NZQA registered unit standard / 17528 version 4
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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of, operate, and maintain a vacuum blaster for blaster coating operations
Level / 3 / Credits / 4
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of, operate, and maintain a vacuum blaster.
Classification / Industrial Coatings > Abrasive Blasting
Available grade / Achieved
Entry information
Critical health and safety prerequisites / Unit 17547, Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety for blaster coating operations, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.

Explanatory notes

1Documents relevant to this unit standard include:

ISO 8501-1: 2007 Preparation of Steel Substrates Before Application of Paints and Related Products – Visual Assessment of Surface Cleanliness - Part 1, available at

2Recommended website:

NZ Abrasive Blasting Association Inc. –

3Definitions

Company procedures refer to documented methods for performing work activities and include health and safety, environmental, and quality management requirements. They may refer to manuals, codes of practice, manufacturer’s instructions, or policy statements.

Site safety plan refers to the documented safety plan required by law to ensure site complies with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

Outcomes and evidence requirements

Outcome 1

Demonstrate knowledge of a vacuum blaster.

Evidence requirements

1.1A vacuum blaster is described in terms of its advantages and disadvantages compared with a conventional abrasive blaster.

1.2Vacuum blaster components are identified in accordance with manufacturer’s parts list, and described in terms of their function.

1.3Safety precautions for operation of a vacuum blaster are explained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Outcome 2

Operate a vacuum blaster.

Evidence requirements

2.1Maintenance checks are performed prior to commencement of job in accordance with company procedures.

2.2Vacuum unit is set up in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

2.3Safe working procedures are demonstrated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and site safety plan.

2.4Air flow is checked against flow charts, nozzle charts, and equipment specifications.

2.5Sufficient air is provided to operate both the blast and the vacuum recovery systems.

2.6The correct abrasive media is selected and used in accordance with company procedures.

Rangeabrasive media is dry and clean.

Outcome 3

Maintain a vacuum blaster.

Evidence requirements

3.1Vacuum blaster is cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and company procedures.

3.2Any required specialist maintenance or repairs are reported in accordance with company procedures.

Planned review date / 31 December 2019

Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions

Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment
Registration / 1 / 28 August 2000 / 31 December 2012
Review / 2 / 20 November 2006 / 31 December 2013
Review / 3 / 18 October 2012 / 31 December 2016
Review / 4 / 16 April 2015 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0114

This CMR can be accessed at

Please note

Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.

Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.

Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.

Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.

Comments on this unit standard

Please contact the NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Incorporated) (MITO) if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.

NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Incorporated) (MITO)
SSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018