Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce basic spot or overall coated product.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to produce a basic coated product on either a reel- or sheet-fed machine ensuring an efficient production flow that maintains product quality standards. Any production problems are identified and rectified with minimum downtime. The machine is correctly shut down and cleaned according to OHS guidelines.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Maintain operation of reel system (OR Element 2)

1.1. Reel stand and rewind section is monitored and adjusted to maintain correct tension and to ensure no marks or blemishes to finished product and to ensure efficient continuous operation

1.2. Web control system is monitored and adjusted to ensure correct tension and accurate continuous positioning of the web for efficient operation

1.3. Substrate  is added to and removed from process according to job instructions

1.4. Sheeting section is monitored and adjusted to ensure quality and efficient product delivery

2. Maintain operation of sheet system (OR Element 1)

2.1. Feeder and delivery is monitored and adjusted to ensure continuous and efficient feeding to machine 

2.2. Sheet pick-up and transport system is monitored and adjusted to ensure accurate and continuous sheet handling and efficient operation

2.3. Transfer systems are monitored and adjusted to ensure correct and continuous sheet handling and efficient operation

2.4. Substrate is added to and removed from process according to job instructions

3. Maintain coating process

3.1. Roller condition is monitored and adjusted to ensure the quality of printed product meets the standard of approved proof

3.2. Coating  system is monitored and adjusted to ensure quality of product meets the standard of approved proof

3.3. Drying systems are monitored and adjusted to ensure quality of product meets the standard of approved proof

3.4. Quality and viscosity of varnish are monitored and adjusted as necessary to ensure quality of product

4. Maintain production process

4.1. If required, basic or complex in -line  printing/converting/binding/finishing processes are monitored and adjusted to ensure quality of product meets the standard of the approved proof

4.2. If required, delivery is monitored and adjusted to ensure quality and efficient product delivery

4.3. Production process is operated in association with fellow workers and according to company specifications and planned daily schedule

4.4. Production is maintained within OHS requirements and company and manufacturer's specifications

4.5. Manual and/or automatic control is used as per specification

4.6. Performance is monitored and verified using the process control system according to enterprise procedures

4.7. Coating performance, register and position of coating are monitored and adjusted throughout production run

4.8. Production difficulties are anticipated and preventive action is taken to prevent occurrence by timely intervention

4.9. Process adjustments to eliminate problems are reported according to enterprise procedures

4.10. Waste is sorted according to enterprise procedures

5. Identify and rectify problems

5.1. Faulty performance of equipment is identified and reported according to enterprise procedures

5.2. Problems in coating machine are identified and reported according to enterprise procedures

5.3. Adjustments or corrections are carried out according to specified procedures and consistent with operator's skill level

5.4. Coating machine operation is checked to ensure correct operation

6. Conduct shutdown of production process

6.1. Correct shutdown sequence is followed according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise procedures

6.2. Shutdown is conducted in association with fellow workers and in compliance with OHS requirements

6.3. Solid and liquid waste is removed from operating area and recycled or disposed of, where required, according to regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

6.4. All product is removed from operating area

6.5. Machine faults requiring repair are identified and reported to designated person according to enterprise procedures

6.6. Repair/adjustment is verified prior to resumption of operations

7. Clean and wash up coating machine at end of print run

7.1. Cylinders, plate and roller surfaces are cleaned ready for next run

7.2. Coating delivery system is washed up ready for next run, and liquid waste is disposed of according to company and regulatory requirements

7.3. In-line slitting units are cleaned ready for next run

7.4. Reef feed, transportation and delivery systems are disengaged and cleaned ready for next run

7.5. Production records or other documentation are accurately completed where required by enterprise procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started
• communication of ideas and information by providing feedback to internal and external clients about printing, in-line processes and job specifications
• collecting, analysing and organising information by collating details of job and machine specifications and coating processes to ensure efficient production
• planning and organising activities by coordinating sequences for coating and wash-up
• teamwork when communicating with work team members and workers involved in prior and subsequent processes to ensure efficient production
• mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating consumables requirements
• problem-solving skills by identifying coating problems and correcting during print run
• use of technology by using monitoring systems, understanding their output and feeding into production management systems

Required knowledge 

• interpreting job information
• required action if vital information was missing from the job ticket
• checks that should be undertaken prior to set up (availability of materials etc.)
• reel or sheet transportation and delivery
• OHS concerns that are there related to loading and handling heavy reels
• sheets fanned before loading into the press
• important that the double sheet detector be set and checked during the print run
• effect on the print of excessive tension on the rewinding reel
• implications if the web is not spliced correctly
• precautions that should be taken to ensure that the rewound product is of consistent acceptable quality
• if sheeted, components that can be adjusted to ensure correct delivery
• how printed material that is not of an acceptable standard identified
• maintaining coating operations
• major OHS concerns when coating
• action could be taken if the aqueous coating was smudging on the delivery section of the machine
• effects of anti set off spray on the finished job
• level the coating should be maintained in the pan
• effect UV lamp has on the UV coating
• wash-up and shutdown of machine
• dangers that exist from solvents and solutions used to clean the coating system, plates, cylinders and the press
• parts of the machine that should be thoroughly cleaned following the coating of the job
• components to be inspected for wear following the print run
• records that are important for following or repeat prints
• machine manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept and information that is included in these documents

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• produce a basic coated product on either a reel- or sheet-fed machine ensuring an efficient production flow that maintains product quality standards. Any production problems are identified and rectified with minimum downtime. The machine is correctly shut down and cleaned according to OHS guidelines
• demonstrate use of computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• competency on elements and performance criteria is achieved within the limitations of the process or machinery used
• produce TWO basic coating jobs (one spot coating and one overall coating and if possible including at least ONE in-line process) according to job specifications, enterprise procedures and the Performance Criteria
• evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment
• a print machine or a dedicated coating machine.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• ICPSU201C Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machine
• ICPSU202C Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine
• ICPSU208C Operate and monitor machines (basic)
• ICPPR271C Set up for basic coating.

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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Substrate handling  may include:

• narrow or wide reel handling, and small and large sheet systems.

Machines  may include:

• a range of printing machines or dedicated coating machines with manual, semi-automated, fully automated or computerised process control.

Coatings  may include:

• a range of aqueous coatings, UV varnishes and machine varnishes.

In -line processes  may include:

• minor processes that are integral to this competency can include basic in-line operations such as perforating, numbering, date coding, slitting that do not in themselves constitute another defined unit of competency. Where a major in-line process is defined as a separate competency (eg flat-bed cutting, folding) it should be assessed as such.

Colour matching systems  may include:

• use of visual colour assessment and densitometry to match basic standard tints under controlled lighting conditions.

Substrate types  may include:

• paper and paper board and other substrates as appropriate.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Printing

Co-requisite units