Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to assemble timber production furniture using modular construction methods and components to a given plan

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 assembly

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

1.2. Assembly sequence is 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. Tools and equipment suitable to the assembly are selected and checked for safe operation

1.7. Fixing and joining devices are selected in line with work instructions and type of materials to be joined

1.8. Components, hardware, fittings and attachments are collected

2. Assemble furniture

2.1. Components are laid out and joined using appropriate fastenings

2.2. Hand and/or power tools are used as required

2.3. Assembled furniture is checked for compliance with specifications

2.4. Doors, drawers, shelves and/or runners are prepared and fitted as per set out

2.5. Hardware and decorative accessories are applied to specification

2.6. Item is prepared for finishing, including the removal of bruises, scratches, dents and marks

2.7. Work is checked against required standard and non-conforming items rectified

2.8. Finished products are organised and stored in holding area

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
• 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, estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate installation problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to the assembly including tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

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

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 order 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 and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• Assemble at least two items of production furniture, one of manufactured board and one of solid timber construction, with each featuring:

• a door
• a drawer and
• shelving

• 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, cauls and jigs, woodworking machinery, and a work area.

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.

Furniture may include but is not limited to :

• wall units
• vanity units
• kitchen cabinets
• side-boards/buffets
• drawer units
• display cabinets
• counters
• tables
• beds 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 requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the assembly of furniture
• Competency may be demonstrated in workplaces involved in the manufacture of solid timber furniture, domestic furniture, commercial furniture, kitchen and bathroom cabinets and/or furniture components

Tools and equipment may include , but are not limited to :

• measuring tapes or rulers
• hammers
• mallets
• squares
• bevels
• chisels
• planes
• hand saws
• power saws
• power drills/screwdrivers
• pneumatic tools
• clamps
• screwdrivers
• pincers

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

• timber
• manufactured board
• glass
• alloys
• adhesives
• screws
• nails
• dowels
• knock-down fittings
• metal fasteners and associated hardware

Assembled furniture checking process is to cover :

• alignment and squareness
• correct number and fitting of fasteners
• hardware, fittings and attachments, and
• conformity to work instruction and quality requirements

Storage of assembled furniture must ensure that :

• there is no obstruction to traffic
• products are not damaged in storage
• incompatible items are not stored together, and
• products are arranged to match the sequence of work

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