Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:10 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.

Operate and maintain sewing machines and overlockers

Operate and maintain sewing machines and overlockers

Unit of competency
National Code
MEALSU0010
State Code
OEG37
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/11/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/03/2023
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
28/03/2023
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain sewing machines and overlockers used to maintain items of aircraft life support equipment and to fabricate and maintain aircraft soft furnishings items. The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA).Any other relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan work and prepare work area
  • 1.1 Plan work and implement work plan to maximise safety and productivity
  • 1.2 Clear and clean work area to provide worktable free of obstructions and clear access to sewing or overlocking machine
  • 1.3 Establish and maintain safe working environment in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
  • 1.4 Identify required electrical power outlets
  • 1.5 Obtain required assistance to move and position work piece
2. Select thread and needle
  • 2.1 Determine type of material to be sewn, type of stitch to be used and end-use of finished product to assist in selecting thread and needle
  • 2.2 Select suitable thread, considering thread material, diameter of thread, tensile strength and colour
  • 2.3 Choose needle to suit type of thread, type of stitch and material to be sewn
3. Set up machine
  • 3.1 Examine machine for damage, missing components or other defects
  • 3.2 Examine power cords for knots, unsafe routing and insulation damage
  • 3.3 Safely connect machine to power and follow ‘power-on’ procedure
  • 3.4 Ensure needle is sharp, clean and free from rust and dirt
  • 3.5 Fit needle is fitted to machine in accordance with machine instructions
  • 3.6 Thread machine and check thread for free travel from spool
  • 3.7 Check and adjust thread tension and other machine settings, using test pieces if necessary, to ensure correct output
4. Operate machine
  • 4.1 Correctly align work piece to machine
  • 4.2 Operate machine in accordance with standard procedures while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements
  • 4.3 Correctly feed work piece into machine
  • 4.4 Monitor performance of machine by regularly checking thread tension and other settings and inspecting stitching in finished product
5. Inspection, quality, labelling and documentation
  • 5.1 Remove work piece from machine using any required assistance
  • 5.2 Inspect completed work to verify that it meets technical instructions
  • 5.3 Identify and mark any areas in need of rework or rectification to meet requirements
  • 5.4 Perform required rework or arrange for other required rectification action
  • 5.5 Label or tag completed product and complete required documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
6. Clean up and maintain equipment
  • 6.1 Switch off machine using ‘power-off’ procedures
  • 6.2 Clean machine and perform programmed maintenance that is within the province of the operator, in accordance with enterprise requirements and manufacturer’s specifications, while observing all relevant WHS requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
  • 6.3 Dispose of worn or damaged needles in accordance with safe working practice
  • 6.4 Notify supervisor of any abnormal conditions requiring maintenance or repair in accordance with maintenance procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AUD86 MEA511 Operate and maintain sewing machines and overlockers Unit of competency