Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Unit scope
This unit addresses the sewing of final cover upholstery materials using simple machines and techniques
Unit context
Workplace health and safety includes OHS legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines
Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, organisation insurance requirements, OHS legislation, environmental legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations
Basic sewing
Basic sewing is the ability to operate and adjust a simple sewing machine (straight and walking foot sewing machines) to join two or more pieces of upholstery fabric together
Job requirements may include:
materials
threads
additional work features
shape and any special requirements for the item
and any required workplace documentation to be competed
Machines may include, but are not limited to:
flat bed
walking foot
overlocker
Sewing machine set up and adjustments are to include:
threading machine and winding bobbin
setting required tensions
selecting required machine settings
lubricating and adjusting the machine
and testing operations for work order requirements
Materials to be machined may include but are not limited to:
fabrics
vinyl and canvas
Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise practices and procedures. It may include:
safety glasses/goggles
hair nets
ear muffs/plugs
gloves
footwear and protective clothing
Information and procedures
Machine manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machines
Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.

Critical aspects of evidence
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Identify and operate sewing machines
Set up sewing machine for operations, monitor quality of output and adjust as necessary
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
minimise the risk of injury to self and others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality
As a minimum, demonstrate the ability to:
join final cover materials for fitting to two items of upholstered furniture
sew piping for an item of upholstered furniture
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications
Appropriate sewing machines, work orders, operating procedures, materials and threads.

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.