The unit applies to processes applied to leather products after production operations are completed. Processes may include operations such as printing, coating, brushing, padding, mending, carving, stamping, stitching and other operations designed to achieve a specific effect on leather products. This unit includes the preparation, operation, monitoring and adjusting of tools and equipment used in finishing processes.

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 planning and organising for the safe and effective use of finishing equipment and technology, as well as the application of knowledge of finishing processes and protocols. This unit also requires the ability to read and apply finishing information, check the quality of outcomes and identify operational problems. Self management and planning and organising skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare for finishing of leather product

1.1 Designfeatures and specifications for leather product are interpreted and confirmed with customer or product specifications

1.2 Finishing process required for leather product is confirmed.

1.3 Leather product is checked for quality and conformity to specifications.

1.4 Tools and equipment required for finishing processes are prepared.

1.5 Leather product is prepared for finishing.

2 Conduct finishing process

2.1 Finishing process is undertaken according to workplace and OHS practices.

2.2 Process is monitored to ensure product specifications and quality standards are achieved.

2.3 Product is checked during and on completion of finishing process.

2.4 Finish faults are identified.

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

2.6 Minor product process and equipment faults are identified and corrected where necessary to meet specified requirements.

2.7 Major equipment or product faults are reported or details documented.

3 Complete leather finish

3.1 Product finish is checked against quality standards and product specifications.

3.2 Finish tests are conducted as required.

3.3 Cleaning of area is completed to ensure work environment is maintained in a safe and productive manner.

3.4 Production records and other documentation are accurately completed.

3.5 Finished product is prepared for customer.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

safe operation of finishing tools and equipment

typical fault conditions and related fault finding procedures

equipment maintenance and repair techniques

working properties and characteristics of leather

quality standards and practices

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

check equipment safety and report any faults

recognise, rectify and report faults or problems

confirm compliance to design specifications

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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

confirm finishing requirements for leather product

operate and monitor tools and equipment for finishing process

conduct finishing process

check product against quality standards and design specifications

complete records accurately and completely

apply OHS practices in work operations

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

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.

Design features may include

stitching and embroidery

carved or engraved patterns

attachments such as studs, buckles, reinforcements

plaits, roping

printing, stamping

Finishing process may include

printing, coating, brushing, padding, mending, carving, stamping, stitching, application of fire retardant treatment, plaiting, roping

Leather product may include

clothing, bags and other accessories

saddles and saddlery components

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

Faults may include

holes

creases and folds

marks or cuts

impressions

inconsistent coverage

faulty stitching

Finish tests may include

strength, durability, colour fastness, fire retardation

Sector

Leather Production

This unit contains employability skills.