Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit specifies the outcomes required to float a laminate, pre-finished or engineered timber floor within a space over a soft underlay including preparation, cutting, laying and fixing.

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 the 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. Prepare materials for installation

1.1. Applicable legislative, OHS and organisational requirements relevant to the installing laminate and engineered timber flooring are verified and complied with

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

1.3. Instructions and/or plans are read and interpreted to identify process required to complete work tasks

1.4. Sub-floor condition is assessed for suitability for installation of laminate and engineered timber flooring

1.5. 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

1.6. Sequence of work is planned, including the selection of a starting point, to ensure efficiency and quality of installation

2. Set out materials for installation

2.1. Laminate and engineered timber flooring is acclimatised according to manufacturer recommendations

2.2. Laminate and engineered timber flooring for fixing is organised and used in accordance with relevant safety management requirements

2.3. Skirting boards or cover trims are removed or undercut if required and stored for refitting or sent for machining

2.4. Adhesives and edge strips are prepared for use as required

2.5. Working lines and starting point are established

3. Lay out flooring

3.1. Instructions and sequence for laying and fixing are followed

3.2. Appropriate underlay is laid according to manufacturers' recommendations

3.3. Laminate and engineered timber flooring is laid out to meet directional sequence, pattern match, specification requirements and to minimise waste and joins

3.4. The aesthetics of the materials are maximised including matching grains and colours

3.5. Laminate and engineered timber flooring materials are accurately and clearly marked for cutting

3.6. Materials are cut to length and size for final laying ensuring minimum waste

4. Lay flooring

4.1. Materials for fixing are organised and used in accordance with relevant safety management requirements

4.2. Adhesives and edge strips/accessories are prepared for use as required

4.3. Fixing methods and equipment are used following manufacturer recommendations

4.4. Appropriate field and perimeter expansion joints are allowed

4.5. Skirting boards or cover trims are fitted/refitted and finished

4.6. Finished job is inspected and any imperfections are rectified following workplace procedures

4.7. Any required preparations for sanding of flooring are made

5. Complete housekeeping

5.1. Unused materials are stored or recycled as required

5.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored appropriately

5.3. Work area is cleaned and rubbish is disposed of appropriately

5.4. Workplace documentation 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
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate installation problems to avoid re-work and wastage
• recognise and respond to circumstances outside instructions or personal competence
• plan and organise 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
• parquetry installation techniques

• seek learning opportunities
• use the limited workplace technology related to the installing requirement, including tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices.

Required knowledge 

• State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to the installation of laminate and engineered timber flooring
• organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for the installation of laminate and engineered timber flooring
• types, characteristics, uses and limitations of:

• laminate and engineered timber flooring
• installation adhesives
• underlays

• the types and uses of installation tools and equipment
• workplace safety systems relevant to the installation of laminate and engineered timber flooring
• characteristics and requirements of sub-floor preparation
• work flow in relation to flooring installation operations
• environmental protection requirements
• established communication channels and protocols
• problem identification and resolution
• appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement
• procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information

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 installing laminate and engineered timber flooring
• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including the use of personal protective equipment
• Apply ventilation standards
• 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

• Complete a minimum of three of the following different types of installation:

• glue-together system
• direct stick system
• self-locking system
• inserted plastic tongue system

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts 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:

• a realistic installation requirement
• workplace location or simulated workplace
• materials and equipment relevant for the installation of laminate and engineered timber flooring
• specifications and work instructions

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, control 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)

Laminate and engineered timber flooring 

• includes timber and laminated flooring planks

Instructions 

• Workplace procedures relating to the use and operation of tools and equipment
• Workplace instructions, instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communications
• Manufacturer instructions for the use of equipment and materials

Sub-floor assessment 

• is to include testing for moisture content, expansion, rot, structural strength, smoothness and plane

Tools and equipment 

• are to include drop saw, jig saw, hand saw, undercut saw, plunge saw, hammer, bar scriber and utility knife
• may include circular saw, bench saw, straight edge, glue gun, staple gun, nailers, flooring cramps, strap clamps and wall clamps

Materials 

• may include but not be limited to flooring materials, underlay, edge strips, tapes and adhesives

Adhesives 

• may include PVAs, epoxies and polyurethane elastomeric

Unit sector 

Flooring Technology

Competency field 

Timber

Co-requisite units