Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to prepare, operate and monitor a knitting machine.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to the preparation, operation, monitoring and adjusting of a commercial knitting machine used in the production of knitted textile products.

Work is conducted according to defined procedures.

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 the safe and efficient use of knitting machines. This unit also requires the ability to check the quality of products, identify and communicate inconsistencies or other problems and complete workplace documentation. Self management skills are applied to ensure workplace and quality standards are achieved.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Set up and load machine

1.1 Specifications are checked to identify requirements for production.

1.2 Machine settings are checked to meet product requirements .

1.3 Yarns  are identified, checked and loaded onto the knitting machine according to manufacturer specifications.

1.4 Non-conforming materials are reported.

1.5 Area around machine is kept clean during setting and loading.

2 Operate and monitor machine

2.1 Knitting machine is started and stopped according to manufacturer requirements and OHS practices .

2.2 Machine is monitored to ensure correct operation.

2.3 Yarn supply is checked and replaced to ensure continuous flow to machine.

2.4 Waste is sorted.

2.5 Minor product process and machine faults are identified, corrected and reported.

2.6 Major machine faults are reported.

3 Check product quality

3.1 Product is checked against quality standards.

3.2 Product is assessed for faults  and non-conformances.

3.3 Product faults are rectified or reported.

4 Complete knitting process

4.1 Product is unloaded or removed according to manufacturer specifications.

4.2 Product is despatched to next process.

4.3 Cleaning of area is completed to ensure work environment is maintained in a safe and productive manner.

4.4 Production records and other documentation are accurately completed.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• procedures and guidelines for safe operation of knitting machine
• typical fault conditions and related fault finding procedures
• types and styles of yarns used in knitted products
• machine maintenance and repair techniques
• technical specifications manuals
• quality standards and practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• check machine safety equipment and report any faults
• start and stop machines according to specifications
• recognise, rectify and report machine faults or problems
• clean machines as required
• check machine maintenance records
• recognise fault conditions
• confirm compliance to operational specifications
• 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 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 of evidence to be considered 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• check machine settings to meet production requirements
• monitor knitting machine according to defined procedures and methods
• make minor adjustments
• check product against quality standards
• load and unload products according to workplace practices
• complete records accurately and completely
• apply OHS practices in work operations

Consistency in performance 

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

Resource implications 

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent 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.

Product requirements may include

• flat knitting
• circular knitting
• colour
• pattern
• size
• stitch gauge
• tension
• weft knits
• warp knits
• plain, purl, double, tricot knit
• sock knitting
• full garment

Yarns may be

• wool
• nylon
• acrylic
• polypropylene
• polyester
• cotton
• viscose
• blends

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

Faults may include

• holes
• foreign matter
• creasing
• lines
• runs

Sector 

Textile Production