Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to fabricate synthetic solid surface furniture and furnishing products

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, tolerances, process, materials, finish and quantity

1.2. Fabrication 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 and set-outs for tasks are completed

1.7. Cutting list for components is developed

1.8. Materials are selected following work instructions

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

2. Complete fabrication

2.1. Materials are set out and prepared according to work instructions and components are marked according to industry practices

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

2.3. Components are fabricated and checked against set-outs for accuracy tolerances, fit and distortion

2.4. Doors, drawers, shelves or decorative treatments are fitted as required

2.5. Product is prepared for final finish, including the removal of bruises, scratches, dents and marks

2.6. Product is checked against plans at identified checkpoints

3. Finalise operation

3.1. Faulty and/or defective equipment is tagged and reported in accordance with workplace practices

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

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

3.4. 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 synthetic solid surface materials, work orders, 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 fabrication problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to fabrication, including tools, equipment and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• the types, characteristics, uses and limitations of synthetic solid surface materials
• the interpretation of plan representation of furniture design
• the preparation of drawings and set-outs
• identification of hand and/or power tools, materials, machines, 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 processes to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self or others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• Fabricate a minimum of three synthetic solid surface material products, including at least one full benchtop
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace context and environment

Resource Implications 

Access to plans, hand and/or power tools, machines, equipment, materials, 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 should be conducted over time and may be 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 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.

Synthetic solid surface products 

• Synthetic solid surface products are generally acrylic or polyester sheet based materials
• There are a range of commercially licensed products, including Corian, Aztec, Trezzini and others

Synthetic solid surface products are to include benchtops and may include :

• edges
• sinks
• bowls
• other containers and waterproof wall treatments

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 plans, developing set-outs, using hand and/or power tools, equipment and operating machinery

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
• air compressor and hoses
• clamps
• screwdrivers
• pincers

Machines may include , but are not limited to :

• panel saws
• routers
• edge moulders
• point to point
• heat applicators
• sanding and buffing machines

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

• synthetic solid surface materials
• timber
• manufactured board
• glues
• screws
• nails
• dowels
• knockdown fittings

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