Unit of competency details

Release 1

New unit

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.

1

Identify current conditions impacting on resin chemistry

1.1

Identify variables for the chemistry of resin types

1.2

Identify impacts on resin chemistry of environmental changes

1.3

Observe current environmental conditions

1.4

Predict impact of current conditions on resin chemistry

2

Identify adjustments which may be made to meet current conditions

2.1

Determine impact on resin chemistry of changing resin composition

2.2

Select resin composition changes to counteract impact of current conditions

2.3

Compare selected composition changes with adjustments allowed by manufacturer of resin system

2.4

Select most appropriate resin composition changes

2.5

Identify alternative process changes to adjust for conditions

2.6

Fabricate a sample using the selected adjustment

2.7

Conduct/organise for relevant tests

2.8

Evaluate process evaluation test (PET) results

2.9

Review match of PET results with product requirements

2.10

Review resin composition changes

2.11

Take appropriate action

3

Fabricate product using adjusted composition/ conditions

3.1

Identify and control hazards

3.2

Make any appropriate adjustments to the resin system recipe

3.3

Prepare materials, as required

3.4

Prepare tools and equipment, as required

3.5

Minimise waste

3.6

Review product compared to requirements

3.7

Review chemistry modification process

3.8

Identify areas for improvement and take appropriate actions

3.9

Complete any required documentation/reporting

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

Required skills 

Required skills include:

• mixing resins
• interpreting weather/environment characteristics
• interpreting catalyst temperature
• communicating with relevant personnel
• completing documentation
• reporting outcomes

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge includes:

• summer/winter catalyst
• resin chemistry
• curing/cross linking chemistry
• basic chemistry of resin manufacture
• effects of temperature (workplace and materials), humidity, air flow (wind) and concentration
• effect of adjustments in the workplace (and why)
• adjustments available from supplier

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.

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

It is essential that the process and equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

• environmental conditions are correctly interpreted
• impact on resin chemistry is understood
• appropriate adjustments are made
• the reasons for selecting the adjustments are sound
• the product meets its required performance.

Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment will require the adjusting of resin chemistry to meet particular requirements, the justification of those changes and making products with the adjusted chemistry.

Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Method of assessment 

A single assessment event is not appropriate. On-the-job assessment should be included as part of the assessment process wherever possible. Where assessment occurs off the job, judgement must consider evidence of the candidate's performance in a productive work environment that includes a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application for this unit.

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 techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

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 

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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.

Procedures 

Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form, and may include:

• all work instructions
• standard operating procedures
• formulas/recipes
• batch sheets
• temporary instructions
• any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
• good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Responsible Care) and government regulations

Resin chemistry 

Resin chemistry includes:

• process of curing/cross linking of resins
• rate of cure and change of properties over cure time
• changes in viscosity and other flow properties during progress of cure
• final properties of resin post-cure

Environmental changes 

Environmental changes may include:

• temperature
• humidity
• air flow/wind
• solar/ultraviolet (UV) insolation

Resin composition 

Resin composition includes:

• resin/catalyst ratio
• resin/promoter ratio
• resin/catalyst/promoter ratios
• changing temperature of resin components (e.g. using chilled catalyst or resin)
• ratios of other resin system components

Most appropriate resin composition changes 

Most appropriate resin composition changes refers to those resin system changes which:

• comply with product requirements
• adjust for the current conditions
• have greatest ease of use in manufacture
• have best financial return
• have greatest sustainability contribution

Appropriate action 

Appropriate action may include, but is not limited to:

• making any required changes to resin composition changes
• deferring the fabrication until more suitable conditions prevail

Sustainability 

Sustainability incorporates the three aspects of:

• survival of the ecology/physical environment – which means that an enterprise needs to manage the impact of the business to ensure the survival of the physical environment
• economic viability – efficiency, cost and waste reduction and competitiveness to support survival of the business
• social sustainability – an enterprise needs to manage the impact of the business to ensure its continued survival within the community and the survival of the community, including occupational health and safety (OHS)

Alternative process changes 

Alternative process changes may include:

• controlling the environmental conditions
• moving the timing of the job to when conditions are more favourable (e.g. at night)
• moving the location of the job to where conditions are more favourable (e.g. in plant, different site and in shade)

Logs and reports 

Logs and reports may include:

• paper or electronic based
• verbal reports
• items found which require action

Appropriate action 

Appropriate action includes:

• determining problems needing action
• determining possible fault causes
• rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
• following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
• reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person

Typical problems 

Typical problems may include:

• unusually hot/cold workplace/weather
• extreme humidity
• very tight/unusual specification of properties required of product
• high/low air flow/wind

Health, safety and environment (HSE) 

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence