Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate mixing equipment that is integral to the process of mixing materials to meet a specification or recipe, and typically used for urethane and rubber.
This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to the importance of the ‘in-process’ batch mixing operation as part of the rubber and urethane moulding process (not 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:
• operate polymer mixing equipment at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the functions of polymer mixing equipment and ancillary equipment
• principles of operation of common mixing/blending equipment
• types and application of common mixing/blending equipment
• the criteria for overall process/equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used
• processing behaviour of polymers and the role of additives in this process
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• key variables that may affect product quality and production output
• typical process and product problems, including early warning signs and corrective actions:
• incorrect machine settings
• incorrect type or quantity of materials
• damaged equipment or equipment components
• poor blending of raw materials
• poor surface finish
• poor colour dispersion
• bubbles in mixture
• possible causes of process control variances, including:
• raw material variations/contamination
• process abnormalities
• procedural errors
• mechanical abnormalities
• 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.\n• Reading skills to interpret specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on polymer mixing 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

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