Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to apply traditional upholstery foundations to upholstered furniture.

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 operation

1.1. Work order or instructions are used to confirm type of traditional furniture foundations to be applied

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

1.3. Attaching methods are identified and fitting sequence is determined

1.4. Suitable work area is selected and prepared

1.5. Tools and hardware for the application of the foundation are selected and checked for safe operation

1.6. Traditional foundation components are selected as required

2. Prepare and attach traditional foundation

2.1. Mounting points are measured and marked on the frame, as required

2.2. Traditional foundation is positioned and appropriate fasteners are used to secure it to the item

2.3. Appropriate fasteners are used to secure the traditional foundation, as required

2.4. The applied foundation is inspected for fit, finish and quality with those requiring reworking/refitting being tagged for further reprocessing or recycling/disposal in accordance with workplace practices

2.5. Process is monitored and conditions which may affect quality standards are noted

2.6. Variations to normal activities are reported within workplace procedures

2.7. Authorised changes in standard operating procedures and work order or instructions are implemented

3. Complete work

3.1. Workplace documentation, including stock usage, is completed in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2. Faulty and/or defective equipment is tagged and reported in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3. Waste and scrap are removed in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4. Tools and equipment used are cleaned, inspected for serviceable condition and stored appropriately in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5. Equipment is maintained and work area is cleaned 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 work orders, basic plans, and safety procedures
• 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
• plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials 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, calculate work requirements, optimise component and material sizes for economical cutting and assemble required materials
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to plan work, avoiding re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to the application of traditional foundations to upholstered furniture

Required knowledge 

• workflow in relation to furniture production and refurbishment
• features of range of traditional foundation types and fitting s
• materials and techniques used in the application of contemporary foundations to upholstered furniture
• materials used in the application of traditional foundations
• identification of equipment, processes and procedures required for the application of traditional foundations to upholstered furniture

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 and locate and apply relevant information
• Operate tools and equipment associated with the preparation and application of furniture foundations
• 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

• As a minimum, interlace and turn back jute webbing, tie off and lace up coil springs, fit hessian bridles (loose and/or deep), coconut fibre, wadding and a stitched edge (one blind, one top) in two items of traditional upholstered furniture
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Furniture frames and traditional fittings such as webbing stock, coil springs, padding materials, tools and equipment.

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.

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 

• Traditional foundations are applied to traditional upholstered furniture, either during construction or refurbishment. Normally this involves the use of traditional materials and techniques, which may involve working by hand and application on a one-off basis.
• Traditional foundations include, but are not limited to:

• jute webbing
• coil springs
• coconut fibre
• flock
• horse hair
• wadding
• linters
• calico
• hessian
• jute twine

Unit context 

• OHS requirements include legislation, material safety management system, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines
• 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 :

• tape measure
• web strainer
• scissors
• upholstery hammer
• tack lifter
• staple gun
• pincers and long-nose pliers

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

• webbing
• coil springs
• flock
• wadding
• coconut fibre
• bridle
• bridle ties
• solid timber base
• padded frames
• hard edge
• hessian
• calico
• lacing twine and mattress twine

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise practices and procedures. It may include:

• safety glasses/goggles
• hair nets
• ear muffs/plugs
• gloves
• footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures relating to the use and operation of tools
• Workflow in relation to the components of and assembly of upholstered furniture
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Upholstery

Competency field 

Co-requisite units