Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to select leather hides, lay out patterns and cut out leather by hand to the required shape or pattern.

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. Prepare for work

1.1. Specifications, patterns and/or plans are read and interpreted to identify required colour and quality of materials, number of items to be cut and tools and equipment required

1.2. Workplace health and safety requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.3. Suitable work area is selected, prepared and cleaned of any contaminants

1.4. Pattern pieces are identified to match shapes to final wear characteristics of the furnishing component

1.5. Suitable scissors and/or blades are selected for the leather to be cut

1.6. Scissors and any other tools and equipment are checked prior to use for appropriate sharpness, operation and safe condition

1.7. Hide is selected, spread out and inspected to identify flaws and harder and softer wearing parts

1.8. Direction of natural markings and finished side of the leather are identified

2. Lay out pattern

2.1. Patterns are laid out following workplace procedures and instructions using low wear parts of the hide on the less heavily used furniture components

2.2. Patterns are laid out to maximise use of the hide for the furniture design

2.3. Any registration points on the pattern and other instructions to match required pattern components are marked

2.4. Any required measurements are made and appropriate adjustments made

3. Cut leather

3.1. Required cutting operations are completed with cut out leather components identified in accordance with work instructions and procedures

3.2. Cut work is inspected, any faults identified and appropriate action taken in accordance with workplace procedures to ensure cut pieces meet the required quality standards

3.3. The performance of the cutting equipment is regularly checked for signs of faulty operation, including evidence from the inspection of cut pieces

3.4. Where required, cut out components are wrapped using appropriate protective covers and care label information is attached

4. Complete work

4.1. Unused materials are stored as required

4.2. Cut components are folded, protected and despatched to next process following workplace procedures

4.3. Work area is cleaned and damaged tools tagged as required

4.4. Waste is collected and bundled for recycling/reuse as required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to hand and power tools, work orders, maintenance systems and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the work area to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative 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 problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to cutting leather

Required knowledge 

• work requirements including workplace standards and inspection procedures
• leather types, common faults, wear capability of different parts of the hide
• workflow in relation to cutting leather
• design features of the finished furnishing items in relation to laying out the pattern and cutting the leather

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 

• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
• Identify and select leathers and any special laying out and cutting requirements for different hide parts
• 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

• As a minimum, given hides and patterns:

• identify and select leather for a leather armchair
• measure and cut selected leather to match these patterns

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Appropriate scissors and cutting blades, leather, patterns, work order, workplace information, including work procedures and/or equipment instructions.

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 may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which form a part of the job role.

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 addresses the selection, laying out and cutting of leather hides into components for upholstered furniture

Unit context 

• OHS requirements include legislation, material safety management system, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in identifying the qualities and in the cutting of leather to patterns provided
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Leather hide 

• Leather hide for leather upholstered furniture must be of a suitable thickness and quality. It may be a full hide or partial.
• Leather characteristics/qualities include:

• natural markings
• finished and unfinished sides
• high and low wear
• direction of markings
• flaws and blemishes
• colour variation between hides
• flexibility

Tools and equipment may include , but are not limited to :

• scissors
• cutting blades and electric shears

Materials 

Leather hides of upholstery quality, patterns

Personal protective equipment :

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise practices and procedures. It may include:

• safety glasses/goggles
• hair nets
• ear muffs/plugs
• gloves
• footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures 

• Workflow in relation to the selection and cutting of leather
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
• Knowledge of features and use of the finished upholstered item

Unit sector 

Upholstery

Competency field 

Co-requisite units