Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor
This competency covers the handling of materials by an operator as an adjunct to the job of making product. It applies to a limited range of materials. It is NOT intended to be an alternative warehousing competency.
This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.
Application of the Unit
Application of this unit
This competency applies to operators who receive, process despatch orders, despatch products/materials and maintain records. The key factors are correctly identifying and selecting the goods to be despatched and ensuring they are despatched to the correct location.
It includes:
- checking order requests/consignment note documentation for products/materials to be despatched
- identifying and selecting the correct products/materials
- organising products/materials to be moved into the right place by the right time, using the appropriate handling equipment
- preparing products/materials for despatch
- completing and checking all documentation
- updating records.
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. Identify work requirements. |
1.1 Read and interpret documentation. 1.2 Identify required schedules for receipt or despatch. 1.3 Identify correct product/material. 1.4 Plan work sequence using workplace and product knowledge. 1.5 Select appropriate materials handling equipment as required. 1.6 Identify OH&S requirements. |
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2. Move materials into/out of storage or from production. |
2.1 Check paperwork and identity of materials. 2.2 Check for completeness and/or damage. 2.3 Take action on non-conforming products/materials. 2.4 Handle and move products/materials into/out of storage safely. 2.5 Store materials safely as necessary. |
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3. Prepare goods for despatch. |
3.1 Identify and read workplace procedures for assembling and completing orders. 3.2 Select and check goods for despatch. against product/material knowledge, labels and other identification systems. 3.3 Sort, assemble and consolidate products as necessary. 3.4 Secure order and place in storage areas, in accordance with schedule. 3.5 Check order against despatch schedule and order form. |
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4. Complete materials movement records. |
4.1 Complete materials movement records (in or out). 4.2 Update records as required. 4.3 Complete other paperwork and records as required. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Knowledge and understanding of the materials handling processes and requirements sufficient to recognise non-standard situations and then determine appropriate action which is consistent with operating guidelines is required.
Knowledge is required of the product/material, its properties and uses sufficient for correct receipt, storage and despatching. Knowledge of the relevant OHS and environmental requirements is required along with an ability to implement them in a manner which is relevant to the materials handled.
Competence includes the ability toapply and/or describe:
- product/material knowledge
- inventory and ordering systems
- transport requirements and restrictions for products/materials
- correct OHS procedures
- storage/handling principles and procedures
- material hazard properties and their implications for safe handling and storage
- significance of material to customers; transport requirements and restrictions for materials
- plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements
- identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the processing of orders and despatching of products
- use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information and apply safety precautions appropriate to the task
- distinguish between causes of problems such as product requirements and job priority as relevant to the practical completion of the job.
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, e.g. 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 ability torecognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
- packaging standards are met consistently
- procedures and work instructions are read and interpreted correctly
- potential problems are recognisedand action is taken (ie, the problem is fixed or reported)
- action is taken to ensure problems are dealt with in a timely manner
- problems caused by product/material issues are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to a solution
- items initiated are followed through until final resolution has occurred.
- effective communication between team members, supervisors and other staff is maintained.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this competency unit.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using industrial equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
- by observation over time on a processing plant
- 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 covers the handling of a limited range of products/materials and their moving into and out of a plant/storage. It is NOT intended for people who, as a major function, operate a warehouse. The appropriate Transport and Distribution competencies should be used here.
This competency may require the operation of forklift trucks or other regulated load shifting devices which are NOT included in this competency, and so would be a co-requisite competency.
The terms order request, documentation, labels, transportation requirements 'paperwork' and 'records' mean any and all relevant information and data whether it is manual, paper based, electronic or verbal, either in person or by phone/radio.
This competency does not imply that moving materials into and from storage/plant are conducted equally, or even using similar techniques. Customers may be internal or external and the loading/unloading of products/materials may mean getting them onto/off a truck or simply from/to the next department.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include 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:
- mobile plant/fork lifts
- manual handling equipment
- hand tools
- shrink wrappers
- tape machine labellers
- loose bulk packing equipment.
- computers, bar code readers
- bag filling equipment
- pallets
- wrapping machines
- personal protective equipment (PPE)
- distribution equipment, including A-frames, stillages, containers, elevated platforms and communication equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
- inappropriate movements and postures
- physical and atmospheric hazards of materials
- height or depth of storage receptacles
- stationary and moving machinery, parts or components
- noise, light, energy sources
- humidity, air temperature, radiant heat
- 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:
- special storage requirements including moisture and contamination control
- handling of incomplete loads (either in or out)
- handling of materials which do not meet specifications
- conflicting priorities
- incomplete or incorrect paperwork.
- product requirements
- job priority
- product/material variations.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
- types of products or materials to be received/despatched
- handling heights
- types of equipment
- types of workplace documentation
- atmospheric conditions.
Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
