Application
This unit requires the application of knowledge and skills to determine the specifications for an opal-cutting workshop and to research and select the equipment and consumables required based on sound business principles. Where appropriate the outcomes of this unit could be contextualised to apply to other gemstones. Examples of aspects of the unit that may need to be adjusted would include: the specific properties of each gemstones industry and market requirements underpinning knowledge Range Statement. |
Prerequisites
This unit may be assessed on its own or it may be assessed with other units that cover related skills and knowledge. Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity which combines the Elements of competency for the unit, or a cluster of units of competency. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1 Determine the requirements for setting up an opal cutting workshop. | 1.1 Decide what the workshop is to be used for and how many people will be working there. 1.2 Determine the fixtures and fittings needed for the workshop. 1.3 Identify essential and desirable machinery needed for a cutting and polishing workshop. |
1.4 Determine the consumables needed for an opal cutting workshop. 1.5 Explain the OHS issues for an opal cutting and polishing workshop and determine control measures required. 1.6 Determine the environmental protection requirements and plan compliance. 1.7 Develop the specifications for the building needed for an opal cutting workshop including size, and electrical, water and drainage requirements. | |
2 Identify suppliers of machinery and consumables and establish set up cost. | 2.1 Identify manufacturers and suppliers/agents for new and second hand lapidary equipment. 2.2 Compare prices and advantages and disadvantages of new and second hand equipment and the costs in obtaining machinery or equipment. 2.3 List suppliers of consumables and compare prices. 2.4 Obtain estimates of the cost of services required to set up the workshop. |
3 Investigate resources needed to set up the workshop. | 3.1 Develop a draft budget and cash flow for the first year of operation. 3.2 Use appropriate research techniques to investigate sources of finance and repayment schedules. |
4 Document the information. | 4.1 Record the information gained. 4.2 Organise the information so that it can be used as the basis for making a decision on whether to proceed with the option to set up an opal cutting and polishing business. |
Required Skills
Required skills: basic research skills including internet searching skills documenting and accessing information on opal cutting equipment, manufacturers and the setting up of an opal-cutting workshop sourcing suppliers and costing landed equipment. |
Required knowledge: knowledge of opal cutting workshop requirements knowledge of the manufacturers and suppliers of opal-cutting equipment. |
Evidence Required
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. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | To achieve competency in this unit, a person must be able to determine the requirements for setting up and financing an opal-cutting workshop and organise the information in such a way that it can be used as a basis for decision-making. Assessment must confirm: accurate identification and description of the requirements for the setting up of an opal-cutting workshop ability to locate and procure the equipment necessary for the workshop accurate documentation of the information collected including projected cost of set up, sales and cash flow. Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the range of variables and contexts applicable to the work environment. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | This unit may be assessed in a work environment, in a simulated work environment or in a combination of these situations. |
Method of assessment | For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance. Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills and other methods as required. 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). |
Assessment of this competency requires access to: various reference materials internet lapidary magazines and catalogues a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team. |
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. 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. | |
Fixtures and fittings may include: | air conditioning benches chairs chemical cupboard cupboards floor coverings safes security requirements such as locks (door and window) alarms shelving telephone windows and doors. |
Machinery and equipment may include: | bench grinder 6 or 8 combination units, for grind, sand and polish diamond grinding, sanding and polishing units drum or belt sanders dry sanding units free-hand saw grinding arbours with belt drive leather or felt polishing units multi blade saw slab saw trim saw ventilation system and filters wet sanding units. |
OHS issues may include: | chemicals clean work areas clothing dangers of using electricity and water in the same environment dust and fumes ergonomics fire extinguishers |
first aid kit footwear guarding for machinery lighting naked flames noise safety glasses ventilation. | |
Electrical fittings may include: | cabling and machine wiring exhaust fans and dust extraction hardwired control and fuse box lighting primary and secondary switches and safety stops waterproof power outlets. |
Water and drainage requirements may include: | hosing to machinery sludge traps splash guards taps water drainage and disposal water supply, mains or gravity fed water trays. |
Manufacturers and suppliers/agents may include: | Ashworths Pty. Ltd. Contempo Lapidary Covington Des Liston Lapidary Diamond Pacific Embel Lapidary Gemmasta Gem-tec Graves Lapcraft Raytech Robilt Shelleys Lapidary Supplies T. F. Lapidary Thompson's Lapidary Western Lapidary Supplies. |
Costs may include: | bank charges currency exchange duty or excise freight GST initial cost of machine insurance on-going maintenance postage set up costs. |
Services may include: | electrician plumbing. |
Sources of finance may include: | banks credit unions partnerships private loans. |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Competency Field
Opal cutting and polishing | |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor