Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply polymer materials and process knowledge to operations.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to the introduction of polymers and processing technology, and can be customised for a particular thermoplastic, or rubber process (not used for composites).
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:
• use materials and process knowledge to complete work operations at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• types of products made with different processes and different polymers
• normal operational practices for equipment, materials, processes and procedures
• the criteria for overall process/equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• the importance of material properties and qualities
• the importance of process conditions
• physical forms of materials and the impact those forms have on production processes
• key variables that may affect product quality and production output, including changes to polymer materials during processing
• 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, including materials and process hazards for the polymers in use, 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 information and equipment processes.\n• Reading skills to interpret job specifications and instructions and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on materials and process operations, including shutdown procedures and process control variances.\nOther foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Parent Qualifications

• PMB20121 — Certificate II in Polymer Processing
  PMB
• PMB30121 — Certificate III in Polymer Processing
  PMB
• PMB40121 — Certificate IV in Polymer Technology
  PMB

Related Units

• PMBPROD283E — Demould polymer products
  Same training package
• PMBPROD355E — Make pattern or plug for composites moulds
  Same training package
• PMBPROD313E — Produce extruded polymer products
  Same training package
• PMBPROD298 — Operate equipment using pre-preg material
  Same training package
• PMBPROD213 — Operate extruders
  Same training package
• PMBPROD352 — Produce compounded materials
  Same training package