Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to lay up and cut complicated fabrics and lays.

Application of the Unit 

The unit covers the skills and knowledge to lay up fabric and cut work as part of the garment production process in situations involving complex patterns and a variety of fabrics and lays.

It applies to situations where multiple garments and layers of fabric are to be laid up and cut according to a marker, and may include two way markers and step layers.

Cutting tools and equipment may include round blade cutters, straight knife cutters, drills, metal dies or computerised cutting machine. Patterns may consist of a number of pieces with a variety of shapes such as shirts/blouses, trousers, jackets, dresses, skirts, and fabrics may include directional patterns.

Work involves discretion, initiative and judgement within defined procedures.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

• requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment
• standard operating procedures
• work instructions
• oral, written and visual communication
• quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output
• housekeeping
• tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control, and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising to lay up and cut fabrics. Problem solving skills are required to identify any cutting problems. Communication skills are used to refer to and complete required documentation. Self management skills are used to ensure safe use of technology and conformance of own work to quality standards.

Prerequisites 

LMTCL2007B

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare workstation

1.1 Cutting table and seating are set up according to OHS practices  and specifications for work.

1.2 Equipment  is set up and checked .

1.3 Routine maintenance  of cutting equipment is undertaken.

1.4 Cutting table is prepared to suit lay length.

2 Lay up fabric

2.1 Lay -up instructions  are interpreted.

2.2 Fabric  is collected and checked off according to OHS practices.

2.3 Fabric width and quality are checked against lay-up instructions.

2.4 Fabric is laid up, spread and fabric tension is adjusted to suit fabric performance.

2.5 Fabric is checked for faults and required action is taken .

2.6 Lay height and position of fabric are checked according to cutting equipment and work specifications.

2.7 Aids to assist lay -up  are used according to job card and workplace practices.

3 Cut work

3.1 Fabric  is cut to lay, using cutting equipment according to requirements for operation.

3.2 Cut work is inspected, any faults identified and appropriate action taken to ensure cut pieces meet required quality standards.

3.3 Preventative action to avoid any recurrence of defective pieces is taken and recorded.

3.4 Performance of cutting equipment is regularly checked for signs of faulty operation, including evidence from inspection of cut pieces and any required action is taken.

3.5 OHS practices are followed to eliminate risks to personal safety .

4 Complete work

4.1 Work is bundled  according to job card.

4.2 Cut work is directed to next operation and work area is cleaned and prepared for next job.

4.3 Master copy of lay marker is stored in filing drawer or computer as appropriate.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• safety and environmental aspects of lay-up and cutting processes, including safe storage and disposal of excess fabrics and rolls
• quality standards and practices
• lay-up techniques, including the appropriate use of fabric and paper layers
• stretching techniques for fabrics
• applications of cutting machinery
• cutting machinery components requiring routine maintenance
• characteristics of fabrics and other materials used in garment assembly
• common fabric faults
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• recognise and address fabric faults
• accurately cut against marker
• read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• maintain accurate records
• communicate within the workplace
• sequence operations
• meet specifications
• clarify and check task-related information
• carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• prepare cutting table and work before commencing operations
• use appropriate lay-up and cutting techniques to match pattern pieces and fabric
• use cutting equipment safely and according to manufacturer guidelines
• check finished work against job specifications
• apply OHS practices in all work operations
• maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance 

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks according to instructions
• working systematically with attention to detail
• identifying improvements and avoiding damage
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

Resource implications 

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment 

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

OHS practices

OHS practices include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may relate to:

• manual handling techniques
• standard operating procedures
• personal protective equipment
• safe materials handling
• taking of rest breaks
• ergonomic arrangement of workplaces
• following marked walkways
• safe storage of equipment
• housekeeping
• reporting accidents and incidents
• environmental practices

Equipment may include:

Lay-up equipment:

• weights
• clamps
• spreading table

Cutting equipment:

• round blade cutter
• straight knife cutter
• drills
• metal die
• computerised cutting machine

Equipment set-up and check includes:

• cleaning, checking for faults and assessing servicing against manufacturer instructions
• positioning of cutting table
• changing cutting blades

Routine maintenance includes:

• changing blades, drill bits on cutting equipment

Lay-up instructions may be according to:

• job cards, cutting orders, customer order breakdown
• marker

Required action taken includes:

• splicing (overlap joining) or other appropriate techniques
• avoiding the fault

Aids to assist lay up include:

• layering with calico or paper for delicate or difficult-to-manage fabrics

Fabric may include:

• wovens such as:
• denim
• wool suitings
• corduroy
• satins
• chiffon
• rayons
• knits such as:
• polar fleece
• double knits
• single knits
• tricot

Bundled may be

• by fabric shade
• whole garments
• same pattern pieces
• with notions (threads etc.)

Sector 

Clothing Production