Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manually reclaim screens.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to manually reclaim screens.

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. Select and prepare chemicals

1.1. Ink and stencil type  are correctly identified and screen is assessed for suitability to be reclaimed

1.2. Most appropriate reclamation method is chosen for the job

1.3. Screen reclamation chemicals  are selected and prepared according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

1.4. Appropriate safety gear is selected and worn according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications and OHS requirements

2. Wash screen

2.1. Stencil is treated with appropriate chemical to manufacturer's specifications

2.2. Screens are washed using a pressure gun in a suitably ventilated area with the required extraction system

2.3. Stains and hazards are removed using appropriate chemicals according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications and OHS requirements

2.4. Screens are checked for damage and any defects are reported and/or rectified according to enterprise procedures 

3. Store screen

3.1. Screens are correctly identified and labelled

3.2. Screens are stored in a clean, dry environment according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

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 correctly identifying and labelling screens
• collecting, analysing and organising information by correctly identifying ink and stencil type
• planning and organising activities by selecting and preparing chemicals and solvents before washing and storing screens
• teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with fellow workers
• mathematical ideas and techniques by preparing the reclamation chemicals
• problem-solving skills by rectifying damage to screens according to enterprise procedures
• use of technology by using a pressure gun with associated safety equipment

Required knowledge 

• significance of mesh count
• treatment of screens with different mesh counts
• mesh and frame faults
• common faults that could occur in meshes and frames
• ink/stencil types
• ink removal procedures for THREE different inks
• stencil removal procedures for TWO stencil types
• chemical selection and preparation
• chemicals available for screen reclamation
• reasons for selecting chemicals and method for screen reclamation
• chemical handling and disposal
• main considerations when handling and disposing of chemicals
• reclamation techniques
• various screen reclamation techniques available in the industry
• reasons for selecting and applying a specific technique for screen reclamation
• OHS constraints
• hazards to be aware of in reclaiming screens
• enterprise material handling policies?
• enterprise policies on management of waste?
• personal protective clothing that should be worn when reclaiming screens
• manuals, safety and other relevant documentation and the information 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 following is essential:

• reclaim screens, preferably of different mesh and stencil types commonly used in the industry, using manual techniques, according to job specifications
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• reclaim THREE screens, preferably of different mesh and stencil types commonly used in the workplace, using manual techniques, according to manufacturer's and job specifications, enterprise procedures and the listed 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:

• skills and knowledge are demonstrated in a range of situations and in an environment that realistically reflects the workplace
• access to a range of relevant tools, equipment, materials, resources and documentation used when reclaiming screens in the printing industry
• application of the most current workplace procedures, processes and techniques used in the printing industry.

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.

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.

Ink , stencil and frame types  may include:

• ink systems, stencil and frame types in common use in specific industry sectors.

Chemical type  may include:

• chemicals and solvents commonly used for the reclamation of screens.

Enterprise procedures  may include:

• tasks must be performed according to enterprise procedures and OHS requirements.

Mesh type  may include:

• all types of mesh material, thread counts, thicknesses, colours and weaves used in specific industry sectors.

Tension measurement techniques  may include:

• various different tension measurement techniques in common use in specific industry sectors.

Degree of autonomy  may include:

• working under supervision to previously defined procedures to ensure production requirements are met.

Quality standards  may include:

• should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Screen Printing

Co-requisite units