This unit applies to determining the suitability of hides, skins and leathers for specific uses. It includes the impact of slaughter and dressing techniques, preservation methods and industry classification systems.

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 problem solving in determining leather suitability for production purposes. It also requires the ability to check the quality and complete production records. Self management and planning and organising skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Inspect hide, skin or leather

1.1 Type of species is identified

1.2 Different uses and characteristics of species are identified

1.3 Performance characteristics are identified

1.4 Grading and classification system is identified

1.5 Faults on the hide, skin or leather are identified

1.6 Inspection is conducted according to OHS practices to determine quality of hide, skin or leather

2 Identify techniques that impact on suitability for use

2.1 Slaughter and dressing techniques are identified

2.2 Impact of slaughter and dressing techniques on hide, skin and leather quality are identified

2.3 Effects of slaughter and dressing techniques on suitability for use in leather manufacturing are identified

3 Identify preservation and storage methods

3.1 Preservation methods for hide, skin and leathers are identified

3.2 Storage requirements are identified and described

3.3 Effects of incorrect preservation and storage are described

4 Determine suitability for production

4.1 Quality requirements for production are confirmed

4.2 Suitability of hide, skin and leather for production requirements is determined

4.3 Documentation is completed

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

leather industry processes and equipment

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

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 within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry our 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

inspect hide, skin and leather

identify faults and production impacts

describe preservation and storage methods

determine suitability of hide, skin and leather for manufacturing use

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 without damage to goods and equipment

Context and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Guidance information for 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.

Species may include

calf

cow hide

kid

goat

buffalo

kangaroo

reptile

sheep

ostrich

emu

pig

deer

Characteristics may include

stretch

size

grain

nap

substance

hair follicle

Performance characteristics may include

stretch

abrasion

wearability

absorbency

durability

elasticity

heat sensitivity

shrink resistance

strength

Faults may include

marks

scars

cuts

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

Leather Production

This unit contains employability skills.