipment

rigid pipeline

measuring recording equipment

choppers

winding machines

ovens

edge working machinery

creel

on-line cutting

communication equipment

computers

Typical problems

Typical problems may include:

process problems

equipment problems

quality problems

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.