Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to remove existing floor coverings.

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. Plan work

1.1. Applicable legislative , OHS  and organisational  requirements relevant to floor covering removal 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. 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

1.4. Sequence of work is planned to ensure removal of floor coverings is in logical order

1.5. Material and equipment are prepared and positioned for use

2. Remove floor coverings

2.1. Starting point is selected to ensure entry and exit access throughout the operation

2.2. First section of floor covering  is removed

2.3. Removed floor coverings are securely packaged in manageable bundles for removal from the area

2.4. Remaining floor covering is progressively removed

2.5. Exposed floor is checked, and any protruding nails, carpet grippers, adhesives, levelling compounds and remnants of floor covering are removed

3. Complete housekeeping

3.1. Unused materials are stored or recycled as required

3.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored appropriately

3.3. Removed floor coverings are disposed of safely 

3.4. Work area is cleaned and rubbish disposed of appropriately

3.5. Workplace documentation/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, coordination 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 cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity
• anticipate floor covering removal problems to avoid re-work and wastage
• recognise and respond to circumstances outside instructions or personal competence
• plan and organize 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
• installation techniques

• seek learning opportunities
• use the limited workplace technology related to the removal of floor coverings including tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to removing floor coverings
• organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for removing existing floor coverings
• 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
• characteristics and techniques of fixing floor coverings
• the correct use of equipment, processes and procedures to remove floor coverings
• workplace safety system requirements related to removing floor coverings
• work flow in relation to removing floor coverings

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 

• Comply with legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures for the removal of floor coverings
• Interpret work order and locate relevant information
• Identify safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
• Remove at least one of each of the following floor coverings:

• carpet with soft underlay and gripper strips
• parquetry with hard underlay
• resilient floor covering installed on concrete
• carpet, resilient and cork tile
• adhesive bonded carpet

• 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
• specifications and work instructions
• materials and equipment relevant to removing existing floor coverings

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

Tools and Equipment 

Tools and equipment are to include hammer, moulding lifter, scraper, utility knife, vacuum cleaner, vinyl tile lifter, floor stripper, adhesive tape, twine, rubbish bags

Floor Coverings 

Floor coverings to be removed may include but are not limited to carpet and carpet tiles, hard and soft underlay, resilient sheet and tiles, parquetry, strip timber, floating floor and cork tiles

Disposed of safely 

Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organization insurance requirements

Unit sector 

Flooring Technology

Competency field 

Floor Preparation

Co-requisite units