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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Determine test requirements
   • Identify properties to be measured according to specification
   • Select appropriate test methods according to specifications
   • Select appropriate testing equipment according to standards and specifications
2. Perform raw material tests
   • Prepare samples according to specification
   • Perform tests in accordance with job specifications
   • Record test results according to standard procedures
   • Interpret test results and compare with manufacturer material data sheets
3. Perform moulded product tests
   • Prepare samples according to specification
   • Perform tests in accordance with job specifications
   • Record test results according to standard procedures
   • Interpret test result and compare against quality specification
4. Record and report test results
   • Document tests to enterprise requirements
   • Compare results against standards
   • Make written recommendations based on test results

Range Statement

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, manual handling and hazardous materials 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: test procedures technical specifications technical drawings 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: testing equipment, including one or more of: gel timer flow meter tensile tester hardness tester mold flow indexer flammability/smoke tester flexular tester. Additional tools and equipment will be selected as required from: equipment specified by AS/NZ standards (where applicable) materials handling equipment relevant personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hazards	Hazards must be identified and controlled. Identifying hazards requires consideration of: hazardous products and materials vapours or other atmospheric hazards interaction of polymers, additives and other materials other hazards that might arise.

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Performance Evidence

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 technical reports and specifications, material data sheets and standard test methods

determine test specifications

prepare samples

perform tests

record test results

interpret results and make recommendations, including one (1) or more of:

process control actions

raw material suitability

product acceptance.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role, including knowledge of:

types of tests, their purposes and functions, including:

raw material applications (e.g. resin viscosity, specific gravity of resins and gelcoats, gel time, resin exotherm, monomer content, heat deflection temperature, styrene emission, resin colour, and gelcoat water resistance)

laminate applications (e.g. Barcol hardness, tensile strength and elongation, compressive strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus, impact strength, glass content, water absorption, product weathering capabilities, dielectric strength, flammability, acid and alkali resistance, and thickness testing)

test applications (e.g. comparing use of common resins and reinforcements in laminates, comparing the tensile strength of given laminates with metals, and comparing test failure modes of laminate samples with metals)

materials, equipment and process interactions and their impacts on performance

quality requirements at each stage of production

product or material test performance indices within standard variation and standard response procedures

role of testing in quality control and quality assurance procedures

relevance of failure mode to fibre reinforced plastic laminate design

effect of creep and fatigue on laminates

relationship of laminate thickness to bonding and material properties

span and deflection

safe test procedures

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.

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