Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CUVOPA402A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Production cut and polish opal

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUVOPA402A - Production cut and polish opal
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to cut and polish opal to meet trade requirements so that the operation is completed in minimum time.Those applying the skills and knowledge covered by this unit cut and polish opals on a continuous basis producing pieces that comply with trade requirements. The cutting must be done in such a way that the cutting business is viable and the stone meets trade requirements.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application The skills and knowledge in this unit are applied in a workshop environment and include stock control and record keeping. A major application of this unit is in the manufacture of triplets.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Select the machinery and consumables for production cutting opal
  • Select the machinery, consumables and adhesives
  • Select the lighting equipment for UV-sensitive adhesives
  • Obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) for materials used
       
Element: Identify and coordinate resources
  • Determine sources and cost of rough opal and obtain supplies
  • Determine sources and cost of consumables, including backing material and triplet tops, and obtain supplies
  • Record information about suppliers and costs
  • Set up stock management system
       
Element: Review the layout of the workshop and set up machinery and equipment for production cutting
  • Review workshop layout in relation to production cutting and make adjustments to facilitate workflow where required
  • Set up multi-blade saw, grinder, sander, polisher and lighting equipment to manufacturers’ specifications
  • Set up dopping rack and other racks and containers as needed
       
Element: Cut and polish opal to industry requirements within the time constraints of the production process
  • Cut and polish opals to trade requirements within the predetermined time constraints
  • Use appropriate dopping techniques for production work
  • Ensure opals satisfy trade requirements for standard millimetre sizes for particular applications
  • Follow OHS requirements for machinery, equipment and consumables
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

cut opal in a production environment meeting industry and quality standards and working with commercial constraints

select machinery and consumables

organise the workshop for production cutting

handle OHS issues appropriately.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

production cutting and polishing equipment, tools and consumables.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of processes and procedures

oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills

review of portfolios of evidence

review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to work with suppliers

planning and organising skills to:

select appropriate tools, equipment and materials

set up a workshop environment

problem-solving skills to correct OHS issues

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation

numeracy skills to:

cost materials

use numerical features of machinery

technical skills to:

choose appropriate stone for cutting

cut, sand and polish opals using correct technique

correct faults and defects

source materials

follow the procedures for stock management

service and test equipment

technology skills to set up and use production equipment.

Required knowledge

characteristics of opal gemstone structure

suitability of opal pieces for carving

opal carving process, including required equipment and consumables

procedures and equipment used in production cutting

where to locate and cost materials for production cutting

stock management requirements

safety issues associated with opal cutting and polishing machinery.

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Machinery may include:

cabochon cutting machine

cabochon pre-former

diamond sintered wheel grinder

faceting unit pre-former

high speed sanding unit

multi-blade trim saw

pumice pre-polishing unit

soft diamond wheel sanding and polishing unit

spongy wheel sanding unit

triplet slicing machine

UV light box

vibro tumbler.

Consumables and adhesives may include:

#400 acid treated silicon carbide powder

backing material

blackening agent

dopping wax or adhesive

epoxy adhesive

grinding wheels

polishing powder (cerium oxide)

polishing wheels (diamond or felt)

red sealing wax

rough opal

sanding wheels (diamond or spongy)

trim saw blades

triplet slicing blades: 120, 140, 160 and 180

triplet tops

UV adhesive

water and electricity.

Backing materials may include:

black jade

black potch (best)

boulder iron stone

clear or transparent potch

dark grey potch

glass (triplet only)

obsidian (black)

vitrolite (triplet only).

Stock management system may include:

avoiding cutting irregular sizes or shapes to minimise slow stock

maintaining rough opal and consumable supplies

regularly checking continuity of consumables with suppliers

stocking popular sizes to meet new markets.

Dopping techniques may include:

5-minute epoxy glue

aluminium or wooden dop sticks

collapsible rack for holding dop sticks

green or red sealing wax

vacuum dopping

wood glues.

Standard millimetre sizes may require:

consistent accurate sizes

no grinding marks or sanding marks on surface.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Select the machinery, consumables and adhesives 
Select the lighting equipment for UV-sensitive adhesives 
Obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) for materials used 
Determine sources and cost of rough opal and obtain supplies 
Determine sources and cost of consumables, including backing material and triplet tops, and obtain supplies 
Record information about suppliers and costs 
Set up stock management system 
Review workshop layout in relation to production cutting and make adjustments to facilitate workflow where required 
Set up multi-blade saw, grinder, sander, polisher and lighting equipment to manufacturers’ specifications 
Set up dopping rack and other racks and containers as needed 
Cut and polish opals to trade requirements within the predetermined time constraints 
Use appropriate dopping techniques for production work 
Ensure opals satisfy trade requirements for standard millimetre sizes for particular applications 
Follow OHS requirements for machinery, equipment and consumables 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUVOPA402A - Production cut and polish opal
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUVOPA402A - Production cut and polish opal

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: