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:

May include:
austrian
festoon
london
balloon
cloud and festoon style curtain types
including lace
fabric-lined and unlined blinds

Unit context

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

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

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

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
industrial sewing machines
measuring equipment
stapler
drill and saw

Materials to be machined may include but are not limited to:
lining
interlining and curtain fabrics
fasteners
threads

Personal protective equipment

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

Work order requirements include:
widths and numbers of finished blinds
seam allowances and types
number and widths of panels
lining and any interlining
contrasting edging
required fasteners and other materials
and mounting style
headboard or track requirements

Machine sewing operations

Machine sewing operations are to ensure straight stitching along seam lines from the face to the lower edge of the material, securing of beginning and end of threads of the stitching, even and appropriate seam stitch type, length, visibility, and seams are flat and finished components match work requirements

Information and procedures

Machine manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery

Work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, 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
Identify materials used and any special sewing requirements for the style of blinds
Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
Gather fabrics evenly to meet customer requirements and fabric type
Construct at least two types of austrian/festoon style blinds which may be austrian, festoon, london, balloon and cloud
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
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
Report process or materials faults, damaged products or equipment

Underpinning Knowledge
Types, characteristics, uses and limitations of austrian/festoon style blinds
Design features of the austrian/festoon style blinds
Fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
Identification of equipment, processes and procedures for making the particular blind style
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, and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate construction problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use workplace technology related to the construction of austrian/festoon style blinds, including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Appropriate sewing machine, 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 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
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)