Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to fit and apply plain and patterned materials as the final covering to upholstered furniture using basic techniques.

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

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

1.3. Materials, work method and sequence are determined

1.4. Suitable work area is selected, prepared and cleaned of any contaminants

1.5. Appropriate equipment and tools are selected and checked for safe operation

1.6. Furniture frames/foundations are checked for quality of construction, contaminants and appropriateness to specifications, and modified and/or repaired in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7. Material panels are checked in terms of quantity, quality, contaminants, size, pattern and consistency

1.8. Trims are selected and checked in terms of quantity, quality, contaminants, size, pattern and consistency

2. Fit and apply fabric

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

2.2. Materials are applied to furniture in accordance with enterprise and industry standards

2.3. Material is secured to the foundation, using appropriate fixing processes

2.4. Finish of applied material is checked against quality standards

2.5. Work pieces are laid out in sequence according to specifications and workplace procedures

3. Fit and apply fabric and trim

3.1. Trims are applied consistent with specifications and workplace procedures

3.2. Trims are checked against quality standards and reprocessed if required, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3. Final adjustments are made to ensure finish meets required quality standards

4. Complete work

4.1. Finished product is packaged, protected and stored, as required, consistent with workplace procedures

4.2. Workplace documentation is completed in accordance with procedures

4.3. Waste and scrap are collected for disposal/recycling in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4. Tools and equipment used are cleaned, inspected for serviceability and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

4.5. Equipment is maintained and work area is cleaned 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 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 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 and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use workplace technology related to the application of final cover materials to upholstered furniture

Required knowledge 

• work requirements, including workplace standards
• workflow in relation to applying final material covers to furniture
• material types and characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
• types of basic techniques and their application
• 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
• Identify and select materials used and any special handling requirements for those materials
• 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:

• fit and apply a patterned fabric cover to a drop in seat
• fit and apply a cover in a plain material other than fabric for a seat, back and arms of a chair

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

Resource implications 

Appropriate tools and equipment, cover materials, trims, furniture frames and foundations, fixing materials and tools, work order, workplace information including work procedures and/or 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 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 

• Workplace health and safety includes OHS legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the application of covers to furniture foundations
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, relevant health regulations, environmental legislation, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Final cover materials include but are not limited to :

• plain and patterned fabrics
• vinyl and velvet

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

• sewing machine
• needles
• scissors
• staple gun
• hammer
• tack hammer and glue gun

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

• plain and patterned fabric
• vinyl and velvet

Other materials may include :

• piping
• double piping
• cords
• gimp
• glues
• staples
• buttons
• tacks
• tingles and antique nails

Material application requirements 

Material applications are to ensure that patterns, naps/pile, sheens, direction of pattern, pattern repeat and finished side of the materials are positioned appropriate to the design, the smooth and consistent finish of the material over the furniture foundation, and weaving lines are straight and square to each other

Personal protective equipment 

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

• safety glasses/goggles
• hair nets
• ear muffs/plugs
• gloves
• footwear and protective clothing

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
• Customer/client requirements

Unit sector 

Upholstery

Competency field 

Co-requisite units