This unit applies to the lay-up, marking, and cutting of sail panels using manual or computerised methods. The joining of panels will involve sewing and bonding techniques. Interpretation of sail designs and specification sheets is required.

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

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 cutting and joining processes and technology within the sail making industry. This unit also requires an ability to interpret job specifications and work instructions, check the quality of outcomes, complete workplace documentation and identify and rectify faults and problems in own work. Self management skills are applied to ensure workplace and quality standards are achieved.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Lay up, plot and mark sail

1.1 Sail design specifications are interpreted and clarified where necessary and sail type is identified

1.2 Lay up instructions are interpreted

1.3 Sailcloth width and quality are checked against lay-up instructions

1.3 Lay marker is plotted on the sailcloth using computer or manual techniques

1.4 Mark is copied manually or by computer on the sailcloth

1.5 Marker and lay alignment are checked against design specifications and adjustments made as required

1.6 Master copy of lay marker is stored as appropriate

2 Cut sail

2.1 Sailcloth is laid out correctly using proper handling techniques

2.2 Sailcloth is checked for faults or inconsistencies and appropriate action taken

2.3 Cutting equipment is obtained and checked according to specifications for work.

2.4 Sailcloth is cut according to OHS practices

2.5 Cut sailcloth is inspected, any faults identified and appropriate action taken to ensure cut pieces meet required quality standards and design specifications

3 Join sail panels

3.1 Required joining technique is identified according to design and sail specifications, and work area and resource requirements prepared

3.2 Sailcloth surfaces are prepared, aligned, anchored, or otherwise stabilised for application of adhesive or sewing

3.3 Sail panels are joined according to design specifications and OHS practices, including use of personal protective equipment

3.4 Joining is continuously monitored for errors and to ensure correct alignment and integrity to design specifications

3.5 Bonded joins are allowed to cure for specified time, using heat application where appropriate

3.6 Sail is removed and bonded or sewn joins are informally inspected and tested for strength and accuracy against design specifications

3.7 Faults and inconsistencies or discrepancies with design are identified and addressed

3.8 Sail is transferred to next area for finishing and housekeeping and required production documentation are completed

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

sail types for various uses and boat sizes

cross-cut, radial and membrane panel layouts

sail cloths commonly used in sail-making, and their performance factors

CAD software applications for use in sail making

manual handling techniques for sailcloth

operating principles of sewing machines used in sail making

needle, thread and stitch specifications

adhesives used in sail making, and practices and procedures for application

environmental and waste-management requirements of sail-making industry

curing requirements

procedures for strength testing of joined sailcloth

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

correctly interpret sail design and lay-up instructions

use CAD software for marking and plotting

apply handling techniques when laying out and transferring sailcloth

identify faults and inconsistencies in sailcloth, markings, and joined sails

correctly adjust lay height and position of sailcloth

cut sailcloth to lay

select and apply correct adhesive

select correct needle and thread types

operate sewing machine

check work against information and specifications throughout sail making process

prepare, examine, and use materials and equipment and work area according to OHS and workplace practices

apply Personal Protective Equipment correctly

store materials and equipment and dispose of wastes according to OHS practices and industry regulations

maintain machines and work area

locate and apply relevant information

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

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:

interpret and apply sail design specifications

accurately lay up, mark and plot design

cut and join sailcloth

identify faults, inconsistencies and discrepancies

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.

Sail type may include:

one design

cruising

cruiser and racing

racing yacht

sails for a range of boat sizes

Lay-up must include:

cross-cut, radial and membrane panel layouts

Sail cloth may include:

dacron

nylon

vinyl

canvas

wovens

spinnaker

laminet

composite sailcloth

Cutting equipment includes:

scissors

power tools

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

Resource requirements may include

power tools

spray guns

portable ventilation fans

hot air dryers

heat lamps

sewing machines

needles

threads

adhesive applicators

cleaning cloths

solvents

Joining techniques may include

sewing, using a variety of stitch types

use of adhesives such as glue, tape and other bonding agents

combination of both sewing and adhesives

Personal Protective Equipment may include:

masks

goggles

aprons or other protective covers

gloves

Required production documentation may include:

record of inconsistencies or faults

record of adhesives used

instructions for finishing

production information

time and date

labelling

packing or transfer information

Sector

Textile Fabrication

This unit contains employability skills.