This unit applies to the setting up of carding machines for production and the maintenance, repair, adjustment 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 carding 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 carding operations | 1.1 Specifications and production requirements are interpreted to determine machine settings 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 and prepared and used in a safe and effective manner to set up machine for operation 1.4 Machine is set up for operation according to required specifications, including fixing of required attachments, and to run at optimum quality and efficiency levels 1.5 Raw fibres are set up for loading into feed sheet. 1.6 Carding operators are instructed of any special operating requirements |
2 Test machine settings | 2.1 Carding machine is operated in accordance with manufacturer's and workplace instructions to test settings against specifications and operational standards 2.2 Fibre sample is examined to identify required adjustments to machine settings or pattern specifications 2.3 Quality tests are conducted on sliver or web or organised as required to ensure optimal production outcomes are achieved 2.4 Required adjustments are identified and documented and machine settings adjusted accordingly 2.5 Operation is monitored in all production stages |
3 Diagnose and fix carding problems | 3.1 Carding machine operations are monitored to assess ensure operational efficiency in accordance with OHS procedures 3.2 Fibre is assessed to identify faults and to assess impact on operational problems 3.3 Problems and faults are identified and analysed to determine root cause 3.4 Diagnosis is established and strategy for repair or replacement of machine components is developed 3.5 Carding machine is returned to optimal performance through repair of faulty operation 3.6 Carding machine is operated 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: carding methods and the various types of outcomes natural and syntheticfibre types and their method of production fibre parameters fibre counts factors affecting machine performance: fibre strength, sizing, ambient conditions, contaminants fibre quality indicators machine manufacturer specifications 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 carding machines test, analyse and prepare samples 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: interpret production specifications accurately set and operate spinning 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. |
Carding machines and related components include | burr handling systems air filtration equipment combs doffer waste system blending systems compressed air and hydraulic systems |
Specifications may include | weight temperature moisture content lubrication nep/contamination level web thickness compression |
Production requirements may include | drafting twisting splicing piecing up, joining fault identification heating steaming vacuuming oiling |
Machine settings may include | electronic settings automated setting mechanical settings |
Operational efficiency includes | correct feed rate and quality of web off take blending consistency and feed uniformity |
Fibres may be | natural or synthetic to be used in woven, knitted, tufted and non woven products. |
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 | double ends high thin places contamination piecing up |
Sector | Textile Production |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Not applicable.