Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to assemble specified mattresses, including the planning of work, selection of fabrics and components and the assembly of the components

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. Plan work operations

1.1. Specifications concerning design, fabrics and finish are confirmed with designer/client, as required

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

1.3. Suitable work area is selected, tidied and cleaned of any contaminants

1.4. Appropriate equipment and tools are selected and checked for the required fitting and assembly process

2. Select and inspect fabrics and components

2.1. Fabric panels are checked in terms of quantity, quality, contaminants, size, pattern and consistency

2.2. Grade of foam is selected and checked in accordance with work order

2.3. Appropriate padding and springs are selected and checked

3. Assemble components and fit fabric cover

3.1. Work pieces are laid out in sequence according to specifications, construction process and workplace procedures

3.2. Padding and underlay materials are attached to spring unit using appropriate enterprise techniques and equipment

3.3. Covering fabrics are applied to mattress ensuring:

3.4. Patterns, naps, sheens, direction of pattern, pattern repeat and finished side of the materials are positioned appropriate to the design

3.5. Fabric finish over the spring unit is smooth and consistent

3.6. Weaving lines are straight

3.7. Finish of applied fabric is checked against quality standards

4. Clean work area/s and maintain equipment

4.1. Faulty and/or defective equipment is tagged and reported in accordance with workplace OHS procedures

4.2. Waste and scrap is removed following workplace procedures

4.3. Tools and equipment used are cleaned, inspected for serviceable condition and stored appropriately in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4. Equipment and work area clean-up is maintained in accordance with 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, assembly 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 other material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate assembly problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to the assembly, including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• work requirements, including workplace standards
• fabric types and characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
• padding/underlay materials and spring units
• risks to health from repetitive actions and prevention strategies
• design features of the finished furnishing items

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

• Identify and select materials used and any special handling requirements for those materials
• Assemble mattress components to construct at least the following:

• one pillow top mattress
• one standard sprung mattress

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

Resource implications 

Appropriate equipment and tools, plain and patterned fabrics, padding materials, spring units, fixing materials and tools, work order, workplace information, including work procedures and equipment instructions.

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 will generally 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.

Unit scope 

This unit covers work involving the assembly of components to produce mattresses

Materials and components may include but are not limited to :

• spring units
• plain and patterned fabric
• padding materials
• foam

Unit context 

• Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, organisation insurance requirements, OHS legislation, environmental legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the assembly of mattress components
• Work may be performed in workplaces which are involved in the manufacture or restoration of mattresses and base units

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

• glues
• staples
• buttons
• scissors
• measuring and marking equipment
• staple lifters
• pliers
• trimming knife
• needles
• spring benders
• clip guns
• staple guns
• glue guns
• long tom
• foam cutter
• fabric cutter
• sewing machines

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 and operations of tools
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Mattress and Base Making

Competency field 

Co-requisite units