Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to apply surface coatings by hand-held spray gun.

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. Prepare for work

1.1. Characteristics of the surface and the required surface coating are identified from work orders or instructions

1.2. Processing and application techniques, time and safety requirements are identified and used for work planning

1.3. OHS requirements, including ventilation requirements and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.4. Tools, equipment and accessories are identified and checked for safe and effective operation for the surface coating task

1.5. Stains, lacquers, polish, enamels, acrylics, one-pot polyurethane and water-based coatings are identified and prepared as required for the surface coating tasks

2. Check and prepare for spraying

2.1. Products with surface or other faults are identified and faults reported or repaired as appropriate

2.2. Other products and equipment in the workplace are protected from overspray

2.3. Trial applications of surface materials are made to check condition of spray system, spray patterns, equipment operation, materials viscosity and specified surface finish

2.4. Unserviceable components are cleaned or replaced and spray system reassembled

2.5. Spray pattern faults are identified and rectified in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.6. Material faults are identified and workplace procedures for rectification are followed

3. Apply surface coating

3.1. Surfaces are kept free of contamination

3.2. Surface coatings are applied according to workplace procedures

3.3. Surface build and coverage is checked against workplace requirements for even spread and thickness

3.4. Rectification of surface faults are made in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5. Products are inspected and approved for suitability for further processing

4. Clean work area and maintain equipment

4.1. Equipment is cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition and stored appropriately

4.2. Unserviceable equipment is tagged, faults are identified and appropriate personnel are informed

4.3. Work area, including spray booth is cleaned and returned to approved condition

4.4. Workplace records are 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 spray equipment and painting materials, work orders, basic plans, 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 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 area and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate coating problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the workplace technology related to spraying operations including tools, equipment and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• identification of spray equipment, processes and procedures
• characteristics of the coatings and base materials in terms of toxicity, reactivity, flammability, required viscosity and recoatability
• effects of the fumes, heat and other radiations on surface coatings
• the methods to prevent contamination of surfaces during and after surface coating
• workflow in relation to spraying operations

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 

• Locate, interpret and apply information relevant to the materials being applied and the application equipment
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
• 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

• Select and apply surface coatings, including the adjustment of spray equipment to effect required spray pattern for a minimum of three different surface types and shapes
• Maintain spray equipment and work area, including spray booth
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource Implications 

Spray equipment, spray booth, coatings and cleaning products.

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 may be in conjunction with assessment of other relevant 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 context 

• OHS requirements include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods code and local safe operating procedures
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the application of surface coatings

Spray guns are to include :

• conventional air spray guns and airless spray guns and may include: HVLP and air-assisted airless spray gun

Coatings are to include :

• pre-catalysed lacquer
• acid catalysed lacquer and may include: nitro-cellulose lacquer
• one-pot polyurethane and water-based coatings

Tools and equipment may include but are not limited to :

• pressure feed systems
• spray booth
• liquid containers
• air compressor and hoses
• air regulator
• positive pressure air-wash masks
• canister-type face masks
• screwdrivers
• shifting spanner and spanners

Material to be applied may include but are not limited to :

• stains
• lacquers
• acrylics
• one-pot polyurethane and water-based coatings

Personal protective equipment 

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

Information and procedures 

• 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 communications
• Manufacturer instructions for the use of equipment and materials

Unit sector 

Furniture Finishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units