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:

Hand tools for furniture upholstery are to include:
shears/scissors
tape measure
rulers
staple remover
pincers
side cutters
pliers
hammer
screwdrivers and magnetic tack hammer

Hand tools for furniture upholstery may also include:
button press and cutters
knife (retractable blade)
needles (bag
buttoning
regulator)
drills
web strainer
ripping chisel
web pliers
bolt cutters
rotating hole punch
saws
hand planes
files and rasps
sockets
adjustable spanners
vices
clamps
wood chisels
nail punch
wire bender
seam stretcher
pipe/tube bender
stud press
pop rivet gun
no-sag spring benders (for shapes and ends)
hand ventilation setter
foam slicer
white rubber mallet
no-sag guillotine
soft tipped mallet
stuffing iron tack remover
cross pane hammer and tin snips

Power tools for furniture upholstery (which include pneumatic tools) are to include:
spray adhesive system
staple gun
drills and screwdrivers

Power tools for furniture upholstery may also include:
fabric cutter
nail gun
hot melt glue gun
buttoning machine
circular saw
drop saw
band saw
silicone cartridge gun
drill press
grinder
hot knife
electric iron
lacquer spray gun
knife fabric cutters (circular and straight)
electric/pneumatic foam cutter
planers and sanders

Unit context

This unit covers work involving the use of hand and power tools in applications relating to the upholstery sector of the furnishing industry

OH&S requirements include legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and 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 requires individuals to demonstrate skill, accuracy and dexterity in the application of tools to work tasks

Fault reporting

Reporting of faults in the operation of hand and power tools may be verbal or written in conformance with workplace procedures

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

Information and procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment

Work instructions, including job sheets, 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
Locate and apply relevant information related to sector hand and power tools
Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment before, during and after use of hand and power tools
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to goods, tools, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
As a minimum, demonstrate the ability to:
identify each of the upholstery sector hand and power tools
indicate their applications and limitations
effectively and safely use them in their appropriate role in the workplace environment
maintain and safely store them
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Types, characteristics, uses, limitations and maintenance requirements of hand tools commonly used in furniture upholstery production
Types, characteristics, uses, limitations and maintenance requirements of power tools commonly used in furniture upholstery production
Workplace safety requirements and OH&S legislation
Workflow within the workplace

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 operation and maintenance of hand and power tools

Resource Implications
Furniture upholstery sector hand and power tools and materials.

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
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)