Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to assemble springs for mattresses and bases.

Application of the unit 

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. Plan work operations

1.1. Specifications for assembly of springs are confirmed, including:

1.2. number of springs for size of mattress

1.3. type of springs for application

1.4. layout of springs

1.5. assembly procedures

1.6. Workplace health and safety requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.7. Suitable work area is selected, tidied and cleared of any contaminants

1.8. Appropriate equipment and tools are selected and checked for the required fitting and assembly process

2. Operate machinery to assemble spring units

2.1. Machine is checked for safe and effective operation.

2.2. Machine settings and adjustments are made in accordance with job requirements and machine and tool manufacturer instructions

2.3. Machine start up procedures are carried out in accordance with manufacturer instructions

2.4. Machine is operated in accordance with its designated capacity and purpose, tooling requirements and to manufacturer recommendations

2.5. Springs are machine joined in accordance with manufacturer instructions, safe handling procedures and standard workplace operating procedures

2.6. Machine operation is monitored to ensure springs are assembled to job specifications and quality requirements

2.7. Problems with the required work and/or operation of the machine are identified and reported to the appropriate person

3. Clean up work area and maintain equipment

3.1. Items that do not meet quality requirements are recycled or discarded according to workplace procedures

3.2. Materials that can be reused are collected and stored

3.3. Waste and scrap is removed following workplace procedures

3.4. Equipment and work area are cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5. Unserviceable equipment is tagged and faults identified in accordance with workplace procedures

3.6. Equipment and tooling is maintained in accordance with workplace procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to assembling springs, work orders, maintenance systems and safety procedures
• 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
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate problems, avoid re-working and avoid wastage
• use workplace technology related to the operation and maintenance of the spring coiling machine or spring assembly machine

Required knowledge 

• work requirements, including workplace standards
• spring assembly procedures, common faults and inspection procedures
• spring assembly types and their application
• risks to health from repetitive actions and prevention strategies

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 of evidence 

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

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

• Produce and assemble a spring unit using border wire, stabilising springs and coil springs
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Appropriate equipment and tools, springs, work order, workplace information, including work procedures and 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 will generally 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.

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.

Unit scope 

This unit covers work involving the assembly of springs for mattresses and bases

Unit context 

• OHS requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislation obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the assembly of springs
• Work will be performed in workplaces which are involved in the manufacture and/or restoration of mattresses and bases

Tools and equipment may include , but are not limited to :

• long nose pliers
• spring coiling machine or spring assembly machine

Materials to be applied may include , but are not limited to :

• coil springs
• spiral springs
• border wire
• stabilising springs
• grid wire

Personal protective equipment 

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

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures to the use of tools and equipment
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures/relating relating to reporting and communication
• Manufacturer specifications and operational procedures

Unit sector 

Mattress and Base Making

Competency field 

Co-requisite units