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:

Leather

Leather is an upholstery cover material, having unique characteristics which must be considered during preparation and fitting to ensure it is effectively applied to the furniture item. This unit addresses the fitting and application of leather, pre-cut to pattern, to an upholstered item of furniture

Leather characteristics/qualities include:

natural markings

finished and unfinished sides

high and low wear

direction of markings

flaws and blemishes

colour variation between hides

flexibility

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 leather to furniture foundations

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:
scissors
single or multi-needle flat bed sewing machine
heat gun
hammer
staple gun
skivering machine and hand sewing needles

Materials may include, but are not limited to:
glues
staples
buttons
tacks
piping
cords
banding
hidem binding and pleats

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

Information and procedures

Machine manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery

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

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Customer/client 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, given cut leather pieces, fit and apply leather to 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 leather to furniture
Leather types and their characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
Appropriate quality and fit of finished product
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 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 the limited workplace technology related to the fitting and application of leather to furniture

Resource Implications
Appropriate tools and equipment, leather panels, trims, furniture frames and foundations, 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 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)