Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to select raw materials for use in textile production.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to work activities associated with the selection and checking of raw materials for use in textile production. The work can include liaison with specialist technicians. Discretion and judgement may be required, for both self and others, in planning and selecting processes, procedures or outcomes.

This unit may involve selection and checking procedures normally used in the industry and workplace.

Activities related to the selection of raw materials may include those associated with:

• development
• production
• quality assurance

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

The application of this unit is in accordance with 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 skills associated with problem solving and planning and organising in order to select necessary raw materials to meet production needs. Communication skills are required to interpret information and complete documentation.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Select raw materials

1.1 Requirements for the selection of raw materials  are confirmed and clarified, if necessary.

1.2 Raw materials appropriate for the designated use are selected.

2 Check raw materials

2.1 Specification of raw materials is verified.

2.2 Selected raw materials are checked for suitability in accordance with quality standards and OHS practices .

2.3 Data is compared with standards or other reference materials and results recorded.

3 Report on raw materials

3.1 Raw materials documentation is recorded using appropriate worksheets and information systems.

3.2 Documentation is collated and analysed against specifications.

3.3 Documentation is interpreted and outcomes reported.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• selection and checking requirements of raw materials
• product and process specifications
• raw materials and their properties
• quality standards and practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• use equipment effectively
• assemble information
• identify and take samples
• communicate effectively with individuals, work groups and supervisors
• document and transfer information
• 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 to be considered 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• clarify and confirm requirements
• select appropriate raw materials
• check selected raw materials for suitability
• analyse data against specifications
• communicate effectively with design team, customers etc.
• 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.

Raw materials may include

• wool (greasy, scoured, carbonised) and wool top
• cotton
• cotton yarn
• synthetics, chemicals, dyes etc.

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

Sector 

Textile Production