Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to cut leather by hand.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to the cutting of leather by hand working largely independently and being accountable for own results including carrying out assigned tasks, coordinating processes and setting and working to deadlines. It includes simple and complicated pattern pieces and a range of leather qualities.

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 planning and organising for safe and effective cutting processes as well as an application of knowledge of tools used to cut leather. This unit also requires the ability to identify and assess leather and problem solve any 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 Set up workstation

1.1 Workstation is set up according to specifications.

1.2 Cutting equipment and patterns are selected and prepared according to specified work and sizes, and manufacturer instructions.

1.3 Materials are collected, sorted and laid out in preparation for cutting.

1.4 Cutting board is routinely cleaned and maintained.

1.5 Records are maintained.

2 Assess leather

2.1 The leather  is assessed for scars, marks and faults that impact on cutting.

2.2 Leather is assessed and sorted to comply with requirements of different jobs and pattern pieces.

3 Cut leather by hand

3.1 Problems or faults with patterns, knives and cutting boards are identified and referred for repair.

3.2 Cutting knives and patterns are used to minimise waste.

3.3 Scars, marks and fault areas of high-quality leather are identified and patterns are positioned accordingly.

3.4 Patterns are positioned to allow for identified flaws, nap of suede or other grain or print characteristics of leather.

3.5 Cutting techniques are used to match pattern shape, size and leather quality.

3.6 Pieces are cut precisely to size and are colour coded and size and colour matched.

3.7 Work is carried out according to OHS practices.

4 Check finished product

4.1 Finished products are checked against job specifications and workplace standards.

4.2 Fault or irregularities are addressed.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• equipment required for both complicated and uncomplicated cutting operations
• cutting board maintenance
• leather types, their qualities and principles of cutting
• enterprise standards
• quality standards and practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• identify faults in different types of leather
• rectify redeemable faults
• adhere to the quality requirements of the enterprise
• 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:

• plan and coordinate complicated cutting operations
• check work against work specifications and enterprise standards
• prepare equipment and work before commencing operations
• apply techniques in over the full range of cutting operations
• check work against specifications
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• maintain accurate records

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks according to instructions
• working systematically with attention to detail according to instructions
• 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 may include

• buffalo
• cow
• calf
• kid
• kangaroo
• deer
• fish
• reptile
• emu

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

Sector 

Leather Production