Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to carry out the preparation activities, selection of materials and cutting of materials by machine to specifications and workplace standards.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the selection of materials and machine cutting to specifications and workplace standards. Competency must be demonstrated in one or more machines to cut materials.

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 for safe and efficient use of cutting processes and technology. This unit also requires the ability to read and interpret ticket information, assess materials and identify and report operational problems. 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 Set up workstation

1.1 Workstation is set up in accordance with specifications and workplace procedures

1.2 Cutting equipment is prepared in accordance with manufacturer instructions

1.3 Tools and cutting equipment are selected as appropriate to job allocation, checked and appropriate action is taken in case of wear and tear, especially in relation to knives and boards

1.4 Records are kept

2 Assess materials

2.1 The material  is correctly assessed against specification and best clicking approach is determined

2.2 Materials are laid-up correctly for single or upper multiple cutting

2.3 Work ticket is interpreted

2.4 Cut pieces are correctly sized, marked and counted using colour coding or workplace identification systems

2.5 Cut pieces are stamped according to work ticket and to workplace specifications

2.6 Materials are sorted according to colour and shade and other specifications

2.7 Materials are checked in relation to directional stretch and strength to determine best clicking approach

3 Operate machine

3.1 Machines  are started up or closed down following enterprise operator procedures and relevant OHS practices 

3.2 Cutting board is regularly cleaned, turned and maintained

3.3 Striker plate is regularly checked for distortion and damage and irregularities reported

3.4 Carry out minor machine maintenance

4 Cut materials

4.1 Clicking knives are selected according to job specifications and size requirements and used with safety and pressures on press are adjusted to knife sizes and shapes

4.2 Problems or faults with press, patterns, knives and cutting boards are recognised and referred for repair or correction

4.3 Work ticket specifications are followed according to pieces and pairs

4.4 Clicking knives and patterns are used to gain optimal material utilisation when compared against workplace standards

4.5 Faults are identified and patterns positioned accordingly

4.6 Parts are cut to workplace quality standards in relation to material flaws

4.7 Pieces are selected, colour or grain matched to workplace quality standards

4.8 Pieces, panels are cut to achieve best yield according to appropriate allowance

4.9 Distortions and defects on press cutting boards are identified and appropriate action taken

5 Check finished product

5.1 Check finished product against workplace quality standards

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• fabric range and general qualities of leather
• relevant machines
• quality standards and handling procedures
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant product assembly processes
• workplace procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• operate machines
• undertake maintenance of machines
• interpret work specifications and patterns
• communicate effectively within the workplace
• read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• maintain accurate records
• 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• check work against work specification or workplace standards
• prepare workstation and work prior to commencing operations
• apply cutting techniques on pieces and pairs
• apply workplace health and safety policies in work operations
• maintain accurate records

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.

Materials may include

• suede
• suede split
• PU coated splits
• PU coated non-woven fabrics
• corrected grains
• leather linings
• leathers such as:
• buffalo
• cow
• calf
• kid
• deer
• kangaroo
• fish
• reptiles
• emu

Machines may include

• swing beam press
• travelling head press
• full beam press
• automated presses

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