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:

use measuring scales and equipment

locate, use, interpret and apply relevant formulae and information

maintain workplace records for materials used and mixes produced

identify and safely handle products and materials applying safety precautions appropriate to the task, including safe storage of materials.

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

critical material properties and quantities are known

potential situations requiring action result in implementing appropriate action.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur using industrial materials and formulae and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

on a processing plant, allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions

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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.

Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability to:

use measuring systems, scales and calculating devices

observe storage and mixing requirements for materials to be mixed

assess production workflow in relation to materials supply requirements

recognise the focus of operation of work systems and equipment

identify and correctly use equipment, processes and procedures

plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets and material labels as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Numeracy is also required, e.g. to interpret specifications and measure accurately and perform simple addition and subtraction.

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 applies to operators working either independently or as part of a work team.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures means 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:

measurement equipment

knives and other bag opening equipment

hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences basic hand tools required for opening of material packaging

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

spills dusts/vapours

hazardous materials

manual handling hazards

knife hazards.

Problems

Respond to/rectify 'non-routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:

inappropriate selection of raw materials

contamination of raw materials

incorrect formulae being selected

combining inappropriate materials

variations in materials

contamination of materials.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include

mixtures and or proportions of materials to be used

mixing techniques

order of ingredient addition to the mixture

atmospheric conditions

cleanliness of the mixing area

cleanliness of utensils.