Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to identify fibres and fabrics commonly used in the construction of garments and accessories.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to identifying a wide range of fibres and fabrics used in the clothing industry. Fibres include natural and synthetic, and fabrics include knitted, woven and non-woven.

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

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 types and characteristics of fibres and fabrics. Learning and self management skills are required to apply knowledge of fibres and fabrics and communication skills are used to explain and describe information about fabric properties.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Identify fibres and fabrics

1.1 Fibres  used in clothing industry are identified.

1.2 Methods  of identifying fibres are identified.

1.3 Fabrics  used in clothing industry are identified.

1.4 Generic and trade names for fibres and fabrics are identified.

2 Describe fabric construction processes

2.1 Fibres used in construction of a variety of fabrics are identified.

2.2 Construction processes  of fabrics are described.

3 Describe qualities of fabrics

3.1 Physical qualities  of fabrics are described.

3.2 Visual qualities  of fabrics are described.

4 Determine uses of fabrics

4.1 Common uses of fabrics are identified.

4.2 Fabrics used in workplace are identified.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• information sources on fibre and fabric identification
• fabrics used in the workplace
• quality standards and practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• identify features of fibres and fabrics
• access information as required
• 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 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• identify fibres and fabrics
• identify fabric construction processes
• identify fabric qualities
• identify fabric uses within TCF industry

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.

Fibres may include:

• natural fibres such as cotton, wool, silk, linen
• synthetic fibres such as polyamide, polyester, acrylic, lycra, rayon, acetate

Methods may include:

• labelling
• visual
• handle
• acetone
• burn test

Fabrics may include:

• natural and synthetic single yarn fabrics and blends
• knitted fabrics including weft knits and warp knits
• woven fabrics including plain, twill, satin, dobby, jacquard and pile
• non-woven fabrics such as felts, nets, braids, bonded and composite
• emerging smart fabrics

Construction processes may include:

• spinning
• knitting
• weaving
• blending
• fusing
• bonding
• finishing

Physical qualities include:

• firmness
• softness
• handle
• weight
• grain
• gauge
• drape
• porosity
• covering power
• count
• light penetration

Visual qualities include:

• colours
• textures
• patterns
• right side/wrong side

Fabric characteristics may include:

• bias
• stretch
• fraying
• feel
• handle
• shrinkage

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 

Clothing Production