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 upholstery fibre and construction. 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 the type of yarns, fibres, methods, dyes, filling material and backing used in upholstery making.

Selection of appropriate testing techniques.

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 weaves used in upholstery construction and their characteristic features.

Knowledge of a range of dying methods.

Knowledge of the range of upholstery manufacture methods.

Awareness of applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.

OHS legislation and procedures.

Company management structure and reporting procedures.

Company procedures and practices

Emergency response and evacuation procedures.

Injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.

Knowledge of biological and viral control procedures.

Routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals.

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, interpreting and responding 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 upholstered furniture

access to a range of samples of upholstery 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.

Refer to Evidence Guide

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:

cellulose

coir

copra

felt

foam

horse hair

jute

latex

non-colourfast fabrics

rubber.

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

defined resource parameters

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.

Cushion filling may include:

feathers

foam rubber

latex rubber

plastic foam

polyfibre.

Dye methods may include:

acid

beck

continuous

differential

direct

disperse

paints

pigment

print

solution

space

spray

stock

yarn.

Fibre form may include:

continuous filament

staple yarn.

Fibre may include:

acetate

acrylic

cotton

jute

linen

nylon

polyester

polypropylene

rayon

silk

wool.

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

Piping material may include:

foam

jute

paper

plastic tubing.

Pre-existing conditions may include:

abrading/wear

crimp loss

crocking

dye migration

fading

fume fading

pile reversal

shrinkage.

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.

Texture style may include:

crushed velvet

damask

glazed (polished)

moire

quilted.

Weave type may include:

flat (basket)

jacquard

knitted

satin

twill

velvet.

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:

novelty

plied

single

textured

twist.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist