Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:32 AM AWST
23/07/2026 9:32 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Identify the requirements for establishing an opal-cutting workshop
Identify the requirements for establishing an opal-cutting workshop
Unit of competency
National Code
CUVOPA406A
CUVOPA406A
State Code
S7697
S7697
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/11/2014
Field of Education
100307 - Jewellery Making
Original Release Date
06/11/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the requirements for establishing an opal-cutting workshop.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess workshop requirements
- 1.1 Decide what the workshop is to be used for and how many people will be working there
- 1.2 Determine the consumables, fixtures and fittings needed for an opal-cutting workshop
- 1.3 Identify essential and desirable machinery needed for a cutting and polishing workshop
- 1.4 Assess the OHS issues for an opal-cutting and polishing workshop and determine control measures required
- 1.5 Determine the environmental protection requirements and plan compliance
- 1.6 Assess the specifications for the building needed for an opal-cutting workshop, including size, electrical fittings, and water and drainage requirements
2. Identify suppliers of machinery and consumables and establish set-up cost
- 2.1 Identify manufacturers and suppliers/agents for new and second-hand lapidary equipment
- 2.2 Compare prices and advantages and disadvantages of new and second-hand equipment, and the costs in obtaining machinery and equipment
- 2.3 List suppliers of consumables and compare prices
- 2.4 Obtain estimates of the cost of services required to set up the workshop
3. Investigate resources needed to set up the workshop
- 3.1 Develop a draft budget and cash flow for the first year of operation
- 3.2 Use appropriate research techniques to investigate sources of finance and repayment schedules
4. Document the information
- 4.1 Record the information gained
- 4.2 Organise the information so that it can be used as the basis for making a decision on whether to proceed with the option to set up an opal cutting and polishing business
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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Fixtures and fittings may include:
air conditioning
benches
chairs
chemical cupboards
cupboards
floor coverings
safes
security requirements, such as door and window locks alarms
shelving
telephone
windows and doors.
Machinery and equipment may include:
bench grinder 6″ or 8″
combination units for grind, sand and polish
diamond grinding, sanding and polishing units
drum or belt sanders
dry sanding units
free-hand saws
grinding arbours with belt drive
leather or felt polishing units
multi-blade saws
slab saws
trim saws
ventilation system and filters
wet sanding units.
OHS issues may include:
appropriate clothing and footwear
chemicals
cleanliness of work areas
dangers of using electricity and water in the same environment
dust and fumes
ergonomics
fire extinguishers
first aid kit
guarding for machinery
lighting
naked flames
noise
safety glasses
ventilation.
Electrical fittings may include:
cabling and machine wiring
exhaust fans and dust extraction
hardwired control and fuse box
lighting primary and secondary
switches and safety stops
waterproof power outlets.
Water and drainage requirements may include:
hosing to machinery
sludge traps
splash guards
taps
water drainage and disposal
water supply, mains or gravity fed
water trays.
Manufacturers and suppliers/agents may include:
Ashworths Pty Ltd
Contempo Lapidary
Covington
Des Liston Lapidary
Diamond Pacific
Embel Lapidary
Gemmasta
Gemtec
Graves
Lapcraft
Raytech
Robilt
Shelleys Lapidary Supplies
T. F. Lapidary
Thompson’s Lapidary
Western Lapidary Supplies.
Costs may include:
bank charges
currency exchange
duty or excise
freight
GST
initial cost of machine
insurance
ongoing maintenance
postage
set-up costs.
Services may include:
electrician
plumbing.
Sources of finance may include:
banks
credit unions
partnerships
private loans.
Fixtures and fittings may include:
air conditioning
benches
chairs
chemical cupboards
cupboards
floor coverings
safes
security requirements, such as door and window locks alarms
shelving
telephone
windows and doors.
Machinery and equipment may include:
bench grinder 6″ or 8″
combination units for grind, sand and polish
diamond grinding, sanding and polishing units
drum or belt sanders
dry sanding units
free-hand saws
grinding arbours with belt drive
leather or felt polishing units
multi-blade saws
slab saws
trim saws
ventilation system and filters
wet sanding units.
OHS issues may include:
appropriate clothing and footwear
chemicals
cleanliness of work areas
dangers of using electricity and water in the same environment
dust and fumes
ergonomics
fire extinguishers
first aid kit
guarding for machinery
lighting
naked flames
noise
safety glasses
ventilation.
Electrical fittings may include:
cabling and machine wiring
exhaust fans and dust extraction
hardwired control and fuse box
lighting primary and secondary
switches and safety stops
waterproof power outlets.
Water and drainage requirements may include:
hosing to machinery
sludge traps
splash guards
taps
water drainage and disposal
water supply, mains or gravity fed
water trays.
Manufacturers and suppliers/agents may include:
Ashworths Pty Ltd
Contempo Lapidary
Covington
Des Liston Lapidary
Diamond Pacific
Embel Lapidary
Gemmasta
Gemtec
Graves
Lapcraft
Raytech
Robilt
Shelleys Lapidary Supplies
T. F. Lapidary
Thompson’s Lapidary
Western Lapidary Supplies.
Costs may include:
bank charges
currency exchange
duty or excise
freight
GST
initial cost of machine
insurance
ongoing maintenance
postage
set-up costs.
Services may include:
electrician
plumbing.
Sources of finance may include:
banks
credit unions
partnerships
private loans.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
identify the requirements for setting up and financing an opal-cutting workshop
organise the information in such a way that it can be used as a basis for decision making.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
various reference materials
internet
lapidary magazines and catalogues.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
identify the requirements for setting up and financing an opal-cutting workshop
organise the information in such a way that it can be used as a basis for decision making.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
various reference materials
internet
lapidary magazines and catalogues.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D669 | CUV40611 | Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing | Qualification |