Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to use drop cutting machines.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify drop cutting machine controls, adjustments and work procedures

1.1. Job requirements are identified from workplace approved operating procedures

1.2. Equipment components, adjustment points and controls are identified

1.3. Operating procedures are checked to identify approved operating range and adjustments

1.4. Equipment operations and production procedures are identified

1.5. The process for obtaining materials and moving products to the next process is identified

2. Plan and prepare for work

2.1. Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work, serviceable and in a safe condition

2.2. Inspection procedure for materials quality and equipment condition is identified

2.3. Work sequence is planned to suit job

2.4. OH&S requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

2.5. Equipment emergency stops and guards are identified

2.6. Machine checking procedures are identified

2.7. Any required supplementary equipment is identified for routine lubrication and adjustments of the equipment

3. Set and operate drop cutting machine

3.1. Fabric length and angle of cut are set on the drop cutting machine following work order

3.2. Fabric is fixed to the machine using appropriate hooks or other fasteners

3.3. Fabric is checked for flaws prior to cutting

3.4. Fabric use minimises waste materials

3.5. Cutting operations provide the required product quality standards, work outputs and minimisation of waste

3.6. Problems are identified and reported following workplace procedures

3.7. Cut lengths are checked for required quality, and moved to the next process

3.8. Waste and scrap is dealt with following workplace procedures

3.9. Equipment and work area clean up are completed following workplace procedures

4. Identify quality requirements

4.1. Process is monitored and conditions which may affect quality standards are reported

4.2. Observed requirements for repairs or maintenance are identified and reported to appropriate personnel

4.3. Authorised changes to settings or operating procedures are implemented

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using co-operative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate drop cutting problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use workplace technology related to drop cutting, including tools and equipment, power supply systems

Required knowledge 

• types, characteristics, uses and limitations of drop cutting machines
• characteristics of materials used and products produced
• identification of equipment adjustment points, processes and procedures
• procedure for reporting faulty products or interruptions to workflow
• workflow requirements for process

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
• Identify and operate machine controls and guards
• Set depth and angle of cut to specification
• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
• Operate drop cutting machine to cut at least five different types of material or fabric
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Drop cutting machines, work orders, equipment operating procedures, fabric for cutting.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment should be conducted over time and will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Unit scope 

This unit covers work involving the operation of drop cutting machines.

• Materials to be machined may include:

• synthetic or natural fabrics, used for:

• curtains
• internal or external blinds
• awnings and shade wings

Unit context 

• OHS requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and local safe operating procedures or equivalent
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Machine checking procedures may include :

• materials inputs and outputs
• cutting blade condition
• attachments and ancillary equipment
• quality requirements for the process stage

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures 

• Machine manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
• Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery
• Work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Soft Furnishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units