Required skills

Required skills include

interpreting specifications and instructions

calculation of material quantities

working safely and using personal protective equipment

removing included air

using rollers brushes andor chopper gun

performing vacuum leak testing

doing minor maintenance to chopper guns andor pump systems reciprocating airless pumps with air support

operating and maintaining solvent cleaner filter

undertaking mechanically assisted movement of large parts eg chain hoist

assembling cleaning and preparing simple and complex moulds

releasing product from simple and complex moulds using jacks air and water

applying release systems wax

ensuring compliance to specifications

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

preparation schedules terminology and information relevant to standard work instructions

applicable codes and regulations

safe work practices and correct use of personal protective equipment

release agents surface tension

managing layup teams

gel coat application

reinforcement layup

resin types and applications

common toolsequipment and their maintenance

correct laminating techniques and finishing off eg detail consolidationrolling check consistency and evenness of resinglass remove air entrapment and check with light

managing postcure requirements eg air cure and oven cure

production environment variables such as effect of humidity eg epoxy backbone temperature ultraviolet UV light and contamination from other processes

managing hazardous environments eg styrene levels

function of catalysts accelerators and promoters

control of overspray

storage of moulds

housekeeping

waste disposal

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

Assessment for this unit of competency will occur on the job

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

waste is minimised

product is made efficiently and to standard

tools and equipment are appropriately maintained

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 fabrication of suitable objects using open moulding techniques

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

Method of assessment

Typically persons engaged in composites trade work are required to apply their skills and techniques across a range of jobs and specifications

A single assessment event is not appropriate On the job assessment must be included as part of the assessment process Assessment judgements must consider evidence of the candidates 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 supervisors 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

Procedures

Open moulding techniques

Requirements of product

Equipment

Preparing reinforcing

Logs and reports

Appropriate action

Typical problems

Health, safety and environment (HSE)