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 apply and/or explain:

operation of relevant ancillary equipment

production workflow sequences

approved hazard control and safety procedures

the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup

correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures.

Competence also includes the ability to:

plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

monitor equipment operation

identify when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

pause equipment, or shut down equipment in abnormal circumstances.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that standard operating procedures and all safety procedures are adhered to.

Assessment method and context

It is preferred that assessment takes place on an industrial extruder in a work 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 material and equipment conditions which may lead to out of specification production.

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

It is essential that the ancillary units operate so as to support the requirements of the main production process.

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.

Basic numeracy is required, eg to determine how many 2 kg, 3 kg and 5 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.

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 all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include 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:

chilled water temperature control units

chilled water units

corrugator units

haul-off units

hot water or hot oil temperature control units

in-process granulating machines

polymer feedstock desiccant drying units

pressurised air supply units

product handling robotic units

product take-off conveyors

proportional polymer feed mixing hoppers/units

reinforcement filament braiding units

run-out tables

slitting units

vacuum and/or mechanical polymer loading units

vacuum calibration/sizing units

wind-up units.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

spills

dusts/vapours

slip and fall (such as due to spilt granules)

temperature

hazardous materials

manual handling hazards

equipment operations.

Problems

Typical routine faults include:

machine malfunction

variations in materials and/or contamination of materials.

Appropriate action for problems outside of area of responsibility may be reporting to an appropriate person.

Appropriate action for solving problems within area of responsibility includes asking questions and seeking assistance from appropriate persons/sources.