Assessor Resource

PMBPROD387
Produce welded plastics materials

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to produce welded plastics materials. It applies to sequenced or continuous welding of plastic pipe, sheet or film.

This unit of competency applies to experienced operators who are required to set up welding equipment; weld materials to specification; make adjustments to correct materials, equipment or process variations; and solve problems within area of responsibility.

This unit of competency applies to an experienced operator demonstrating theoretical and technical knowledge and well developed skills in situations that require some discretion and judgement. The operator may work alone or as a member of a team or group and will work in liaison with other shift team members, team leader and supervisor, as appropriate.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Identify required materials and equipment

1.1

Identify work requirements from production plan

1.2

Identify quantity and quality of product required and any special requirements, including welding specifications

1.3

Interpret plans, patterns, designs or product specifications

1.4

Recognise hazards and steps required to ensure safety

1.5

Plan welding operations for a sequence or continuous process to ensure work follows a logical procedure

1.6

Examine process requirements to identify suitability of plastic materials for specified welding operations

2

Set up welding equipment and materials for sequence or continuous operation

2.1

Set up tools and equipment ready for production

2.2

Locate materials, components and consumables

2.3

Ensure safety equipment is available and fit for use

2.4

Identify non-conformances and take required action

3

Prepare plastic materials or components for welding in a sequence or continuous operation

3.1

Assemble components for welding processes

3.2

Take required action to ensure welding process is suitable for the materials being used

4

Weld to specification

4.1

Organise materials for sequence or continuous production

4.2

Weld materials to specification using appropriate welding techniques and conditions

5

Anticipate and solve problems

5.1

Recognise a problem or a potential problem

5.2

Determine problems needing priority action

5.3

Refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person, with possible causes

5.4

Seek information and assistance as required to solve problems

5.5

Solve problems within area of responsibility

5.6

Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

read and interpret designs, plans, patterns, procedures, job specifications, instruments/control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

plan the welding process and sequence tasks

set up welding equipment and materials/components to meet specifications

operate the equipment to weld the materials

monitor key variables, including:

actual and set temperatures

speeds (including feed speed for filler, speed of weld head)

colour and uniformity

surface finish/appearance

tolerance for weld/joint

consistency of weld

product output rate

mechanical strength of weld (e.g. tensile strength results)

product integrity and general conformance to specification

make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity

maintain output and product quality using appropriate instruments, controls, test information and readings

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

apply safety procedures

apply housekeeping procedures

apply waste management procedures

recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems

distinguish between causes of problems, including:

operational problems

instrument failure/malfunction

electrical failure/malfunction

mechanical failure/malfunction

wrong readings

equipment design deficiencies

materials properties

process variables

raw material variations/contamination

process abnormalities

procedural errors

recognise and prioritise problems requiring action

resolve routine and non-routine problems

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including additions, subtractions, divisions, fractions and percentages.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to operate independently and to solve routine and non-routine problems, including knowledge of:

function and operating principles of welding equipment, components and ancillary equipment

types and application of common welding processes and their effect on the welded product

impact of variations in welding process conditions/variables and raw materials on product quality and production output

factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies

characteristics of materials and their behaviour in relation to welding process conditions/variables and stages of production

quality requirements at each production stage

common adjustments in process variables and their impact on product quality and production output

impact of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to final product

possible changes to materials properties to better suit specific process requirements

routine and non-routine problems that may arise, the range of possible causes and appropriate actions

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units such as:

teamwork

communication.

Where the assessee does not currently possess evidence of competency in PMBPROD287 Weld plastics materials, it may be co-assessed with this unit.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of an operating plant

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the use of an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start and stop procedures and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for all or part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Identify required materials and equipment

1.1

Identify work requirements from production plan

1.2

Identify quantity and quality of product required and any special requirements, including welding specifications

1.3

Interpret plans, patterns, designs or product specifications

1.4

Recognise hazards and steps required to ensure safety

1.5

Plan welding operations for a sequence or continuous process to ensure work follows a logical procedure

1.6

Examine process requirements to identify suitability of plastic materials for specified welding operations

2

Set up welding equipment and materials for sequence or continuous operation

2.1

Set up tools and equipment ready for production

2.2

Locate materials, components and consumables

2.3

Ensure safety equipment is available and fit for use

2.4

Identify non-conformances and take required action

3

Prepare plastic materials or components for welding in a sequence or continuous operation

3.1

Assemble components for welding processes

3.2

Take required action to ensure welding process is suitable for the materials being used

4

Weld to specification

4.1

Organise materials for sequence or continuous production

4.2

Weld materials to specification using appropriate welding techniques and conditions

5

Anticipate and solve problems

5.1

Recognise a problem or a potential problem

5.2

Determine problems needing priority action

5.3

Refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person, with possible causes

5.4

Seek information and assistance as required to solve problems

5.5

Solve problems within area of responsibility

5.6

Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used.

