This unit applies to the setting up of domestic sewing machines for production 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 maintenance, repair and adjustment functions associated with domestic sewing machines. In particular skills associated with general engineering (fitting), electrical and electronic 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 work and non work environments and awareness needs to be shown of potentially hazardous situations for self and the domestic sewing machine user. 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 client 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 domestic sewing machine for production operation or product change | 1.1 Machine manufacturer specifications and work description from operator are interpreted to determine optimum sewing machine settings for product and operator. 1.2 Tools appropriate for the machine and task are selected, prepared and used in a safe and effective manner to set up machine for operation 1.3 Machine is set up according to required specifications for operation including fixing of required attachments and to run at optimum quality and efficiency levels 1.4 Needle or needles are threaded, checked and tension set for planned sewing operations 1.5 Lubrication is checked prior to operation 1.6 Sewing machine operators are instructed of any special operating requirements |
2 Test domestic sewing machine settings | 2.1 Sewing machine is operated in accordance with manufacturer and workplace instructions to test settings against specifications and operational standards 2.2 Sewn product or sample is examined to confirm desired sewing motion and stitch is achieved and to identify required adjustments to machine settings 2.3 Required adjustments are identified and documented and machine settings adjusted accordingly |
3 Diagnose and fix domestic sewing problems | 3.1 Domestic sewing machine operation is monitored to assess operational efficiency and safe operation in accordance with OHS procedures 3.2 Discuss the nature and extent of sewing faults with operator 3.3 Sewn product is assessed to identify sewing faults 3.4 Problems and faults are identified and analysed to determine root cause 3.5 Fault diagnosis is established and strategy for repair is determined 3.6 Sewing machine is returned to optimal performance through readjustment of settings or repair or replacement of faulty machine parts 3.7 Sewing 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 are documented and discussed with appropriate personnel 4.3 Instructions to operators are given and documented |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Demonstrates knowledge of: sewing methods and the various types of sewing operations, stitches, fabrics and knit effects threads pattern specifications factors affecting machine performance including: thread strength, dust and other contaminants, lubrication, needle condition, operator skill, ambient conditions machine manufacturer specifications and adjustment methods 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 up and operate domestic sewing machines read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions and other reference material undertake preventative maintenance to domestic sewing machines including servicing according to manufacturer instructions and checking for worn or damaged parts diagnose the cause of faulty operation and undertake appropriate repair or replacement of 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: safety policies maintain accurate interpret production specifications accurately set and operate domestic sewing 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 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. | ||
Domestic sewing machines include | lockstitch and chain stitch sewing machines overlock sewing machines and sergers high volume automatic and manually operated hem, selvedge and embroidery sewing machines | ||
Machine settings may include | gaps tolerances clearances tension needle speed and timing direction other settings depending on the domestic sewing machine settings depending on the machine model and function and production requirements | ||
OHS procedures | OHS procedures 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 | contamination incorrect thread tension mechanical breakdown electrical or electronic fault poor feeding and threading of needle/s dirty or oily marks on thread or fabric incorrect stitch thread, lint or debris in rotary hook, bobbin case, needleplate and feed dog and the motor and oil reservoir puckering thread breakages uneven thread delivery including loop stitches and slip stitches poor lubrication and cooling resulting in needle overheating and fabric burn | ||
Repairs include | Repairs may include the following, depending on the nature of the fault and workplace practices in the enterprise: correcting threading faults tensioning removal and replacement of faulty or worn parts setting of clearances, limits and fits re-setting or re-programming of controls and sensors Depending on the fault, particular repairs may require additional training in general engineering, fluid power and control systems. | ||
Sector | Textile Production |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Not applicable.