The unit applies to the routine monitoring, problem solving and maintenance of machines and equipment used in the textile industry.

It involves working with discretion, judgement, and initiative on the job in own work, and may include liaison with specialist technicians including mechanics and technicians and production supervisors.

The application of machine fault diagnosis is within the competency and scope of the operator. The unit does not cover complex problems requiring a textile mechanic.

Work conducted in a variety of environments, such as:

operational workplace activities

restricted space

hazardous, controlled or exposed conditions

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team related activities.

The application of this unit is in accordance with 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 skills in planning and organising, initiative and enterprise and problem solving in order to examine machine performance and identify and undertake necessary steps to ensure efficient operation. Teamwork and communication skills are required to gather necessary information. Self management and learning skills are applied in reviewing own process to ensure outcomes are efficient and safe and optimise machine performance.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Check machine performance

1.1 Machine performance is monitored and reviewed and adjustments made as required, in accordance with manufacturer specifications and OHS practices.

1.2 Machine operations and processes are monitored to ensure correct procedures are assessed and product meets quality standards.

1.3 Machine operator is consulted to assess machine operations and processes.

1.4 Records and documentation of machine performance and maintenance are maintained.

2 Identify problems with machine operation

2.1 Symptoms of machinery fault are identified.

2.2 Visual inspection of machine and product is used to locate fault.

2.3 Fault is located within section or component of machine.

2.4 Operating manuals or documentation are referred to as required.

3 Determine problem cause and solution

3.1 Possible causes of problem are determined.

3.2 Further information is gathered to confirm or eliminate possible cause.

3.3 Appropriate personnel are consulted to confirm cause.

3.4 Immediate solution is determined and trialled or implemented.

3.5 Permanent solution is determined in consultation with appropriate personnel.

4 Conduct routine checks of performance efficiency

4.1 Routine checks of machine performance are assessed against production specifications in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

4.2 Preventative maintenance strategy for machine is checked and assessed in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

4.3 Periodic servicing such as lubrication and greasing, etc. is assessed in accordance with manufacturer instructions as required.

4.4 Machine is cleaned in accordance with manufacturer cleaning instructions.

5 Perform preventative maintenance procedures

5.1 Inspection of parts is conducted according to operating procedures and manufacturer instructions.

5.2 Service and production records are maintained to assist with life cycle monitoring of parts and machine as required.

5.3 Faulty parts are identified for repair, replacement or adjustment as required.

5.4 Parts and consumables to be repaired or replaced are identified and repaired or replaced as required.

5.5 Replacement parts and consumables are inspected, checked and monitored to ensure compliance with operational specifications.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

procedures and guidelines for safe operation of machines

typical fault conditions and related fault finding procedures

routine maintenance processes and practices

preventative maintenance concepts

root cause analysis concepts

range and use of replacement parts and consumables

techniques to replace parts and consumables

characteristics of materials and fibres

technical specifications manuals

quality standards and practices

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

assess operating performance of machine

undertake root cause analysis

carry out preventative maintenance activities

start and stop machines according to specifications

monitor machine operations including machine production readings

recognise fault conditions

use hand tools and hand-held power tools

undertake cleaning and servicing

recognise, rectify machine faults or problems as required

check machine maintenance records

check and confirm compliance to operational specifications

solve problems

brainstorm

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 of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

operate machines correctly

monitor machine performance against specifications and undertake minor adjustments

clean machines

identify faults

identify and replace replaceable parts and consumables used in normal machine operations

communicate and cooperate with mechanics/technicians and production personnel

complete records accurately and completely

apply OHS practices in work operations

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.

Symptoms may include

product does not meet specification

machine is not operating to specification

sounds not attributed to normal operation

recurrent faults such as yarn breaking, etc.

Machines may include

knitting machines

carding machines

spinning machines

weaving looms

dyeing equipment

tufting looms

finishing equipment

creeling and warping machines

Appropriate personnel may include

textile mechanic

supervisor

senior operator

Immediate solution may include

decommission machine

change settings

adjust operation

perform temporary fix

refer to textile mechanic

Parts and consumables may include

items that require periodic replacement as a result of normal machine and production operations, e.g. belts, globes, combs

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

Sector

Textile Production

This unit contains employability skills.