The unit applies to identifying a range of materials used in the footwear industry. Materials include natural and synthetic materials, adhesives and components.

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 problem solving to identify types and characteristics of materials used in footwear production and identify common faults. Learning and self management skills are required to apply knowledge of footwear materials.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Identify footwear materials

1.1 Materials used in footwear production are identified.

1.2 Types and sources of materials are identified.

1.3 Characteristics of materials are identified.

1.4 Generic and trade names for materials are identified.

2 Determine uses of materials for footwear production

2.1 Uses of materials for footwear production are identified.

2.2 Handling and care requirements for materials are identified.

2.3 Common problems and faults of materials are identified.

2.4 OHS practices relevant to materials uses are identified.

3 Determine performance of materials for footwear

3.1 Physical properties of materials are identified.

3.2 Performance characteristics of materials are identified and described.

3.3 Types of surface finishes used on materials are described.

4 Identify common faults, problems and surface defects of materials

4.1 Common faults, problems and surface defects of materials are identified.

4.2 Possible causes for common faults, problems and surface defects are described.

4.3 Workplace quality practices relating to faults, problems and surface defects are identified.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

handling procedures for materials

safety and environmental aspects of relevant production and assembly processes

quality standards and practices

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate in 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

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

identify materials

identify materials uses within footwear industry

identify characteristics of materials

determine performance of materials

identify common faults, problems and surface defects of materials

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.

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.

Materials may include:

leather such as:

calf

cow hide

kid

goat

buffalo

kangaroo

reptile

sheep

ostrich

emu

pig

adhesives and chemicals such as:

polyurethane adhesives

rubber cement

methyl ethyl ketone

halogenation solvent

dichloromethane

petrol

methylated spirits

solvent-based spray finishes

solvent-based emulsions

fabrics such as:

satin

silk

taffeta

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

Characteristics may include:

stretch

size

grain

nap

substance

properties and uses of different types of hides and leathers

hair follicle patterns of leather

Performance characteristics may include:

stretch

abrasion

wearability

absorbency

durability

elasticity

heat sensitivity

shrink resistance

strength

Faults, problems or defects may include:

marks

scars

cuts

Sector

Footwear Production

This unit contains employability skills.