This unit applies to the setting up of circular knitting machines for warp and weft knitting and the repair, adjustment, maintenance and testing of machines to ensure efficient working order. Discretion and judgement may be required, for both self and others, in planning and selecting processes, procedures or outcomes.

This unit does not cover all repair and adjustment functions associated with circular knitting machines. In particular skills associated with general engineering (fitting), electrical and electronic systems, and fluid power systems may be required according to the nature of the set up, repair or adjustment, and the workplace practices of a particular enterprise.

Work may be conducted in a variety of environments, such as operational workplace activities, restricted space, hazardous, controlled or exposed conditions.

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 resources and machinery for the required work, as well as applying skills and knowledge of machines and equipment to ensure production outcomes are met. Initiative and enterprise, and problem solving are key skills required to ensure operational efficiency of machines. This unit also requires and ability to communicate in writing and verbally with others.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Set up machines for knitting operations including product change

1.1 Production and pattern specifications are interpreted to determine required machine settings for knitted product

1.2 Documentation relating to machine settings, operation and maintenance is interpreted, referenced and applied according to the needs of the task

1.3 Tools appropriate for the machine and task are selected, prepared and used in a safe and effective manner to set up machine for operation

1.4 Machine is set up according to required specifications for operation or product change including fixing of required attachments and to run at optimum quality and efficiency levels

1.5 Yarn is checked and threaded for production

1.6 Knitting operators are instructed of any special operating requirements

2 Test machine settings

2.1 Knitting machine is operated in accordance with manufacturer's and workplace instructions to test settings against specifications and operational standards

2.2 Knitted product or sample is examined to identify required adjustments to machine settings or pattern specifications

2.3 Quality tests are conducted or organised as required to ensure optimal production outcomes are achieved

2.4 Required adjustments are identified and documented and machine settings adjusted accordingly

3 Diagnose and fix knitting problems

3.1 Knitting machine operation is monitored to assess operational efficiency and safe operation in accordance with OHS procedures

3.2 Discuss the nature and extent of machine or knitting faults with operator

3.3 Knitting product is assessed to identify knit faults

3.4 Yarn is examined to assess possible impact on operational problems

3.5 Problems and faults are identified and analysed to determine root cause

3.6 Fault diagnosis is established and strategy for repair including replacement of yarn or parts is determined

3.7 Knitting machine is returned to optimal performance through repair of faulty operation or replacement of yarn or machine parts

3.8 Knitting machine is tested and sample produced to ensure problems have been fixed

4 Communicate operational information

4.1 Records are maintained and reports prepared where necessary

4.2 Adjustments to machines and patterns are documented and discussed with appropriate personnel

4.3 Operational instructions are documented

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

circular knitting methods and the various types of knit effects

yarn twist and application

fibre types and their method of production

fibre parameters

yarn counts

pattern specifications

factors affecting machine performance: yarn strength, sizing, ambient conditions

machine manufacturer specifications

common knitting machinefaults and methods of

safety and environmental aspects of relevant enterprise activities

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

set and operate circular knitting machines

test, analyse and prepare samples

interpret and document a simple range of knit patterns

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

undertake preventative maintenance to circular knitting machines including servicing according to manufacturer instructions and regular checking for worn or damaged parts

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 of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

interpret production specifications accurately

set and operate knit machine safely and correctly

perform sample runs and analyse results

identify and make appropriate readjustments

determine root cause of operational problems

solve operational problems

apply workplace health and safety policies in production operations

maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance

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

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.

Pattern specifications may include

circular knitting design

colour

pattern

size

stitch gauge

tension

weft knits

warp knits, including tricot, milanese and raschel knitting

plain, purl, and double knits

sock knitting

full garment

Machine settings may include

electronic settings

automated setting

mechanical settings

Knitted product may include

knitted fabric

hosiery

jumpers

socks

shirts

Yarns may be

wool

nylon

acrylic

polypropylene

polyester

cotton

viscose

blends

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

Faults may include

holes

foreign matter

creasing

lines

runs

yarn breakages

incorrect yarn tension or joins

incorrect creeling or beaming of warp and weft

short rows

mechanical breakdown

fluid power fault

electrical or electronic faults

poor feeding and threading of needle/s

dirty or oily marks

sinker lines

Repairs include

Repairs may include the following depending on the nature of the fault and workplace practices in the enterprise. Depending on the fault, particular repairs may require additional training in general engineering, fluid power and control systems.

correcting creeling, beaming and threading faults

joining of yarn and tensioning

removal and replacement of faulty parts

setting of clearances, limits and fits

resetting or reprogramming of controls and sensors

repair or replacement of pneumatic or hydraulic components

Sector

Textile Production

This unit contains employability skills.