Unit of competency details

Modification History

Not Applicable

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required for the correct identification of carpet fibre and construction. The unit requires the ability to identify carpet construction, including the backing materials used, classify the carpet fibre and assess the installation method.

The correct identification of these elements is an essential activity prior to undertaking any cleaning, maintenance or restorative work on carpet, rugs or related soft floor coverings. The application of this unit requires the attainment of a wide range of underpinning knowledge, as well as completion of a number of basic testing procedures.

Application of the Unit

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Pre-Requisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills Information

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills and Knowledge

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to identify carpet fibre and construction method. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment.

Critical aspects of competency 

• Accurate analysis of data gathered during visual and tactile inspection.
• Accurate identification of type of yarns, fibres, construction methods, dyes and backing used in carpet making.
• Accurate identification of installation methods used during carpet installation.
• Compliance with company and legislative requirements.
• Outcomes achieved in relation to customer work order and company requirements.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria 

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

• Types of yarns, fibres and piles used in carpet construction and their characteristic features.
• Knowledge of a range of dying methods.
• Knowledge of the range of carpet installation methods.
• Awareness of applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.
• Awareness of OHS legislation and procedures.
• Company management structure and reporting procedures.
• Emergency response and evacuation procedures.
• Injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.
• Knowledge of biological and viral control procedures.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria 

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

• communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes
• handling and disposing of chemicals safely
• reading and responding appropriately to directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and MSDS and on chemical labels
• requesting advice or further information
• seeking and receiving feedback
• sourcing, organising and recording information
• working on an individual basis or as part of a team.

Resources required to assess this unit 

The following resources should be available:

• access to a suitable work site or venue with carpet
• access to a range of samples of carpet materials
• access to suitable equipment and chemicals
• access to personal protective equipment
• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Assessment of competency may be made through written or oral examination, practical demonstration in the work environment or in a simulated work environment.

Key competency levels 

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed in alphabetical order and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person (s ) may include:

• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• person(s) in control of work site(s)
• supervisors.

Backing materials  may include:

• cotton
• jute
• latex
• polyester
• polypropylene
• PVC.

Carpet construction method  may include:

• flocked
• fusion bonded
• needle punched
• tufted
• woven.

Carpet (s ) may include carpet, mats and rugs made from:

• mixed blends
• natural fibres e.g. wool, silk and organic (plant) fibres such as cotton and sisal
• synthetic fibres e.g. nylon, polypropylene, acrylic and polyester.

Company requirements  may include:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• business and performance plans
• client communication procedures
• client confidentiality procedures
• client service standards
• communication channels and reporting procedures
• company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• company issued identification badge/card/pass
• company policy and procedures
• company service standards
• dress and presentation requirements
• duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• OHS policies and procedures
• personnel practices and guidelines
• policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• records and information systems and processes
• rights and responsibilities of employees and employers
• training (induction, refresher and new skills) materials
• use of contractors
• work site access security clearance procedures.

Dye methods  may include:

• acid
• beck
• continuous
• differential
• print
• solution
• space
• spray
• stock
• yarn.

Fibre  type may include continuous filament and staple yarn.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals and/or equipment, including latex allergies
• biological waste
• bites and stings
• blood and blood-stained products
• broken glass and other sharp surfaces
• chemical containers and/or decanted chemical storage containers labelled incorrectly
• confined/restricted spaces
• contaminated clothing, materials and/or equipment
• damaged or inappropriate equipment
• dust and fibres
• electrical hazards arising from cables, electrical fittings (switches and lights) and untested electrical equipment
• environmental impact
• extremes of heat and temperature
• fatigue
• fire
• gas
• heights
• human/animal waste (faeces, urine, vomit)
• inadequate lighting and ventilation
• infectious and zoonotic diseases e.g. scabies/Q fever
• inhaling chemical fumes
• leaks, spill, splash and spray
• manual handling techniques including awkward and repetitive postures
• mobile/vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles
• moving and/or unguarded machinery and equipment
• noise
• occupational violence and bullying
• poor manual handling techniques
• poor personal hygiene practices
• repetitive motion, force and vibration
• synergistic chemical reactions (hazardous incompatibility or reactivity)
• syringes or other sharps
• ultraviolet light
• underfoot conditions e.g. slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
• unrestricted people access
• waste and waste disposal
• work in isolated/remote environments.

Installation methods  may include:

• direct stick
• double bond
• loose lay
• stretch in
• tackless carpet gripper
• turn and tack
• two-sided tape.

Manufacturers' specifications  may include:

• equipment operational manuals
• instructional guides
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards, notices and wall posters)
• product labels
• safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Occupational health and safety * (OHS ) requirements  may relate to:

• allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)
• communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc
• dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
• emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
• hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
• hazard reporting
• hierarchy of hazard control procedures
• injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting requirements
• irregular blood testing (health surveillance and monitoring)
• keeping access ways clear from obstruction
• maintaining clear access ways
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• national industry standards/codes of practice
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• protection from hazardous substances, noise and dust
• protection of people in the workplace
• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals
• safety training (induction and refresher)
• ultraviolet light
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
• use of chemicals in accordance with labels
• use, storage and maintenance of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and equipment operating manuals
• use, storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing.

* Also known as workplace health and safety 

Personal protective equipment  (PPE ) may include:

• ear muffs/plugs
• gloves - non-permeable
• goggles
• high-visibility vests/clothing
• overalls and other protective clothing
• respirator
• safety glasses
• safety shoes
• splash-proof face masks
• sun protection
• tongs
• ultraviolet protection
• wet-work clothing.

Pile or tuft  type may include:

• cut
• cut and loop
• loop
• shag.

Pre-existing conditions  may include:

• abrading
• corn rowing
• crimp loss
• crocking
• delamination
• dye migration
• fading
• fume fading
• pile reversal
• pooling
• shrinkage
• watermark
• wear.

Rights and responsibilities of employees  may relate to:

• confidentiality and privacy rights
• duty of care
• knowing the appropriate personnel for reporting purposes
• knowing the location of manuals and/or related documents
• knowing the terms and conditions of own employment
• knowing the workplace procedures
• protection from discrimination and sexual harassment.

Rights and responsibilities of employers  may relate to:

• duty of care
• providing a safe environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment (see relevant state and Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation
• providing a safe workplace in accordance with OHS legislation, codes of practice, regulations and standards
• providing information and training in work tasks, OHS and other employment related matters
• the right to dismiss you if you (see the Commonwealth Workplace Relations Act 1996 ):

• are negligent, careless or cause an accident
• commit a criminal offence
• commit acts of disloyalty such as revealing confidential information
• use abusive language.

Tests  may include:

• burn test
• chemical tests
• sink/float test.

Underlay  may include:

• crumble foam
• felt
• foam
• sandwich
• urethane
• waffle rubber.

Work order  information may include:

• access to work site and egress points
• budget allocations
• completion times/dates
• insufficient people to complete the work task(s)
• job requirements and tasks
• legislative and local government requirements
• OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
• resource requirements - equipment and materials
• specific client requirements e.g. relationships with other activities, dress and presentation requirements
• use of signage and barriers
• work schedules
• work site contact person(s)
• working in isolated and remote locations.

Yarn  type may include:

• heat set
• plied
• single
• textured
• twist.

Unit Sector(s)

Not Applicable

Functional Area:

Functional Area: Core. Carpet Cleaning