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:

Finishing techniques

Finishing techniques may be

decorative techniques which include, but are not limited to braiding, gimping, close and open studding, single and double piping and banding

concealed techniques which include, but are not limited to straight edge and shark's teeth

hand sewing techniques, which may be used in both decorative and concealed finishing. These include, but are not limited to flange cord, cord and ruching and the closure of items such as cushions and external backs of upholstered furnishings

Unit context

Workplace health and safety requirements may include OH&S legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures

Work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the finishing of upholstered furniture

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

Tools and equipment may include:
a range of needles and threads
tack hammers
hammers and hot melt glue gun

Materials to be used in finishing items may include but are not limited to:
fabrics
leather
upholstery nails
gimping
metal trim
piping and vinyl

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices. It may include safety glasses/goggles, hair nets, ear muffs/plugs, gloves, footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery and use of tools and equipment

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

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

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
Identify materials used and any special sewing requirements for the materials to be sewn
Interpret work order, copy samples and locate and apply relevant information
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:
hand sew at least two different items of upholstered furniture using differing sewing techniques, such as cushion mouth and outback
apply two other finishing techniques to items of upholstered furniture, one concealed and one decorative
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Work requirements including workplace standards
Identification of techniques and procedures for the finishing processes
Fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
Methods to be used with different fabric types
Design features of the upholstered items in relation to the finishing techniques to be used

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, 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 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 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 sewing problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to the finishing of upholstered furniture

Resource Implications
Appropriate sewing equipment, hardware, fabrics, work order, workplace information including work procedures.

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
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(1)