Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to construct, assemble and finish a basic timber furnishing product

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. Work instructions are used to determine job requirements, including design variations, tolerances, process, materials, finish and quantity

1.2. Construction and assembly sequence are planned

1.3. Procedures are determined for checking quality at each stage of the process

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

1.5. Suitable work area is selected for the task

1.6. Preparatory drawings/set-outs for tasks are confirmed

1.7. Cutting list for project components is accessed and interpreted

1.8. Materials are selected following work instructions

1.9. Tools and equipment suitable for construction are identified and checked for safe and effective operation

2. Complete construction

2.1. Material is set out and prepared according to work instructions and components are marked according to workplace procedures

2.2. Tools, machines and equipment are used in accordance with safety requirements and manufacturers' specifications

2.3. Components are manufactured, including any specified shapes, angles or curves, and checked against set-outs and job requirements

2.4. Components are assembled using jigs and/or clamps and fastenings

2.5. Adhesives are applied according to workplace procedures and/or manufacturers' instructions

2.6. Joining process is undertaken according to workplace procedures

2.7. Assembled product is checked for compliance with specifications

2.8. Item is finished in accordance with work instructions

3. Finalise operation and maintain equipment

3.1. Work area is cleaned, hand and/or power tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2. Off-cuts and unused materials are collected and stored for reuse or disposed of following workplace procedures

3.3. Waste and scrap materials are dealt with following 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 with site supervisor, other workers 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 construction problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to this construction, including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• the interpretation of plan representation of furniture design
• the preparation of drawings/set-outs
• workflow in relation to furniture construction
• identification of hand and/or power tools, materials, equipment, processes and procedures

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 instructions and locate and apply relevant information
• 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 or others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
• achieve required production output and product quality

• Adapt or vary furnishing product designs
• Construct, assemble and finish at least one basic furnishing product from the list in the Range Statement
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource Implications 

Access to plans, hand and/or power tools, equipment, materials, woodworking machinery and a work area.

Method of Assessment 

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment may be conducted in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of Assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant 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.

Basic timber furnishing products may typically include but are not limited to :

• occasional and coffee tables
• jewellery boxes
• tool boxes
• CD racks
• small cabinets
• entertainment units
• timber stools and clocks

Unit context 

• OH&S 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 involves reading and interpreting the project plan, using hand and power tools, operating basic woodworking machinery, applying quality requirements and applying product finishing techniques and materials
• Competency may be demonstrated in workplaces or simulated workplaces involved in the manufacture of solid timber furniture, domestic furniture, commercial furniture and/or furniture components or a suitably simulated environment

Tools and equipment may include :

• measuring tapes or rulers
• hammers
• mallets
• squares
• bevels
• chisels
• planes
• hand saws
• power saws
• cordless drills/screwdrivers
• power drills
• fixing and joining devices
• jigs
• clamping devices
• pincers

Machines may include :

• band saws
• cross cut saws
• rip saws
• panel planers
• belt sander
• horizontal borers
• vertical drill presses
• pedestal grinders and hand wood turning lathes

Materials to be used may include but are not limited to :

• timber
• manufactured board
• adhesives
• screws
• nails
• bolts
• dowels
• metal fasteners
• steel
• plastics
• primers and coating materials

Checking of constructed product is to cover :

• squareness
• alignment
• wind and hardware
• fittings and attachments

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 of tools and equipment
• Work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
• Manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

Unit sector 

Furniture Making

Competency field 

Co-requisite units