Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to perform pressing and dumping of wool using farm presses and dump presses.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the setting up and operation of machines for pressing and dumping wool. Discretion, initiative and judgment must be demonstrated on the job in own work, either individually or within a team environment. Work may be conducted in a variety of environments, such as:

• operational workplace activities
• hazardous, controlled or exposed conditions

Operator maintenance of presses and equipment, which may be scheduled or unscheduled and may vary according to workplace requirements.

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 planning and organising the safe and effective use of wool pressing processes and technology. This unit also requires an ability to interpret and communicate job related information such as batch instructions and production records, check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to own work.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Operate dump press and farm press machines and equipment

1.1 All necessary settings and preparation for equipment operation are identified and assessed in accordance with specifications and workplace standard procedures

1.2 Work area around machine or equipment  is cleaned and maintained to meet workplace and OHS practices 

1.3 Press and associated equipment is started in

1.4 Weigh scales and sampling equipment are operated as required

1.5 Press and associated equipment is stopped or shut down in accordance with all OHS practices and workplace standard procedures

2 Carry out operator maintenance

2.1 Minor running problems are identified, corrected by the operator where appropriate, and reported in accordance with workplace and equipment manufacturer procedures

2.2 Major machine and equipment or product faults are reported

2.3 Minor maintenance and cleaning are performed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

3 Monitor pressing process

3.1 Visual inspection of plant is routinely conducted

3.2 Variations in bale weight are incorporated into dumping process

3.3 Environmental requirements and procedures concerned with waste, pollution and recycling of materials are correctly applied at all stages of the process

4 Communicate production information

4.1 Records and other documentation are clearly and accurately completed

4.2 Information from other operators, shifts and supervisory personnel regarding production status and problems are accurately interpreted by the operator

4.3 Information regarding production status and problems are accurately communicated to other operators, shifts and supervisory personnel

4.4 Bale counter marks are applied as required

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• principles of operating dump press, farm press, and associated equipment
• machine setting and adjustment requirements
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant workplace processes
• general housekeeping policies and procedures including relevant cleaning agents and equipment
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• set and operate machines
• perform operator maintenance of machines and work area
• use relevant hand tools
• use cleaning agents and dispose of waste products
• 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:

• comply with all relevant safety requirements
• interpret work orders and product requirements
• operate pressing and dumping machines and associated equipment
• monitor processes and operation of pressing and dumping machines and associated equipment, including application of quality standards criteria and recognition of non-conforming outcomes
• perform operator maintenance of pressing and dumping machines and associated equipment, including settings and adjustments
• perform operator maintenance of work area
• document and communicate work related information, including reporting of non-conforming outcomes and other problems.

Consistency in performance 

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.

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.

Machine or equipment may include

• farm bale presses (manual, semi-automatic, automatic)
• dump presses
• weigh scales
• banding equipment
• sampling equipment, such as core and grab machines
• hand trolley
• pallet trucks
• hand tools such as: bale hook, bale knife

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 Production