Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to fit and apply leather to furniture.

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, leather coverings, accessories and finish are confirmed with designer/customer/client, as required

1.2. Workplace health and safety requirements, including personal protective 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 practices

1.7. Leather panels are checked in terms of quantity, quality, grain, contaminants, size and wear stress

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

2. Fit and apply leather

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

2.2. Leather pieces are applied to furniture ensuring that appropriate leather is fitted to high wear areas and a smooth and consistent finish of the leather over the furniture foundation

2.3. Decorative features, including pleats are applied to the leather, before fitting as required

2.4. Leather is secured to the foundation, using appropriate fixing processes

2.5. Finish of applied leather is checked against quality standards

3. Apply trim

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

3.2. Trims and decorative finishes are applied to the item consistent with specifications and workplace procedures

3.3. Trims and decorative finishes are checked against quality standards and modified and or repaired, as required

3.4. Final adjustments are made, as required, to ensure finish of completed item meets required quality standards

4. Complete work

4.1. Finished product is packaged, protected and stored, in accordance 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 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 the limited workplace technology related to the fitting and application of leather to furniture

Required knowledge 

• work requirements including workplace standards
• workflow in relation to applying leather to furniture
• leather types and their characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
• appropriate quality and fit of finished product
• 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, given cut leather pieces, fit and apply leather to a chair
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Appropriate tools and equipment, leather panels, trims, furniture frames and foundations, 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 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 scope 

This unit addresses the fitting and application of leather, pre-cut to pattern, to an upholstered item of furniture

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 leather to furniture foundations
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Leather 

• Leather is an upholstery cover material with unique characteristics which must be considered during preparation and fitting to ensure it is effectively applied to the furniture item.
• Leather characteristics/qualities include:

• natural markings
• finished and unfinished sides
• high and low wear
• direction of markings
• flaws and blemishes
• colour variation between hides
• flexibility

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

• scissors
• single or multi-needle flat bed sewing machine
• heat gun
• hammer
• staple gun
• skivering machine and hand sewing needles

Materials may include , but are not limited to :

• glues
• staples
• buttons
• tacks
• piping
• cords
• banding
• hidem binding and pleats

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 net
• ear muffs/plugs
• footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures 

• Machine manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
• Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery
• 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