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:

Custom furniture

Custom furniture is defined as one-off manufacture in response to specific customer requirements. It does not include variations or modification to a production line item

Custom furniture may include, but is not limited to: wall units, vanity units, kitchen cabinets, side-boards/buffets, drawer units, display cabinets, counters, tables, beds

Unit context

OH&S requirements include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods code and local safe operating procedures

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

Work involves reading and interpreting plans, customer liaison, developing set-outs, using hand and/or power tools, equipment and operating woodworking machinery

Competency may be demonstrated in workplaces involved in the manufacture of solid timber domestic furniture, commercial furniture and/or furniture components

Material bending and forming techniques are to include:
steam and bend
and machined curves

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
measuring tapes or rulers
hammers
mallets
squares
bevels
chisels
planes
hand saws
power saws
portable routers and trimmers
power drills/screwdrivers
pneumatic tools
hoses
clamps
screwdrivers and pincers

Machines may include, but are not limited to:
band saws
cross cut saws
mitre saws
panel and rip saws
surface planers
panel planers
shaping machines and jigs
sanders
horizontal borers
vertical drill presses
dovetailers
pedestal grinders
wood turning lathes
veneer guillotines and presses

Materials to be used may include but are not limited to:
timber
adhesives
screws
nails
dowels
metal fasteners
knockdown fittings
glass
decorative finishes and abrasive paper

Personal protective equipment

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

Information and procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment

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

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

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
Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
Produce one significant furniture item
custom developed machining processes and outcomes
custom development and completion of assembly techniques and processes
the satisfaction of customer specifications in terms of dimensions, materials, function and aesthetics
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace context and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
The types, characteristics, uses and limitations of solid timbers most common to furniture production
The interpretation of plan representation of furniture design
The preparation of drawings/set-outs/rods
Identification of hand and/or power tools, materials, equipment, processes and procedures
Workflow in relation to furniture production

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to furniture design interpretation work orders, plans and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination 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 cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate production problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to the fabrication, including tools, equipment and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Access to plans, hand and/or power tools, equipment, cauls and jigs, woodworking machinery, materials, and a work area.

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.

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
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)