Application
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to ensure surfaces are prepared and ready for fixing signs. The unit covers assessing surfaces, which can include metals, plastics, brick and plasterboard walls; identifying the extent of preparation required; selecting and preparing equipment; and applying materials to the surface safely and effectively, minimising damage to surrounding areas.
The unit supports sign manufacturers who install signs in a range of indoor and outdoor settings.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. | ||
1 | Plan surface preparation. | 1.1 | Job requirements, including type of surface, are identified from drawings, specifications and instructions and type, and confirmed. |
1.2 | Health and safety requirements are assessed and applied to planning. | ||
1.3 | Tools, equipment, paint systems and materials are selected to carry out tasks consistent with job requirements, and faults are rectified or reported before starting work. | ||
1.4 | Drop sheets are placed if required to protect floor and surrounding areas. | ||
1.5 | Personal protective equipment (PPE) is sourced according to manufacturer specifications, and health and safety and workplace requirements. | ||
1.6 | Signs and barricades are selected and installed according to health and safety and workplace requirements. | ||
2 | Clean and prime surface. | 2.1 | Condition of surface is assessed. |
2.2 | Surface is roughly sanded according to job requirements. | ||
2.3 | Surface is cleaned to remove grease and dirt and allowed to dry. | ||
2.4 | Undercoat is applied to surface and allowed to dry according to manufacturer specifications. | ||
2.5 | Primer is applied to surface and allowed to dry according to manufacturer specifications. |
3 | Apply paint. | 3.1 | Paint applicator compatible with coating type is selected and prepared according to manufacturer specifications. |
3.2 | Spray gun and air compressor, if required, are set to manufacturer specifications and correct viscosity of paint is determined for specified application. | ||
3.3 | Coating is applied evenly over the surface area and defects in application are identified and rectified. |
4 | Clean up. | 4.1 | Paint applicator is cleaned using correct cleaning products and according to workplace procedures and manufacturer specifications. |
4.2 | Surface and surrounding work area are cleaned using correct solvents and in line with safety and environmental requirements. | ||
4.3 | Waste materials are handled and removed according to statutory and regulatory authority requirements. | ||
4.4 | Tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), are cleaned, maintained and stored according to workplace requirements. |
Evidence of Performance
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must safely prepare the following surfaces each measuring at least one square metre, in readiness for application of signs:
brick wall
gyprock wall
metal
plastic.
In doing the above work, the person must:
use appropriate sanding and cleaning techniques for each surface
select, prepare and apply correct undercoat and primer for a painted surface
apply paint using each of following application methods:
brush paint
roll paint
spray paint
identify and rectify defects in paint application.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
range of coating types and their characteristics, including:
acrylic lacquers and their thinner or reducer
clear finishes and their thinner
oil-based paints and their solvents
spraying enamel and its thinner
two-pack paints and their thinner
water-based paints and their thinner
range of undercoats and primers and their application to different surfaces, including:
brick
plasterboard
metals
plastics
purpose and application of the following when preparing surfaces for signs:
manufacturer specifications relating to paint and other products used in surface preparation
safety data sheets (SDS)
safe work method statements (SWMS)
safety and environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to working with paint and other products used in surface preparation
statutory and regulatory authority requirements, particularly those relating to:
removal of waste products
storage of chemicals.
Assessment Conditions
Suitable assessment of performance requires:
equipment:
air compressor
brushware
ladders or other equipment used to provide safe access to work area
roller and roller sleeve
spray gun
materials:
cleaners as listed in the range of conditions
primers appropriate to the surface
undercoats appropriate to the surface
specifications:
range of surfaces to prepare as specified in the performance evidence
work instructions or drawings appropriate to the task
physical conditions:
work may be conducted indoors and outdoors
relationship with client:
sufficient to check and confirm job requirements
relationships with team members:
work may be conducted alone or with others
timeframe:
according to job requirements.
Assessor requirements
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Skill | Performance feature |
Learning skills to: | assess the nature of preparation required for new and challenging surfaces. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate material quantities required to prepare the specified surface area. |
Oral communication skills to: | clarify job requirements and expectations with client and colleagues. |
Reading skills to: | identify and interpret manufacturer specifications for tools, equipment and materials used when preparing surfaces for signs. |
Writing skills to: | report faults in tools and equipment to manufacturers and other relevant personnel in short, simple reports. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. | |
Health and safety requirements must include: | selection, correct fitting, and use of PPE prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices emergency procedures, including: evacuation first aid location and use of fire-fighting equipment hazard identification and risk control procedures safe operating procedures, including the conduct of operational risk assessment and treatments associated with: concealed services (water, power and gas) lighting restricted access barriers traffic control working at heights work site visitors and the public working in confined spaces working in proximity to others use of machines use of tools and equipment workplace environmental requirements. |
Tools and equipment must include at least two of the following: | air compressor deburring tools roller sleeve ruler and marking tools sanding equipment. |
Personal protective equipment must include: | gloves goggles mask. |
Cleaners used must include one or more of the following: | alcohol garnet paper methylated spirits mineral turpentine thinners wax and grease remover wet and dry sandpaper. |
Paint applicator must include: | brushware roller spray gun. |
Sectors
Construction
Competency Field
Signs and graphics