Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:

Fabric cutting

This unit covers work involving cutting single or multi layer fabrics by hand or automatic method according to specifications and pattern

This unit applies to fabrics and where matching involves naps, direction of pattern and pattern repeats

Unit context

OH&S requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures or equivalent

Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, organisation insurance requirements, environmental legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations

Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the cutting of material. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
scissors
cutting blades
fabric cutter

Materials to be cut may include but are not limited to:
plain and patterned fabric

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulation and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery

Work instructions, including job sheets, patterns, drawings and designs

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
Identify materials used and any special cutting requirements
Measure accurately and cut fabrics to required size and accuracy covering at least three different fabric types or pattern styles
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
Design features of finished mattress and/or base items related to laying out patterns and cutting fabrics
Work requirements, including workplace standards
Risks to health from repetitive actions and prevention strategies

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, plans and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
Planning. Plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate cutting problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use workplace technology related to the layout out of pattern and cutting fabrics, including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Appropriate fabric cutters, scissors and tools, fabrics, work order, workplace information, including work procedures and equipment instructions.

Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment should be conducted over time and will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Key Competency Levels
NB:These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.
There are three levels available:
Level 1 where work is within set conditions and process
Level 2 where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised; and
Level 3 where the design and/or development of conditions or process is required
Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)