Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to prepare, select and apply cementitious products using smoothing and skim coating techniques to concrete and timber sub-floors in readiness for the installation of floor coverings and coatings for internal and external applications.

Application of the unit 

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in the wide variety of flooring technology operations. The competency applies to an on site environment and involves application of skills and knowledge at a sub-trade worker level. These skills and knowledge are to be used within the scope of the individual's job and authority.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for work

1.1. Applicable legislative , OHS  and organisational  requirements relevant to selecting and applying smoothing and patching compounds for sub-floor preparation are verified and complied with

1.2. Instructions  and/or plans are read and interpreted to identify the process required to complete work tasks

1.3. Floors are inspected to ensure that they are dry, smooth, plane, sound and clean in accordance with ASNZS 2455.1 (1995) and AS 1884 (1995) and the extent of preparation is confirmed

1.4. Trial applications of surface materials  are made to determine the suitability of the primer to the sub-floor, and the appropriateness of the smoothing compound to smoothing requirements and compatibility to the primer and sub-floor application

1.5. Tools , equipment  and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work, serviceable and in a safe condition

1.6. Material safety data sheets, or equivalent, are read and applied during the work

1.7. Materials and equipment are prepared and positioned for use

1.8. Surfaces are cleaned in accordance with manufacturers recommendations

2. Apply levelling compounds and primers

2.1. Surface coating is applied with the depth and coverage in accordance with manufacturer specifications and job requirements

2.2. Levelled floor is checked and cleared for further processing

3. Apply levelling compounds and primers to timber sub-floors

3.1. Surfaces are checked for contamination, moisture content and suitable preparation

3.2. Material safety data sheets, or equivalent, are read and applied during the work

3.3. A mixing station is established where materials and equipment are prepared and positioned for use

3.4. Trial applications of surface materials are made to check equipment operation, materials consistency and specified surface finish

3.5. Levelled floor is checked and cleared for further processing

4. Complete housekeeping

4.1. Unused materials are stored or recycled as required

4.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored appropriately

4.3. Work area is cleaned and rubbish disposed of appropriate

4.4. Workplace documentation and/or reporting is completed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, co-ordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using co-operative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate concrete sub-floor preparation problems to avoid re-work and wastage
• recognise and respond to circumstances outside instructions or personal competence
• plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, work flow interruptions or wastage
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate other material requirements
• clarify and confirm work instructions
• plan work within given task parameters
• accept responsibility for given tasks
• set, monitor and satisfy personal work goals
• satisfy the competency requirements for the job
• maintain current knowledge of:

• tools and materials
• sub-floor patching and smoothing techniques

• seek learning opportunities
• use the limited workplace technology related to the preparation of a concrete and timber sub-floor including tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to floor patching and smoothing techniques
• organisation and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for applying smoothing and patching compounds
• environmental protection requirements
• established communication channels and protocols
• problem identification and resolution
• types of tools and equipment and procedures for their safe use, operation and maintenance
• characteristics of materials, products and defects
• set up and operation of equipment
• procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information
• appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement
• characteristics and requirements of concrete and timber sub-floor preparation
• type, characteristics, uses and limitations of smoothing compounds and primers
• workplace safety system requirements related to the application of smoothing compounds and primers

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• Interpret work order and locate relevant information
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality
• minimise the risk of injury to self and others

• To complete to Australian Standards a minimum of two sub-floor preparations which are to include:

• a patch and repair
• a level pour

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace context and environment

Context of , and specific resources for assessment 

• The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
• Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
• Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
• Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
• The following resources should be made available:

• workplace location or simulated workplace
• materials and equipment relevant to sub-floor smoothing and patching activities
• specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment 

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Furnishing Industry Training Package

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application

Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Legislative requirements 

• are to be in accordance with applicable legislation from all levels of government that affect organisational operation. Requirements may include but not be limited to award and enterprise agreements, industrial relations, Australian Standards, confidentiality and privacy, OHS, the environment, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, relevant industry codes of practice, duty of care and heritage

OHS requirements 

• are to be in accordance with Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures. Requirements may include but not be limited to the use of personal protective equipment and clothing, fire fighting equipment, First Aid equipment, hazard and risk control and elimination of hazardous materials and substances, manual handling including lifting and carrying

Organisational requirements 

• may include but not be limited to legal, organisational and site guidelines, policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility, quality assurance, procedural manuals, quality and continuous improvement processes and standards, OHS, emergency and evacuation, ethical standards, recording and reporting, access and equity principles and practices, equipment use, maintenance and storage, environmental management (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)

Instructions 

• Workplace procedures relating to the use and operation of tools and equipment
• Workplace instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
• Manufacturer instructions for the use of equipment and materials

Surface materials 

• may be compounds used to repair, level, smooth or skim a sub-floor of timber or concrete

Tools , equipment 

• may include but is not limited to finishing trowel, grouping and batching buckets, mixing palette, hair broom, trolley, plastic sheeting, mixing drill and screed bar

Unit sector 

Flooring Technology

Competency field 

Floor Preparation

Co-requisite units