This unit applies to the setting up and operation of combing machines and associated equipment. Work is conducted under limited supervision with the exercise of initiative, discrimination and judgement. Occasional supervision of other personnel may be required. Work may be conducted in a variety of environments, such as:

operational workplace activities

hazardous, controlled or exposed conditions

Operator maintenance of combing machines and equipment, which may be scheduled or unscheduled and may vary according to enterprise requirements

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

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 the safe and effective use of wool combing processes and technology. This unit also requires an ability to interpret and communicate job related information such as batch instructions and production records, check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to own work.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Operate wool combing machines and equipment

1.1 All necessary settings and preparation for machine or equipment operation are identified and assessed

1.2 Work area around machine or equipment is cleaned and maintained to meet workplace and OHS practices

1.3 Combing machinery and associated equipment is started

1.4 Tubs, cans and creels are changed as required

1.5 Wool blends for combing are correctly identified

1.6 Combing machinery and associated equipment is stopped or shut down in accordance with all safety and workplace standard operating procedures

2 Carry out operator maintenance

2.1 Minor running problems are identified, corrected by the operator where appropriate, and reported in accordance with workplace and equipment manufacturer procedures

2.2 Major machine and equipment or product faults are reported

2.3 Minor maintenance and cleaning are performed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

3 Monitor product quality

3.1 Quality requirements are correctly identified and applied for all stages of the process

3.2 Wool flow is monitored to meet workplace standard operating procedures and quality requirements

3.3 Blending is monitored to ensure blending consistency and feed uniformity

3.4 Wool quality is visually checked to ensure standard is maintained

3.5 Any deviations from normal are recognised, isolated and reported

4 Dispose of waste materials

4.1 Waste is kept to a minimum through correct application of enterprise lot change and run out procedures

4.2 Waste is recycled where possible

4.3 Machine waste is disposed of in accordance with environmental and safety procedures

4.4 Environmental requirements and procedures concerned with waste, pollution and recycling of materials are correctly applied at all stages of the process

5 Communicate production information

5.1 Records and other documentation are clearly and accurately completed

5.2 Information from other operators, shifts and supervisory personnel regarding production status and problems is accurately interpreted by the operator

5.3 Information regarding production status and problems is accurately communicated to other operators, shifts and supervisory personnel

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

principles of operating wool combing machines and associated equipment

requirements of machine setting and adjustment

systems of blending

air filtration processes

waste management processes

product quality standards

safety and environmental aspects of relevant workplace processes

general housekeeping policies and procedures including relevant cleaning agents and equipment

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

set and operate machines

perform operator maintenance of machines and work area

use relevant hand tools

use cleaning agents and dispose of waste products

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

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:

comply with all relevant safety requirements

interpret work orders and product requirements

operate wool combing machines and associated equipment

monitor processes and operation of wool combing machines and associated equipment, including application of quality standards criteria and recognition of non-conforming outcomes

perform operator maintenance of wool combing machines and associated equipment including settings and adjustments

perform operator maintenance of work area

document and communicate work related information, including reporting of non-conforming outcomes and other problems

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail and without damage to goods and equipment

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.

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.

Machine or equipment may include

combing machine

noil recovery systems

air filtration equipment

blending systems

Materials, hand tools and equipment may include

cleaning equipment

detergents and other chemicals

hand and power tools normally applicable to the tasks

hand trolleys

pallet trucks

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

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

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector

Textile Production

This unit contains employability skills.