Applicable legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice include:

health, safety and environmental (HSE) legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the workplace, equipment and production processes and hazardous materials

ISO/TR 19480:2005 Polyethylene pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels or water -- Training and assessment of fusion operators or its replacement

other Australian/international standards relevant to the materials being used and products being made

any relevant licence and certification requirements.

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 such requirements the legislative requirements take precedence.

Procedures

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or any combination of:

emergency procedures

work instructions

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

safe work method statements (SWMS)

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.

Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment include:

welding system/equipment, including one or more of:

hot plate (heated tool)

extrusion

high frequency sound (ultrasonic)

electrostatic (radio frequency)

thermal induction (heat)

heating and feeding mechanisms

material supporting/feeding mechanisms

ancillary equipment that is integral to the process.

Additional tools and equipment will be selected as required from:

hand tools used in this process

hoists/lifting equipment not requiring any special permits or licences

manual handling aids, such as hand carts and trolleys

relevant personal protective equipment (PPE).

Hazards

Hazards must be identified and controlled. Identifying hazards requires consideration of:

power tools, leads and power supplies

hazardous products and materials

cutting equipment

sharp edges, swarf and scrap

protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

rotational equipment or vibration

smoke, dust, vapours or other atmospheric hazards

high temperatures

electricity

gas

gases and liquids under pressure

structural hazards

equipment failures

machinery, equipment and product mass

other hazards that might arise.

Problems

Non-routine problems must be resolved by applying operational knowledge to develop new solutions, either individually or in collaboration with relevant experts, to:

determine problems needing action

determine possible fault causes

develop solutions to problems which do not have a known solution

follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person.

Non-routine problems are unexpected problems or variations of previous problems and include one or more of:

variations in quality

emergency situations

intermittent faults.

Operational knowledge includes one or more of:

procedures

training

technical information, such as journals and engineering specifications

remembered experience

relevant knowledge obtained from appropriate people.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

read and interpret designs, plans, patterns, procedures, job specifications, instruments/control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

plan the welding process and sequence tasks

set up welding equipment and materials/components to meet specifications

operate the equipment to weld the materials

monitor key variables, including:

actual and set temperatures

speeds (including feed speed for filler, speed of weld head)

colour and uniformity

surface finish/appearance

tolerance for weld/joint

consistency of weld

product output rate

mechanical strength of weld (e.g. tensile strength results)

product integrity and general conformance to specification

make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity

maintain output and product quality using appropriate instruments, controls, test information and readings

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

apply safety procedures

apply housekeeping procedures

apply waste management procedures

recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems

distinguish between causes of problems, including:

operational problems

instrument failure/malfunction

electrical failure/malfunction

mechanical failure/malfunction

wrong readings

equipment design deficiencies

materials properties

process variables

raw material variations/contamination

process abnormalities

procedural errors

recognise and prioritise problems requiring action

resolve routine and non-routine problems

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including additions, subtractions, divisions, fractions and percentages.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to operate independently and to solve routine and non-routine problems, including knowledge of:

function and operating principles of welding equipment, components and ancillary equipment

types and application of common welding processes and their effect on the welded product

impact of variations in welding process conditions/variables and raw materials on product quality and production output

factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies

characteristics of materials and their behaviour in relation to welding process conditions/variables and stages of production

quality requirements at each production stage

common adjustments in process variables and their impact on product quality and production output

impact of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to final product

possible changes to materials properties to better suit specific process requirements

routine and non-routine problems that may arise, the range of possible causes and appropriate actions

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units such as:

teamwork

communication.

Where the assessee does not currently possess evidence of competency in PMBPROD287 Weld plastics materials, it may be co-assessed with this unit.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of an operating plant

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the use of an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start and stop procedures and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for all or part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify work requirements from production plan 
Identify quantity and quality of product required and any special requirements, including welding specifications 
Interpret plans, patterns, designs or product specifications 
Recognise hazards and steps required to ensure safety 
Plan welding operations for a sequence or continuous process to ensure work follows a logical procedure 
Examine process requirements to identify suitability of plastic materials for specified welding operations 
Set up tools and equipment ready for production 
Locate materials, components and consumables 
Ensure safety equipment is available and fit for use 
Identify non-conformances and take required action 
Assemble components for welding processes 
Take required action to ensure welding process is suitable for the materials being used 
Organise materials for sequence or continuous production 
Weld materials to specification using appropriate welding techniques and conditions 
Recognise a problem or a potential problem 
Determine problems needing priority action 
Refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person, with possible causes 
Seek information and assistance as required to solve problems 
Solve problems within area of responsibility 
Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMBPROD387 - Produce welded plastics materials
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

PMBPROD387 - Produce welded plastics materials

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: