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PMBPROD251E Current

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply gel coat, flow coat or other similar surface finishes using manual application or spray equipment.

This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team.

The unit principally refers to the skill level required in applying the polymer surface finish and that this skill level is associated with a good understanding of the characteristics of the gel coat or polymer material.

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

1. Check work requirements

  • 1.1 Identify requirements from job specifications
  • 1.2 Perform housekeeping tasks to prepare for work to be undertaken
  • 1.3 Perform pre-operational checks including checking for and acting on hazards

2. Conduct pre-production checks

  • 2.1 Check mould or surface for cracks, chips and cleanliness
  • 2.2 Undertake other pre-production set-up checks, including verification of raw materials

3. Apply coat

  • 3.1 Measure and mix materials based on job specifications
  • 3.2 Apply materials according to job specifications
  • 3.3 Ensure output meets job specifications and quality standards
  • 3.4 Accurately complete logs and records
  • 3.5 Apply waste management strategies to collect and segregate waste and other materials according to workplace procedures
  • 3.6 Clean equipment and work area according to operational and workplace procedures
  • 3.7 Pause or stop equipment in an emergency according to workplace and emergency procedures

4. Respond to process control variances

  • 4.1 Recognise and log process control variances and their causes
  • 4.2 Determine, prioritise and implement remedial and preventative actions based on identified issues and causes
  • 4.3 Accurately maintain records and logbooks

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:

apply gel coat or other polymer surface finish at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:

the function of gel coat in the composite products being manufactured

the importance of gel coat application to the standard of the finished work

the common types of coatings, their differences and range of applications

equipment commonly used in the application of polymer surface finishes, including:

measurement devices including depth gauges, containers, weighing machines, scales and meters

hand application equipment including brushes

spray equipment

the methods of application of coatings

processing behaviour and the role of additives

the criteria for overall process/equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used

polymer surface finish workflow sequences and materials demand

key variables that may affect product quality and production output, including:

thickness

temperature

air pressure

surface finish

condition of mould/surface

product integrity and general conformance to specification

the potential effects of variations in raw materials, conditions and equipment in relation to quality of product

typical process and product problems, as listed below, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions:

wrinkles and pinholes

slow gel coat cure

sagging of the gel coat

porosity

separation of colour

discolouration

spray blockage, build-up, wear or breakage

mixing problems

temperature variation

catalysation

incomplete cure

organisational procedures relevant to the work environment or job role

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

  • text: This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance. Numeracy skills to interpret technical information. Reading skills to interpret specifications and workplace procedures. Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on surface finishing operations. Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Parent Qualifications

Related Units

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Last updated from training.gov.au: 25 February 2026