Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to use hand and power tools in applications relating to the upholstery sector of the furnishing industry.

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. Identify hand and power tools

1.1. Types of hand and power tools and their functions are identified

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

1.3. Sources of and access to power supply are recognised

2. Select hand tools

2.1. Hand tools selected are consistent with needs of the job

2.2. Selected hand tools are checked for serviceability and safety and any faults reported to supervisor in accordance with enterprise procedures

2.3. Equipment is selected to hold or support material for hand tools application where applicable

3. Use hand tools

3.1. Material is located and held in position for hand tool application

3.2. Hand tools are safely and effectively used according to their intended use

3.3. Hand tools are safely located when not in immediate use

4. Select power tools

4.1. Power tools are selected consistent with needs of the job in accordance with conventional work practice

4.2. Power tools are visually checked for serviceability/safety in accordance with OHS requirements and any faults reported to supervisor in accordance with enterprise procedures

4.3. Equipment is selected to hold or support materials for power tool application as applicable

5. Use power tools

5.1. Material is located and held in position for power tool application as applicable

5.2. Power tools are safely and effectively used in application processes

5.3. Power tools are switched off and positioned safely when not in use

6. Clean up work area and tools

6.1. All tools are cleaned, maintained and stored

6.2. Equipment is cleaned, maintained and stored

6.3. Documentation is completed in accordance with enterprise procedures

6.4. Work area is cleared and waste removed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to hand and power tools, work orders, maintenance systems and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the work area to avoid any backtracking, 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 and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use workplace technology related to the operation and maintenance of hand and power tools

Required knowledge 

• types, characteristics, uses, limitations and maintenance requirements of hand tools commonly used in furniture upholstery production
• types, characteristics, uses, limitations and maintenance requirements of power tools commonly used in furniture upholstery production
• workplace safety requirements and OHS legislation
• workflow within the workplace

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 

• Locate and apply relevant information related to sector hand and power tools
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment before, during and after use of hand and power tools
• 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

• As a minimum, demonstrate the ability to:

• identify each of the upholstery sector hand and power tools
• indicate their applications and limitations
• effectively and safely use them in their appropriate role in the workplace environment
• maintain and safely store them

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

Resource implications 

Furniture upholstery sector hand and power tools and materials.

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 which together form a part of the job role.

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 context 

• This unit covers work involving the use of hand and power tools in applications relating to the upholstery sector of the furnishing industry
• OHS requirements include legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and 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 skill, accuracy and dexterity in the application of tools to work tasks

Hand tools for furniture upholstery are to include :

• shears/scissors
• tape measure
• rulers
• staple remover
• pincers
• side cutters
• pliers
• hammer
• screwdrivers and magnetic tack hammer

Hand tools for furniture upholstery may also include :

• button press and cutters
• knife (retractable blade)
• needles (bag
• buttoning
• regulator)
• drills
• web strainer
• ripping chisel
• web pliers
• bolt cutters
• rotating hole punch
• saws
• hand planes
• files and rasps
• sockets
• adjustable spanners
• vices
• clamps
• wood chisels
• nail punch
• wire bender
• seam stretcher
• pipe/tube bender
• stud press
• pop rivet gun
• no-sag spring benders (for shapes and ends)
• hand ventilation setter
• foam slicer
• white rubber mallet
• no-sag guillotine
• soft tipped mallet
• stuffing iron tack remover
• cross pane hammer and tin snips

Power tools  - including pneumatic tools 

Power tools for furniture upholstery include:

• spray adhesive system
• staple gun
• drills and screwdrivers
• fabric cutter
• nail gun
• hot melt glue gun
• buttoning machine
• circular saw
• drop saw
• band saw
• silicone cartridge gun
• drill press
• grinder
• hot knife
• electric iron
• lacquer spray gun
• knife fabric cutters (circular and straight)
• electric/pneumatic foam cutter
• planers and sanders

Fault reporting 

Reporting of faults in the operation of hand and power tools may be verbal or written in conformance with workplace procedures

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices. It may include:

• safety goggles/glasses
• hair net
• ear muffs/plugs
• gloves
• footwear
• overalls/apron

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
• Manufacturer specifications and operational procedures

Unit sector 

Upholstery

Competency field 

Co-requisite units