Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers inspecting glands and gland packing, and removing and replacing or topping up gland packing.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to, but is not limited to, packing for high or low temperatures and pressures, solids, gases, liquids.

Skills that relate to maintaining simple gland top-ups in non-critical applications and routine gland maintenance are covered by Unit MEM18006C (Repair and fit engineering components).

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 2 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

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. Inspect glands and gland packing

1.1. Principles of gland packing are applied.

1.2. Stuffing box assembly and gland packing are inspected and job requirements are determined.

2. Remove gland packing

2.1. Using appropriate engineering techniques, tools and equipment, gland is extracted or removed.

3. Replace or top up gland packing

3.1. Correct and appropriate gland packing is selected and cut to size and shape to conform with application and/or specifications.

3.2. The stuffing box is filled with packing material and the gland is reassembled using standard operating procedures or manufacturers' recommended procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• checking and clarifying task-related information
• inspecting glands and gland packing
• removing gland packing
• cutting gland packing to size and shape
• replacing or topping up gland packing
• reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures. May include drawings
• following oral instructions
• entering routine and familiar information onto proformas and standard workplace forms

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• principles of gland packing
• tools, techniques and equipment required to remove gland packing
• various types of gland packing
• reasons for selecting gland packing
• methods of cutting gland packing to size and shape
• reassembling procedures
• hazards and control measures associated with gland packing, including housekeeping
• safe work practices

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 pack glands. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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 gland packing 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 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 

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.

Packing material 

Carbon, hemp, rubber, leather, teflon, felt, neoprene etc. that are flat, ribbon, square, round, moulded, dry and lubricated, etc.

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Maintenance and diagnostics