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:

Steam pressing operations

Steam pressing operations cover work involving the operation of steam pressing equipment, monitoring operations and work quality, maintaining personal safety and the safety of others

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 some 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

Task planning is to cover:
required temperatures and warm up/cool down times
key parts of the materials to be pressed which require checks for quality of work
work area housekeeping requirements
safe and suitable work area

Materials to be pressed may include but are not limited to:
plain and patterned fabrics
lining materials and leather used in the manufacture of soft furnishing items

Personal protective equipment

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

Information and procedures

Machine manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery

Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Material lifting and holding will be impacted on by:
machine type
personal right-hand or left-hand preference of the operator
manipulation requirements for the materials
special pressing requirements for different parts of the pressed panels

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
Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
Explain the impact of machine temperature and pressure on product quality and output
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Press at least five different types of 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
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
The types, characteristics, uses and limitations of steam presses
The operating controls and principles which effect the steam pressing equipment
The effect of steam on the range of materials which may be pressed
Requirements for minimising damage to and maintaining contaminant-free pressed fabrics

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, co-ordination 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 co-operative 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 steam pressing problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the workplace technology related to steam pressing, including pressing equipment and effects of pressing

Resource Implications
Appropriate materials, steam pressing equipment, care labels and work orders.

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
(1)

Using technology
(1)