Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to determine the suitability of hides, skins and leathers for the production of leather goods.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to determining the suitability of hides, skins and leathers for specific uses. It includes the impact of slaughter and dressing techniques, preservation methods and industry classification systems.

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 problem solving in determining leather suitability for production purposes. It also requires the ability to check the quality and complete production records. Self management and planning and organising skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Inspect hide, skin or leather

1.1 Type of species  is identified

1.2 Different uses and characteristics  of species are identified

1.3 Performance characteristics  are identified

1.4 Grading and classification system is identified

1.5 Faults  on the hide, skin or leather are identified

1.6 Inspection is conducted according to OHS practices  to determine quality of hide, skin or leather

2 Identify techniques that impact on suitability for use

2.1 Slaughter and dressing techniques are identified

2.2 Impact of slaughter and dressing techniques on hide, skin and leather quality are identified

2.3 Effects of slaughter and dressing techniques on suitability for use in leather manufacturing are identified

3 Identify preservation and storage methods

3.1 Preservation methods for hide, skin and leathers are identified

3.2 Storage requirements are identified and described

3.3 Effects of incorrect preservation and storage are described

4 Determine suitability for production

4.1 Quality requirements for production are confirmed

4.2 Suitability of hide, skin and leather for production requirements is determined

4.3 Documentation is completed

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• leather industry processes and equipment
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• 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 our 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• inspect hide, skin and leather
• identify faults and production impacts
• describe preservation and storage methods
• determine suitability of hide, skin and leather for manufacturing use

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

Context and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Guidance information for 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.

Species may include

• calf
• cow hide
• kid
• goat
• buffalo
• kangaroo
• reptile
• sheep
• ostrich
• emu
• pig
• deer

Characteristics may include

• stretch
• size
• grain
• nap
• substance
• hair follicle

Performance characteristics may include

• stretch
• abrasion
• wearability
• absorbency
• durability
• elasticity
• heat sensitivity
• shrink resistance
• strength

Faults may include

• marks
• scars
• cuts

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 

Leather Production