Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare materials and equipment for production in plastics and rubber polymer processing with batch, one-off or non-standard production lots.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to both the universal set-up and preparation program, and more specifically the rotational moulding (rotomoulding) process and similar polymer sectors, as it is an exemplar of batch production set-up techniques.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and demonstrated the ability to:
• set up and prepare for batch production to meet job specifications at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the function and operating principles of batch production equipment, machine components and ancillary equipment
• batch production workflow sequences and materials demand
• the nature of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic principles that may affect machine operation and product development
• products, materials and material characteristics, and their relationship to the batch production process
• typical quality standards required at each stage of batch production, and procedures for quality management
• key variables that may affect product quality and production output, including impact of machine operating parameters and product parameters
• the distinguishing characteristics of causes of problems, alarms and fault indicators as being based on either operational problems or product parameters (temperature, flows, pressures and levels)
• typical process and product problems, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions
• organisational procedures relevant to the work environment or job role, including procedures for the emergency shutdown of equipment
• hazards that may arise in the job or work environment, and:
• their possible causes
• potential consequences
• appropriate risk controls.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.\n• Numeracy skills to interpret technical specifications and equipment readings.\n• Reading skills to interpret specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on batch production set-up and preparation, and process control variances.\nOther foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Parent Qualifications

• PMB30121 — Certificate III in Polymer Processing
  PMB
• PMB40121 — Certificate IV in Polymer Technology
  PMB

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