Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to machine sew leather pieces.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the machine sewing of pieces using defined procedures and methods.

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 skill associated with planning and organising of work area and technology for safe and productive use. This unit also requires an ability to sequence work operations, check for quality outcomes and identify and report operational faults. 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 Prepare work pieces

1.1 Work bundle is received, checked and any follow up action assessed in accordance with workplace procedures including quality checks

1.2 Quality of received component parts is assessed

1.3 Work pieces are laid out in correct sequence in accordance with specifications

2 Prepare workstation

2.1 Workbench and seating are set up to achieve operator comfort and to minimise fatigue

2.2 Machines  are cleaned and checked in accordance with workplace procedures and OHS practices 

2.3 Records are kept

3 Set up machine

3.1 Machine is set up and adjusted in accordance with manufacturers' instructions, workplace requirements and specifications for the work

3.2 Threads are selected according to specifications

3.3 Needle types, attachments and parts are checked and worn needles and parts are changed as necessary

3.4 Stitch length is set and tested against specifications

3.5 Tension is set according to specifications

3.6 Machine is tested for correct operations

4 Perform machine sewing

4.1 Pieces are selected according to size, colour and style

4.2 Materials  are accurately positioned to achieve required specifications, including quality and to minimise stretch

4.3 Seams are machined to achieve specifies results

4.4 Threads are trimmed as required

5 Identify poor machine performance

5.1 The performance of the machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operations and action taken

6 Conduct final quality check for operations

6.1 Final product is checked to ensure workplace quality requirements are met

6.2 Production faults are dealt with

7 Despatch completed work

7.1 Component parts are bundled, stacked, stored or despatched

7.2 Production faults are recorded as required

7.3 Records are completed

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• assembly processes and machines requiring the positioning, feeding and handling of work pieces
• machine operating procedures for one, or more machines
• characteristics of typical fabrics, threads, and other materials used
• quality standards and handling procedures
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant assembly processes
• workplace procedures
• reporting procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• handle and receive pieces
• operate one or a limited range of machines
• communicate effectively within the workplace
• apply defined procedures
• 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 ticket information and workplace standards
• prepare workstation and work prior to commencing operations
• apply machining techniques over a range of operations
• operate at least one type of machine where positioning of the work may be controlled by machine guides or work markers
• 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.

Machines may include

• a range from plain machines to computerised stitching machines

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

Materials may include

• leather
• vinyl
• pigskin
• suede
• cotton
• other materials

Sector 

Leather Production