Elements and Performance Criteria

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

General context
Work involves selecting and testing dyes and developing dye formula and specifications used in the dyeing of textiles
Judgement may be required in planning and selecting appropriate processes or procedures for self and others
Work is assessed in accordance with statutory requirements, organisation insurance requirements, OH&S legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations

Worksite environment may include
Work may be conducted in a large or medium sized production business situation
Work may involve individual and team related activities, and can include liaison with specialist technicians from within the enterprise and from external dye and chemical companies
Reporting and liaison may include personnel from research and development, clients, production, etc.
Textile material/products for which product specifications are developed in the textile sector include fibres, fabrics, yarns and finished products
Yarns could include ring spun, open-ended spun, air jet spun, friction spun, etc.
Fibres are many and could include polyester, cotton, wool, viscose rayon, etc.
Finished products in the textile sector may include socks, sweaters, towels, sheets, blankets, carpets, rope and twine, mops and industrial textiles, etc.
Tests are performed according to enterprise procedures using standard test methods
Tests would normally relate to those associated with product or process development, and may include colour fastness testing and shrinkage testing
A range of testing and sampling procedures and equipment, including laboratory equipment, pad mangles, rota dryers, mini jets, pilot production plants, etc.
The elements of a dye specification/recipe may include dye formulas, application properties, fastness properties, reproducibility, suitability for production/application methods, environmental and safety factors
Safety procedures when working with test equipment are as specified by equipment manufacturers, regulatory authorities and the enterprise
Exposure to chemicals, dangerous and other hazardous substances
The competencies are applied under broad guidance
Knowledge and skills are applied in a self-directed way to tasks, roles and/or functions
The competencies are used independently within routine and non-routine situations
Data entry/recording may include keyboard and manual operations

Sources of information/documents may include
Work specifications
Client requirements/specifications/samples
Operating and reference manuals
Australian and international testing standards
Organisation work and safety procedures
Specialist technical personnel
Industry information on dyes, chemicals, machines, test procedures and environmental/safe handling of dyes and chemicals
Quality standards and procedures

Workplace context may include
Work organisation procedures and practices relating to selecting and testing dyes and developing dye specifications used in the production of textiles
Conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including:
workplace agreements and awards
Federal or State/Territory legislation, including environmental legislation
Standard work practices
Reporting actions include verbal and written communication in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
Communication may be oral, written or visual and can include simple data
Being responsible for the maintenance of own work quality and being required to contribute to the quality improvement of team or section output, where necessary
Safety, environmental, housekeeping and quality are as specified by machine/equipment manufacturers, regulatory authorities and the enterprise

Applicable regulations and legislation may include
Occupational health and safety legislation relevant to workplace activities
Workers' compensation legislation

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:

identify textile characteristics
establish/confirm criteria for tests
set up and calibrate test equipment
develop and plan tests
ensure tests are conducted against specified quality standards
collate/analyse/interpret tests
develop dye formula and specifications
communicate effectively with design team, customers, etc.
maintain accurate records

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit does not need to be assessed in conjunction with other units

Required knowledge and skills

Underpinning knowledge of:

fibres, yarns and end products and their properties
dye stuffs and classes
chemistry of dyes and relevance to processing and fastness properties
dyeing processes and dyeing machinery
relation between dye machinery and selection of dye stuffs/classes
tests applicable to the dyeing of textiles
australian and international testing standards
application of dyes in laboratory and production process
safety and environmental aspects of relevant enterprise activities including handling of chemicals and dangerous substances
workplace procedures and reporting processes
relevant OH&S legislation and codes of practice

Underpinning skills to:

effective use of test equipment
analysis and interpretation of results
colour matching
safe handling and disposal of dyes, chemicals and effluent
communicate effectively with individuals, work groups and supervisors
select, interpret and apply procedures or processes
prepare and present reports and information in appropriate formats

Resource implications
Access to real or appropriately simulated situations for selecting and testing dyes and developing dye specifications/recipe used in the production of textiles
This includes real or simulated work areas, materials, equipment, and information on work specifications, relevant safety procedures and regulations, quality standards, organisation procedures and customer requirements

Consistency in performance

Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:

planning and organising work
interpreting design briefs and/or customer's requirements
completing tasks
identifying improvements
applying safety precautions relevant to the task

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:

hazard policies and procedures including codes of practice
job procedures and work instructions
quality procedures (where existing)
waste, pollution and recycling management processes
Action taken promptly, accidents and incidents reported in accordance with statutory requirements and enterprise procedures
Recognises and adapts appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions among staff and others
Work completed systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods, equipment or personnel

Context for assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(3)