Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to organise and interpret tests within the textile industry.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to organising a range of testing and sampling procedures and equipment, including evenness testing, moisture content, dry fastness, fibre construction, colour matching or other similar processes. Discretion and judgement may be required, for both self and others, in planning and selecting processes, procedures or outcomes.

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 skills associated with problem solving and planning and organising in order to set up and conduct tests and interpret results. Initiative and enterprise are applied in the interpretation of test results and communication skills are used to interpret information and complete required documentation.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Select sample

1.1 Sample of material or product is confirmed.

1.2 Acceptance criteria for testing of sample is determined and confirmed.

2 Organise tests

2.1 Testing requirements are confirmed.

2.2 Relevant test equipment  is set up.

2.3 Calibration is confirmed as required.

2.4 Tests are organised to ensure compliance with requirements.

3 Perform tests

3.1 Material or product is tested using selected test methods according to industry and OHS practices .

4 Interpret test results

4.1 Test results are collated and analysed.

4.2 Outcomes are interpreted against process or product requirements.

4.3 Acceptance criteria are reviewed as required.

4.4 Action is taken, where required, in response to test results.

5 Report on tests

5.1 Outcomes are reported and appropriate personnel advised.

5.2 Reports and documentation are prepared and filed.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• methods and principles of testing and how they are used to assist in assessing the quality of raw materials/products in the textile industry
• product and process specifications
• raw materials and their properties
• quality standards and practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• use test equipment effectively
• assemble information
• identify and take samples
• accurately record and report test outcomes
• analyse and interpret results
• communicate effectively with individuals, work groups and supervisors
• interpret and apply procedures or processes
• document and transfer information
• 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 of evidence to be considered 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• confirm test requirements
• arrange for tests to be conducted
• analyse test results
• ensure tests are conducted against quality standards
• interpret outcomes against requirements
• communicate effectively with design team, customers etc.
• maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance 

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

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.

Test equipment may include

• general laboratory equipment such as:
• weighing scales
• ruler templates
• strength testers
• conditioners and dryers
• yarn testers
• abrasion testers
• pilling box
• lighting equipment used for colour testing
• other similar devises or equipment

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 

Textile Production