This unit applies to the splitting of leather pieces using a splitting machine. Competency must be demonstrated in the use of one or more skiving or splitting machines and associated equipment. Leather pieces used will generally be single pieces and may include leather and synthetics.

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 of work pieces and technology to ensue efficient and effective splitting of leather. This unit also requires and ability to problem solve and communicate operational faults. Self management and planning and organising skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare work pieces

1.1 Work bundle is received, checked and any follow up action assessed

1.2 Quality of received component parts is assessed

1.3 Work pieces are laid out in correct sequence in accordance with workplace procedures and specifications

2 Set up machine

2.1 Position self to achieve operator comfort and to minimise fatigue

2.2 Machines are cleaned and checked in accordance with OHS practices

2.3 Splitting machine, and associated equipment, is set up, started up, closed down and basic maintenance assessed following standards, operating procedures and safety requirements

3 Perform machine operation

3.1 Correct weights are determined using machine adjustments

3.2 Pieces are positioned on machine, as appropriate

3.3 Matrix pattern is placed on leather piece

3.4 Cut pieces are split to correct weights using machine adjustments

3.5 Weight gauges and micrometer are correctly used

3.6 Finished pieces are checked against specifications

4 Identify poor machine performance

4.1 The performance of the machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operations and action taken

5 Dispatch completed work

5.1 Pieces are bundled, stacked, stored or dispatched

5.2 Production faults are recorded as required

5.3 Records are completed

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

procedures for operating splitting machine

characteristics of a limited range of typical leathers and synthetics used in leather goods production

safety and environmental aspects of relevant production and assembly processes

workplace procedures

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

apply defined procedures

communicate effectively within the workplace

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

maintain accurate records

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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

check work against ticket information and workplace standards

prepare workstation and work prior to commencing operations

set up splitting machine and associated equipment

apply splitting machine operation techniques involving defined procedures

check work against specifications

apply workplace health and safety policies in work operations

maintain accurate records

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.

Operating procedures may include

use of weight gauges and micrometers

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.