This unit applies to trimming operations for hides, skins or leather.

Work may be conducted in restricted spaces or exposed conditions or controlled or open environments.

Trimming operations may be applied to the following processes:

preparation for tannage (sheepskin, bovine, calf skin)

preparation to crust (flesh split, grain split, sheepskin)

finishing

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 planning and organising skills associated with the safe and efficient use and care of machinery and equipment used in trimming leather according to production requirements. Self management skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare equipment

1.1 Personal safety equipment, where needed, is obtained, selected and checked to ensure appropriateness

1.2 Knives are selected and their condition checked for suitability

1.3 Knives are sharpened or prepared, as required

2 Trim materials

2.1 Trimming requirements are confirmed with operator or supervisor for required task or process

2.2 Trimming is assessed, as required, in accordance with task requirements and workplace procedures

2.3 Waste is monitored and disposed of in accordance with environmental and workplace procedures

3 Clean and store equipment

3.1 Equipment is cleaned appropriately in readiness for next application

3.2 Equipment is stored after use in accordance with workplace and OHS practices

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

industry and product processes and equipment

trimming requirements

procedures for knife handling, sharpening, and storing

processes for waste monitoring

quality standards and manual handling procedures

safety and environmental aspects of relevant processes, particularly working with sharp objects

workplace procedures

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

use safety equipment, where required

select, sharpen, and prepare knives

trim materials

monitor and dispose of waste

maintain and store equipment appropriately

communicate effectively within the workplace

apply established procedures

document 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 Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

confirm trimming requirements

sharpen and prepare knives as required

perform trimming tasks

clean and store equipment

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.

Sharpened or prepared may include

cleaning

honing or sharpening

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.