Handing over plastic injection moulding machines to production operators

URN: SEMMPF362
Business Sectors (Suites): Materials Processing and Finishing Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 2020

Overview

This standard identifies the competencies you need to hand over a prepared plastic injection-moulding machine to production operators, in accordance with approved procedures. You will either have set up the machine yourself to hand over to a production operator to complete the required production operations, or you will be responsible for ensuring that a prepared machine already in production is handed over to a new shift operator. This will involve checking that the machine functions safely and correctly, that there are sufficient materials and consumables available for the work to be carried out, that all the required quality control instruments and gauges are available and correctly set/calibrated and that the machine is producing the components to the required specification. You will be expected to demonstrate the operation of the machine to the operator, highlighting all the necessary key stages of performance, the specific techniques to be used and any aspects of safety that require particular attention. You will be required to ensure that the operator is operating the machine safely and correctly before leaving them to perform the tasks unsupervised. Periodic checking of the finished components, making adjustments to settings to achieve specification and solving machine-related problems during production, will also form part of your role. Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the coaching and handing over activities undertaken and to report any problems with the handing over that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking full responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that is produced. Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying coaching and handing-over procedures relating to plastic injection moulding machines. You will understand the plastic injection moulding equipment being handed over, and its application and will know about the operating procedures, potential problems and operating training requirements, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for ensuring that the operators carry out the activities to the required standard. You will understand the safety precautions required when working with the plastic injection moulding machine and its associated equipment. You will be required to ensure that the production operator demonstrates safe working practices throughout, and understands the responsibility they owe to themselves and others in the workplace and towards the environment.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation,  regulations, directives and other relevant guidelines 2. follow relevant instructions and specifications for hand overs 3. check that the machine and equipment is in a safe and usable condition to hand over 4. ensure that the prepared machine is producing the components to the required specification 5. demonstrate the correct operation of the machine to the production operator 6. check the production operator understands the operation of the machine and production requirements 7. check production and adjust machine settings as required to maintain output quality 8. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that you cannot solve 9. ensure that work records are completed, stored securely and available to others, as per organisational requirements 10. leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the activities, as per organisational and legal requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the specific safety precautions to be taken whilst carrying out the  activities (including any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials) 2. the health and safety requirements of the work area  and the activities, and the responsibility these requirements place on you 3. the hazards associated with  the activities, and how to minimise them and reduce risks 4. the personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) to be worn during the activities 5. the importance of being extra vigilant when training new and inexperienced machine operators to carry out the tasks 6. the items you need to check before handing over the machine to the production operator (is the machine in a fit and safe condition; is the tooling undamaged; does the machine produce the components to specification) 7. the importance of giving the operator a practical demonstration of the machine operation and how this is best achieved 8. practical training techniques (including questioning and reinforcing techniques), to ensure the required operations are understood 9. how to vary your approach with the training depending on the experience of the production operator 10. the need to ensure that the production operators are working safely and competently before leaving them to carry out the production operations 11. how to create and maintain effective working relationships with the operators (encouraging, helping, politeness and open discussions both ways) 12. the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve 13. how to access, use and maintain information to comply with organisational requirements and legislation.

Scope/range


Scope Performance

1. Confirm that the plastic injection moulding machine is ready for production operations, by checking all of the following: 1. that the machine is correctly set up and ready for the required production operations 2. supplies of materials are adequate and correctly prepared 3. all safety equipment and controls are in place and functioning correctly 4. all machine functions operate correctly 5. quality control instructions and documentation are available 6. quality control instruments and gauges are available and correctly calibrated where appropriate 2. Carry out handover procedures for one of the following: 1. semi-automatic operations 2. fully automatic operations 3. computer numerically controlled (CNC) operations 4. combined systems 3. Carry out handover procedures  by completing all of the following tasks: 1. demonstrating the operation of the machine to the production operator including emergency stop functions 2. explaining all the key stages and specific operation techniques required 3. highlighting critical areas to be observed (such as safety, specific tolerances or finish) 4. observing the operator in action and correcting any errors or inappropriate working practices 5. ensuring that the operator is working safely and competently before leaving them to carry on with production 6. making periodic checks of performance and production quality 4. Carry out handover procedures to two of the following categories of production operators: 1. experienced operators on the particular type of equipment being used 2. experienced operators on plastic injection moulding machines but not the equipment being used 3. new or inexperienced operators

Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2023

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

SEMTA

Original URN

MPF3.62

Relevant Occupations

Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Manufacturing Technologies, Process Operatives, Process, Plant and Machine Operatives

SOC Code

8115

Keywords

Engineering; manufacturing; processing; handover; plastic; injection moulding; machine; procedures; production; operator; functionality