This unit applies to handing, preparing, using and storing chemicals. Work may be conducted in restricted spaces or exposed conditions or controlled or open environments.

Chemical processes could relate to the use of chemicals in the following areas:

chemical preservation

wool removal and skin pickle (wool off)

soak, scour, bleach, pickle, sytan (wool on)

chemical preparation for tanning all hide and skin types

tannage

drum processes (bovine, hair off)

preparation to crust (rewet, dye house processing)

finishing leather and woolskin (coatings)

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

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 interpreting and applying work instructions including following and calculating chemical formulas. This unit also requires an ability to plan and organise activities and recognise problems or equipment faults that may interfere with meeting production requirements. Self management skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Confirm instructions, chemicals and equipment required

1.1 Appropriate work instructions are selected and confirmed as the authorised or correct version to be applied

1.2 Chemicals required for the process are confirmed

1.3 Equipment required for the chemical preparation is identified and checked for condition, including all necessary precautions and use of safety gear

1.4 Non-conforming equipment is reported

2 Prepare chemicals and equipment

2.1 Protective clothing and equipment is worn or used in accordance with OHS practices

2.2 Equipment is organised and made ready for use in the preparation of chemicals

2.3 Calculations are accurately performed to determine particular requirements, where necessary

2.4 Chemicals are measured, weighed and prepared in accordance with workplace procedures, taking into account all safety requirements

2.5 Safe lifting and materials handling techniques are correctly applied

3 Clean and store equipment

3.1 Equipment is cleaned, as required,

3.2 Equipment is stored appropriately after use to ensure readiness for next application, where required

4 Store unused chemicals

4.1 Unused chemicals are repackaged in accordance with chemical manufacturers' and relevant safety requirements

4.2 Chemicals are stored in accordance with workplace and recognised safety procedures using appropriate manual handling techniques

5 Carry out recording procedure

5.1 Recording of procedure or chemical use is assessed in accordance with regulatory and workplace requirements

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

industry and product processes and equipment

characteristics and hazards of chemicals and other materials used on hides and skins or in the process

procedures for chemical handling, preparation, and storage

equipment for weighing and measuring

quality standards and manual handling procedures

safety and environmental aspects of relevant processes, particularly for chemicals

workplace procedures

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

select and confirm requirements

check and prepare equipment, including safety and protective clothing and equipment

perform calculations and weigh /measure chemicals

clean and store equipment appropriately

repackage, handle, and store unused chemicals

communicate effectively within the workplace

interpret and apply established procedures

document, assess, and transfer information

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

maintain accurate records

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 Employability Skills Statement, Elements and Performance Criteria, Range Statement and Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

ensure correct application of chemicals for task

perform calculations, as necessary

measure and weigh and prepare chemicals

appropriately handle, use and store chemicals

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.

Equipment may include

protective clothing and equipment and apparatus

calculator

Measuring and weighing equipment

cleaning materials

Prepare chemicals may include

calculation

weighing and measuring

mixing and blending

Chemical measurements may be assessed

using manual, semi-automatic or automatic weighing machines

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

Sector

Leather Production

This unit contains employability skills.