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:

Traditional foundations
Traditional foundations are are applied to traditional upholstered furniture, either during construction or refurbishment. Normally this involves the use of traditional materials and techniques, which may involve working by hand and application on a one-off basis.
Traditional foundations include, but are not limited to: jute webbing, coil springs, coconut fibre, flock, horse hair, wadding, linters, calico, hessian and jute twine

Unit context
OH&S requirements include legislation, material safety management system, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures

Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines

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

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
tape measure
web strainer
scissors
upholstery hammer
tack lifter
staple gun
pincers and long-nose pliers

Materials to be applied may include, but are not limited to:
webbing
coil springs
flock
wadding
coconut fibre
bridle
bridle ties
solid timber base
padded frames
hard edge
hessian
calico
lacing twine and mattress twine

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 operation of tools

Workflow in relation to the components of and assembly of upholstered furniture

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
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Operate tools and equipment associated with the preparation and application of furniture foundations
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, interlace and turn back jute webbing, tie off and lace up coil springs, fit hessian, bridles (loose and/or deep), coconut fibre, wadding and a stitched edge (one blind, one top) in two items of traditional upholstered furniture
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Workflow in relation to furniture production and refurbishment
Features of range of traditional foundation types and fitting s
Materials and techniques used in the application of contemporary foundations to upholstered furniture
Materials used in the application of traditional foundations
Identification of equipment, processes and procedures required for the application of traditional foundations to upholstered furniture

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, calculate work requirements, optimise component and material sizes for economical cutting and assemble required materials
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to plan work, avoiding reworking and wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to the application of traditional foundations to upholstered furniture

Resource Implications
Furniture frames and traditional fittings such as webbing stock, coil springs, padding materials, tools and equipment.

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
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)