Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor
This competency covers the operation of printing equipment and the resolving of routine problems to procedure in the production process.
Application of the Unit
Application of this unit
This competency applies to operators who are required to undertake the routine printing on products. The key factors are the making of products to meet quality standards and workplace requirements. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.
It includes:
- checking job sheets for work requirements
- following approved hazard minimisation procedures for any hazards connected with materials and process, using work instructions, labels and materials safety data sheets, and in accordance with occupational health and safety (OHS) legislative responsibilities
- monitoring equipment operation and reporting process variations
- checking product for quality and conformity to specifications discarding non-conforming products ensuring discarded materials are reused where possible and waste and scrap is disposed of in accordance with workplace instructions
- identifying and taking action on routine process problems
- completing logs and reports.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisites
This unit has no prerequisites.
Employability Skills Information
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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ELEMENT Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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ELEMENT ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide. |
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1. Check work requirements. |
1.1 Identify work requirements from production plan or request. 1.2 Check product, materials and equipment meet requirements for job(s). 1.3 Recognise requirements which may not be in accordance with usual practice. 1.4 Ask questions of appropriate person to confirm unusual practice. 1.5 Ensure housekeeping is to requirements. 1.6 Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action. 1.7 Perform other pre-operational checks in accordance with procedures. |
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2 Start up printing equipment to procedures |
2.1 Conduct pre-start checks. 2.2 Start up printing equipment. |
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3. Operate printing equipment to procedures. |
3.1 Check process is operating within required limits. 3.2 Check product is in specification and to required quality standard. 3.3 Ensure product is consistently ready for next operation. 3.4 Maintain supply of material(s) as required. 3.5 Complete logs and records as required. 3.6 Collect and segregate scrap, trim and other materials as required. 3.7 Keep equipment and work area clean. 3.8 Pause machine cycle and perform emergency stop, as required. |
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4. Respond to routine problems to procedures. |
4.1 Recognise known faults that occur during the operation. 4.2 Identify and take action on causes of routine faults. 4.3 Log problems as required. 4.4 Identify non-routine process and quality problems and take appropriate action. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.
Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.
Knowledge of and skills in the operation of printing equipment and main components sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:
- operation of process equipment and components
- production workflow sequences and materials demand
- reasons for checking process control panels and reporting readings which do not conform to the work instructions
- approved hazard control and safety procedures
- use PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup
- safely handle products and materials
- read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task
- potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product
- waste management and importance of reusing non-conforming products wherever possible
- correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
- plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
- monitor equipment operation and product quality
- identify when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance
- identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the process
- identify factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies
- pause or shut down equipment in abnormal circumstances
- explain the effect of unauthorised or emergency shutdown in relation to safety and production requirements
- distinguish between possible causes of routine faults such as: incorrect printing ink; incorrect quantity of ink; variations in/contamination of ink and or surface to be printed; equipment faults; mould/ die/tool damage; variations in ambient conditions such as temperature and humidity; machine failure.
Language , literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Basic numeracy is required, eg to determine that two 25 kg bags are needed to make up a requirement for 50 kg.
Evidence Guide
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required skills and knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
- recognise the importance of material properties and qualities
- apply approved procedures
- take appropriate action to resolve faults or report faults to appropriate personnel
- explain and implement emergency shutdown procedures.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that
- production standards are met consistently
- upstream and downstream communication is timely and effective operating procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly
- problems are identified and appropriate action is taken (ie the problem is fixed or reported)
- all safety procedures are followed.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on industrial printing equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
- on a processing plant, allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
- in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
- by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
- through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency applies to operators working either independently or as part of a work team.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
- process equipment and its major components
- hand tools used in the this process
- material loading equipment used for loading of raw materials
- relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include
- spills
- dusts/vapours
- slip and fall
- hazardous substances particularly solvents and flammables
- moving equipment
- manual handling hazards.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:
- printing equipment malfunction
- variations in process conditions such as temperature, humidity variations in materials or surface preparation/condition or contamination of materials/surface to be printed
- printing equipment damage
- print register.
- routine product faults such as unclear/incomplete printing, colour variation, drying time variation
- printing machine malfunction
- variations in materials/surface to be printed and/or contamination of materials/surface.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include
- printing time cycles
- types of printing media
- surface checking and preparation
- location of print media on product.
Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
