Unit of competency details

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.

1

Identify upholstery construction

1.1

Upholstery is assessed to determine yarn type  and fibre form , and work order  is reviewed according to manufacturer specifications  and company requirements .

1.2

Weave type  and texture style  are determined by observation and tactile methods according to company requirements.

2

Classify upholstery fibre.

2.1

Upholstery fibre  sample is obtained from inside a cushion or other source and testing  is performed to identify fibre according to manufacturer specifications, company and occupational health and safety  (OHS) requirements .

2.2

Fibre is inspected according to company requirements to determine probable dye methods  used during manufacture.

2.3

Pre-existing conditions  are identified and reported to the appropriate person  according to work order and company requirements.

3

Inspect furniture construction

3.1

Backing materials  and cushion filling  are identified by opening cushioning where possible or inspecting behind buttons according to work order and company requirements.

3.2

Filling material in piping  is inspected and classified according to manufacturer specifications, work order and company requirements.

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

Required skills 

• analytical skills to:

• classify:

• fibre forms
• texture styles
• weave and yarn types

• identify:

• dying methods
• filling and backing materials
• pre-existing conditions

• select testing techniques

• interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of backgrounds
• language and literacy skills to:

• communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing
• read and interpret directions and safety instructions, including:

• chemical labels
• equipment manuals
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)

• request advice or further information
• seek and receive feedback
• source, organise and record information

• self-management skills to work alone and in a team
• skills to work safely when:

• handling and disposing of chemicals
• identifying hazards and controlling risks
• manual handling
• testing fibres

Required knowledge 

• characteristics of upholstery fibres, including:

• types of yarns, fibres and weaves
• construction methods, including:

• backing
• dying
• filling
• manufacturing

• company management structure and procedures, including:

• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• environmental protection procedures
• injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting
• OHS procedures
• quality systems

• legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to own work practices
• safe work practices for using:

• chemicals
• equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE)

• testing methods

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.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by observing demonstrations of identifying fibre and construction of at least two different types of upholstery.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

• analyse data gathered during visual and tactile inspection
• identify type of yarns, fibres, methods, dyes, filling material and backing used in upholstery making
• select testing techniques
• comply with company and legislative requirements
• achieve outcomes in relation to customer work order and company requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context and must comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

• samples of upholstery materials
• suitable equipment and chemicals
• suitable work site or venue with upholstered furniture
• PPE
• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package
• include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

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.

Yarn type  may include:

• novelty
• plied
• single
• textured
• twist.

Fibre form  may include:

• continuous filament
• staple yarn.

Work order  information may include:

• access to work site, including:

• access and egress points
• timing of access

• budget allocations
• completion times and dates
• human resource requirements to complete the work tasks
• job requirements and tasks
• legislative and local government requirements
• OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
• requirements for working in isolated and remote locations
• resource requirements, such as equipment and materials
• specific client requirements such as:

• dress and presentation requirements
• relationships with other activities

• use of signage and barriers
• work schedules
• work site contact persons.

Manufacturer specifications  may include:

• equipment operating manuals
• instructional guides
• MSDS
• other resources supplied by the manufacturer, such as:

• laminated cards
• notices
• wall posters

• product labels
• safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Company requirements  may include:

• business and performance plans
• client communication procedures
• client confidentiality procedures
• client service standards
• communication channels and reporting procedures
• company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• company issued identification badge, card or pass
• company policies and procedures, including:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• OHS policies and procedures, including control procedures
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• those relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
• work site access security clearance procedures

• company service standards
• dress and presentation requirements
• duty of care, code of conduct and code of ethics
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• environmental protection requirements
• personnel practices and guidelines
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• records and information systems and processes
• training materials (induction, refresher and new skills)
• use of contractors.

Weave type  may include:

• flat (basket)
• jacquard
• knitted
• satin
• twill
• velvet.

Texture style  may include:

• crushed velvet
• damask
• glazed (polished)
• moire
• quilted.

Fibre  may include:

• acetate
• acrylic
• cotton
• jute
• linen
• nylon
• polyester
• polypropylene
• rayon
• silk
• wool.

Testing  may include:

• burn test
• chemical test
• sink and float test.

Occupational health and safety  (OHS) requirements  may relate to:

• allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis
• communication devices for remote and isolated locations, such as:

• mobile phone
• two-way radio

• dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
• emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
• hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
• health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing
• hierarchy of hazard control procedures
• injury and dangerous occurrence reporting
• maintaining clear access ways
• national and industry standards and codes of practice
• OHS control procedures, such as:

• health and safety plans
• job plans
• job safety analyses
• risk assessments
• safe operating practices and procedures
• safe system of work statements
• safe work instructions
• work method statements

• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals
• safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including interpretation of:

• MSDS
• hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods

• safety, induction and refresher training
• selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard
• ultraviolet light
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
• use of chemicals according to MSDS
• use of residual current devices
• use, storage and maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer specifications and equipment operating manuals.

Dye methods  may include:

• acid
• beck
• continuous
• differential
• direct
• disperse
• paints
• pigment
• print
• solution
• space
• spray
• stock
• yarn.

Pre-existing conditions  may include:

• abrading and wear
• crimp loss
• crocking
• dye migration
• fading
• fume fading
• pile reversal
• shrinkage.

Appropriate persons  may include:

• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• persons in control of work sites
• supervisors.

Backing materials  may include:

• cellulose
• coir
• copra
• felt
• foam
• horse hair
• jute
• latex
• non-colourfast fabrics
• rubber.

Cushion filling  may include:

• feathers
• foam rubber
• latex rubber
• plastic foam
• polyfibre.

Piping  material may include:

• foam
• jute
• paper
• plastic tubing.