Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers applying the principles of quality assurance, applying research and quality information to the production process, and performing quality tests to industry standards.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to lifting and moving material manually and by basic mechanical handling devices/aids in a wide range of environments.

Analyses are confined to the use of basic instruments such as pH meters, hydrometers, stalagmometers, laboratory balances.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 4 

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. Apply principles of quality assurance

1.1. Quality assurance standards are applied to enterprise specifications.

2. Apply research or quality data to production process

2.1. Liaison is undertaken with in-house/external control laboratories.

2.2. Data is correctly interpreted and process changes are recommended.

2.3. Process changes are effectively implemented.

2.4. Laboratory/research data is used to determine and make changes/corrections to processes.

3. Perform quality tests to industry standards

3.1. Quality testing is performed as required to standard operating procedures and industry standards.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• reading and interpreting quality assurance standards, test data other applicable reference documents
• liaising between the production section and the control laboratory
• checking and clarifying information
• using effective communication skills and terminology for conveying and discussing task-related information
• determining and recommending process changes
• using tests to calculate process parameters on the basis of test and production data collected
• using appropriate tests, testing equipment and techniques to test the surface coating for conformance with specification

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• enterprise and industry quality assurance standards that apply to surface finish production and product quality
• the role of the control laboratory and procedures for liaising with internal/external control laboratories
• surface finish specifications
• characteristics of deviations of test/production data and their causes
• the procedures, calculations and formulae for determining process parameters
• the effect of varying process parameters on the specification of the surface finish
• surface coating tests and the procedures, equipment and techniques necessary to carry out those tests
• hazards and control measures within the scope of this unit
• use and application of personal protective equipment
• safe work practices and procedures
• manual handling techniques

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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to control surface finish production and finished product quality.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with controlling surface finish production and finished product quality or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment 

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.

Quality testing 

Tests for hardness, adhesion, deposit stress, thickness, corrosion, resistance and appearance by checking coating thickness, appearance, corrosion resistance, adhesions, deposit stress

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Surface finishing