Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to identify and select appropriate materials for use in the manufacture of canvas or sail products.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the identification, selection and handling of materials and checking of stock availability. Work may involve interaction with other people in the workplace including supervisors and production personnel. Work may be conducted in a variety of environments, such as:

• operational indoor workplaces
• operational outdoor workplaces

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 problem solving to identify materials and determine appropriateness for job specifications. This unit also requires planning and organising for efficient material use. Communication skills are applied to interpreting labelling and identification information of material. Self management skills are applied to ensure workplace and quality standards are achieved.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Identify materials

1.1 Materials  are identified by appearance, texture, density, stock labels and product codes

1.2 Stock labels or tags are checked against product codes and manufacturer specifications to confirm correct identification

1.3 Workplace procedures and instruction are read and interpreted

2 Select materials

2.1 Materials are selected in accordance with job specifications, fitness for purpose and work order instructions

2.2 Materials stocks are checked to ensure availability of sufficient quantities of materials to meet job requirements

2.3 Materials are checked to ensure they conform to specifications, descriptions and relevant quality standards

2.4 Knowledge of materials are applied to perform required tasks

3 Handle and store materials

3.1 Appropriate OHS practices  and work practices are followed when examining stock in racks or shelves

3.2 Safe working practices are followed when handling or moving stock

3.3 Appropriate lifting equipment is used to lift heavy or awkward loads

3.4 Appropriate posture and lifting techniques are used for manual handling of materials

3.5 Assistance in handling materials is sought when necessary

3.6 Materials are stored in accordance with workplace practices and manufacturer recommendations

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• product construction principles and methods
• characteristics of a wide range of materials used in the canvas and sail industry
• industry applications of various materials
• relative advantages and disadvantages of various materials for particular applications
• joining characteristics of various materials
• materials labelling principles and practices including 'care' labelling
• standard industry practices for storage and handling of materials
• relevant materials quality standards
• environmental requirements of relevant industry and workplace procedures
• general housekeeping policies and procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• locate and interpret technical information about materials used in the canvas and sail industry
• identify materials by appearance, texture, density and other relevant characteristics
• use relevant chemicals and cleaning agents and dispose of waste products
• maintain work area
• 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• comply with all relevant safety requirements including safe handling and storage of materials
• interpret work orders
• interpret materials specifications and instructions for storage, handling and use
• correctly identify a range of materials used in the industry
• correctly handle a range of materials used in the industry
• select appropriate materials to meet specified job requirements
• perform normal operator maintenance of work area to enable identification selection and storage of materials to be undertaken safely and efficiently
• document and communicate work related information including reporting of shortages, stock irregularities and other problems

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.

Materials may include

• fibres and yarns used in canvas and sail making
• ropes
• dacron, nylon and composite sail cloths
• attachments (metal and on metal)
• adhesives

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 

Textile Fabrication