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 developing a cutting plan and cutting multiple layer upholstery fabrics by hand or automatic method

A cutting plan is developed to ensure fabric is laid correctly to indicate run for each panel, the dimensions for each component part and to minimise fabric waste

Unit context

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

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

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

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
cutting table
tape measures
scissors
cutting blades
round knife cutter
straight knife
automatic cutting machines and cloth cutting machine

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

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices. It may include:
safety glasses/goggles
hair nets
ear muffs/plugs
gloves
footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery

Workplace procedures relating to the development of cutting plans

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
Identify materials used and any special cutting requirements for those 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
As a minimum, measure, develop cutting plan, lay out and cut out at least five layers of fabric for an item of upholstered furniture
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 the finished furnishing items in relation to developing the cutting plan, laying out and cutting the fabrics
Work requirements including workplace standards

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 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 work area 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 development of cutting plans and cutting fabrics including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Appropriate scissors and tools, fabrics, work order, workplace information including work procedures and/or 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 may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which form a part of the job role.

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)