Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to perform drying operations at various stages of the hide, skin and leather processing, including the preparation procedures.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the drying processes for hides, skins or leather. Work may be conducted in restricted spaces or exposed conditions or controlled or open environments.

Drying operations can relate to:

• preservation
• preparation to crust (air dry, hang, toggle, paste, vacuum, radio frequency, Seco-Therm)
• dried crust (stretching, toggle, Dyna-vac, vacuum)
• finishing (drying finish coating, base and top [air-drying, radiation])

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

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 of production processes to meet requirements as well as applying knowledge of equipment and machinery used in drying operations. Self management skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Confirm requirements

1.1 Requirements for the drying processing are confirmed

1.2 Clarification is assessed, where necessary, to ensure accuracy of requirements

2 Prepare for drying

2.1 Hides, skins or leather are loaded onto racks or otherwise prepared for drying

2.2 Where applicable, equipment adjustments  are set in accordance with manufacturer and workplace procedures

3 Carry out drying tasks

3.1 Drying is assessed in accordance with workplace procedures and, where applicable, ensuring timing, temperature and conditions are appropriate for the operation

3.2 Unloading or removal from equipment and rack or area is assessed using correct OHS practices 

3.3 Hides, skins or leather are directed to correct area for next process or storage

4 Maintain records

4.1 Records are completed

4.2 Documentation is maintained to expedite movement of the hides, skins and leather through the various phases of treatment

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• industry and product processes and equipment
• procedures and requirements for preparation and loading
• adjustment requirements; including timing, temperature, and conditions
• monitoring processes and operator instructions
• quality standards and manual handling procedures
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant processes
• workplace procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• load hides, skins, or leather onto racks or other drying apparatus
• adjust equipment, where applicable
• remove and unload hides, skins, or leather
• direct items to next stage of process
• recognise and isolate deviations from normal
• ensure appropriate control of drying process
• communicate effectively within the workplace
• interpret and apply established procedures
• document, assess, and transfer information
• read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• maintain accurate records
• 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• confirm drying requirements
• carry out appropriate preparation for drying
• perform tasks for drying operations
• maintain records

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks
• identifying improvements
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions
• completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Context and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Guidance information for 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.

Equipment adjustments may include

• time
• temperature
• conditions

OHS practices

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

• 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
• other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector 

Leather Production