Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to hand finish upholstered furniture by the application of concealed and decorative finishing 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. Job requirement is identified from work order or other instructions which will include any special requirements for finishing

1.2. Required materials, upholstered components to be finished and appropriate tools and equipment are identified from work order

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

1.4. Items to be finished are assembled in an appropriate work area and inspected for appropriate quality

1.5. Appropriate tools, equipment and finishing materials and hardware are selected

2. Apply finishing techniques

2.1. Finishing techniques are applied in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2. Problems are notified following workplace procedures

2.3. Finished upholstered item is inspected against work requirement with unsatisfactory finish being redirected for reworking

3. Complete work

3.1. Finished work is package/stored/tagged and despatched to the next process following workplace procedures

3.2. Any required documentation is completed and processed following workplace procedures

3.3. Tools and equipment used are cleaned, maintained as required and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4. Work area is cleaned with waste and scrap being removed/recycled 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, basic plans 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 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 and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate sewing problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to the finishing of upholstered furniture

Required knowledge 

• work requirements including workplace standards
• identification of techniques and procedures for the finishing processes
• fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
• methods to be used with different fabric types
• design features of the upholstered items in relation to the finishing techniques to be used

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 

• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
• Identify materials used and any special sewing requirements for the materials to be sewn
• Interpret work order, copy samples and locate and apply relevant information
• 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:

• hand sew at least two different items of upholstered furniture using differing sewing techniques, such as cushion mouth and outback
• apply two other finishing techniques to items of upholstered furniture, one concealed and one decorative

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

Resource implications 

Appropriate sewing equipment, hardware, fabrics, work order, workplace information including work procedures.

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

Finishing techniques 

Finishing techniques may be:

• decorative techniques which include, but are not limited to:

• braiding
• gimping
• close and open studding
• single and double piping and banding

• concealed techniques which include, but are not limited to:

• straight edge
• shark's teeth

• hand sewing techniques, which may be used in both decorative and concealed finishing. These include, but are not limited to:

• flange cord
• cord and ruching
• the closure of items such as cushions
• external backs of upholstered furnishings

Tools and equipment may include :

• a range of needles and threads
• tack hammers
• hammers and hot melt glue gun

Materials to be used in finishing items may include but are not limited to :

• fabrics
• leather
• upholstery nails
• gimping
• metal trim
• piping and vinyl

Personal protective equipment 

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

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

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery and use of tools and equipment
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Upholstery

Competency field 

Co-requisite units