National Occupational Standards

Footwear & Leathergoods

FDT2 Footwear product testing
This standard is for laboratory technicians who test the physical performance
characteristics materials used in footwear products to determine their suitability for use in
the chosen item.
The job role may involve:
1. Carrying out standard tests on relevant materials
2. Analysing test results
3. Preparing reports

The competent person must:

1. Decide which tests to carry out on particular materials
2. Ensure relevant equipment/tools are available
3. Ensure the test environment is correct and controlled
4. Carry out testing to prescribed methods
5. Carry out all tests adhering to health and safety requirements
6. Simulate ageing conditions (i.e. oven)
7. Record test results accurately
8. Analyse and interpret test results
9. Write detailed report on results
10. Highlight areas of variation/non-conformance and report if necessary
11. Report feedback from testing to sample technician
12. Ensure there are no foreign bodies (i.e. broken needles, blades, tacks, metal content) within the product
The key areas of knowledge and understanding:
1. General testing principles
Colourfastness
Chemical testing
Physical testing
Tensile testing
Flex testing
Abrasion testing
2. Specialist properties
3. The key tests to carry out for a range of materials and components
4. Test control methods
5. Which materials to test and how
6. Standard test methods (abrasion resistance, colour fastness, washfastness etc)
7. Statistical variation
8. Testing conditions required
9. The organisations approach and policy on ethical trading / social accountability
The skills and techniques:
1. Statistical analysis techniques and interpretation of test results
Footwear & Leathergoods FDT2
Final version Approved March 2010

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2.
3.
4.
5.

Recording of test data using accurate units

Presentation of data to various departments
Calibration of equipment
Preparation of test specimens

Regulations, rules and guidelines:

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2.
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Statutory responsibilities under Health, Safety and Environmental legislation

The organisations rules, codes, guidelines and standards
Equipment operating procedures
Manufacturers instructions
The General Products Safety Directive
The organisations ethical trading / social accountability policies, where applicable
The use of banned and restricted substances / REACH, if applicable
Footwear Labelling Directives

Workplace skills:
1. Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
2. Comply with written instructions
3. Complete forms, reports and other documentation

Footwear & Leathergoods FDT2

Final version Approved March 2010

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