Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate compounding equipment to measure and combine polymer resins with colourants, stabilisers, flame retardants or other additives.
This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team.
This unit principally refers to the ability to apply operating procedures accurately and consistently and, combined with polymer processing knowledge, achieve consistency in production.
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:
• operate polymer compounding equipment at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the function of polymer compounding equipment and ancillary equipment
• compounding behaviour of common polymers and additives
• principles of the polymer mixing and compatibilization operation
• measuring devices and procedures for checking measurements
• methods for sampling of output and standard testing regimes
• common types of compounding machinery, including ‘named’ mixing units and specialised extrusion and pelletising combinations
• key variables that may impact product quality and production output
• typical quality standards at each stage of production
• 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 information and equipment readings, and verify materials measurements.\n• Reading skills to interpret specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on polymer compounding equipment operations.\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

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