Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to identify and describe materials used in the production of leather goods.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to identifying a range of materials used in the leather goods industry. Materials include natural and synthetic materials, adhesives and components.

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 materials used in leather goods production. This unit also requires the ability to recognise faults and determine possible causes. 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 Identify materials used in leather goods 

1.1 Materials  used in leather goods production are identified.

1.2 Types and sources of materials are identified.

1.3 Characteristics  of materials are identified.

1.4 Generic and trade names for materials are identified.

2 Determine uses of materials for leather goods production

2.1 Uses of materials for leather goods production are identified.

2.2 Handling and care requirements for materials are identified.

2.3 Common problems and faults of materials are identified.

2.4 OHS practices  relevant to materials uses are identified.

3 Determine performance of materials for leather goods

3.1 Physical properties of materials are identified.

3.2 Performance characteristics  of materials are identified and described.

3.3 Types of surface finishes used on materials are described.

4 Identify common faults, problems and surface defects of materials

4.1 Common faults , problems and surface defects  of materials are identified.

4.2 Possible causes for common faults, problems and surface defects are described.

4.3 Workplace quality practices relating to faults, problems and surface defects are identified.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• handling procedures for materials
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant production and assembly processes
• quality standards and practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• 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 in 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• identify materials
• identify materials uses within the leather goods industry
• identify characteristics of materials
• determine performance of materials
• identify common faults, problems and surface defects of materials

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

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.

Leather goods may include

• footwear
• handbags and accessories
• wallets, purses, belts
• saddles and saddlery components and products
• clothing
• headwear and millinery
• textile product components

Materials may include

• leather such as:
• calf
• cow hide
• kid
• goat
• buffalo
• kangaroo
• reptile
• sheep
• ostrich
• emu
• pig
• adhesives and chemicals such as:
• polyurethane adhesives
• rubber cement
• methyl ethyl ketone
• halogenation solvent
• dichloromethane
• petrol
• methylated spirits
• solvent-based spray finishes
• solvent-based emulsions
• fabrics such as:
• satin
• silk
• taffeta

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

Characteristics may include

• stretch
• size
• grain
• nap
• substance
• properties and uses of different types of hides and leathers
• hair follicle patterns of leather

Performance characteristics may include

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

Faults, problems or defects may include

• marks
• scars
• cuts

Sector 

Leather Production