Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate an open mill blender or mixer used to compound rubber.
This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to the operation of an ‘open’ rubber mill for specific compounding of polymer and rubber blends, requiring visual control and intermittent addition of chemicals
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 an open mill blender at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the functions of open mill blending equipment, machine components and guides and ancillary equipment
• principles of operation of the equipment
• the criteria for overall process/equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used
• the impact of common chemical reactions or mechanical processes on the state, form and condition of the materials
• purpose of developing elasticity and controlling temperatures
• effects of mastication, differential speed and overheating
• processing behaviour of polymers and the role of additives
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• key variables that may affect product quality and production output, including:
• speed
• pressure
• temperature
• duration
• output rate
• product integrity
• typical process and product problems, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions:
• incorrect quantities of materials and machine adjustments
• incorrect blending times
• equipment issues and power failures
• short scorch products
• forming the initial band
• adjusting the bank size for efficient mixing
• variations in and contamination of materials
• lack of a homogenous product
• 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 perform measurement tasks.\n• Reading skills to interpret specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on open mill blender 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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