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:

Final cover materials include but are not limited to:
plain and patterned fabrics
vinyl and velvet

Unit context

Workplace health and safety includes OH&S 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 application of covers to furniture foundations

Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, relevant health regulations, environmental legislation, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
sewing machine
needles
scissors
staple gun
hammer
tack hammer and glue gun

Materials to be machined may include but are not limited to:
plain and patterned fabric
vinyl and velvet

Other materials may include:
piping
double piping
cords
gimp
glues
staples
buttons
tacks
tingles and antique nails

Material application requirements

Material applications are to ensure that patterns, naps/pile, sheens, direction of pattern, pattern repeat and finished side of the materials are positioned appropriate to the design, the smooth and consistent finish of the material over the furniture foundation, and weaving lines are straight and square to each other

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

Workplace procedures relating to the use and operations of tools

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

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Customers/clients requirements

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
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Identify and select materials used and any special handling requirements for those 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
As a minimum:
fit and apply a patterned fabric cover to a drop in seat
fit and apply a cover in a plain material other than fabric for a seat, back and arms of a chair
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Work requirements including workplace standards
Workflow in relation to applying final material covers to furniture
Material types and characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
Types of basic techniques and their application
Design features of the finished furnishing items

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to hand and power tools, work orders, maintenance systems and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work 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 work area to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative 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 problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use workplace technology related to the application of final cover materials to upholstered furniture

Resource Implications
Appropriate tools and equipment, cover materials, trims, furniture frames and foundations, fixing materials and tools, work order, workplace information including work procedures and/or equipment instructions.

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 together 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.

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
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(1)