MSFFL2025
Install impact and sound absorption underlay


Application

This unit of competency covers installing impact and sound absorption underlay over a new or existing sub-floor to provide impact and sound reduction in preparation for the installation of a laminate or engineered timber floor.

Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking flooring work. Access to construction sites requires certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for work

1.1

Applicable work health and safety (WHS), legislative and organisational requirements relevant to installing impact and sound absorbing underlay are verified and complied with

1.2

Instructions and/or plans are read and interpreted to identify process required to complete work tasks

1.3

Sub-floor condition is assessed for suitability for installation of impact and sound absorption underlay for timber flooring installation

1.4

Suitable adhesives, trims and accessories are selected if required

1.5

Impact and sound absorption underlay is checked against work orders

1.6

Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work, serviceable and in a safe condition

1.7

Sequence of work is planned, including the starting point, to ensure cutting, laying and fitting is in logical order

2

Set out materials

2.1

Impact and sound absorption underlay to be installed is checked against the order

2.2

Impact and sound absorption underlay are acclimatised according to manufacturer recommendations

2.3

Impact and sound absorption underlay for fixing are organised and used in accordance with relevant safety management requirements

2.4

Working lines and starting point are established

3

Cut impact and sound absorption underlay

3.1

Instructions and sequence for laying and fixing are followed

3.2

Impact and sound absorption underlay is laid out to meet directional sequence, specification requirements and to minimise waste and joins as appropriate

3.3

Impact and sound absorption underlay is cut to required shape with minimum waste of materials

4

Lay impact and sound absorption underlay

4.1

Materials for fixing are organised and used in accordance with relevant safety management requirements

4.2

Adhesives and edge strips/accessories are prepared for use as required

4.3

Adhesive is applied to sub-floor, if required

4.4

Impact and sound absorption underlay is fixed using methods and equipment which follow manufacturer instructions

4.5

Completed installation is checked for flaws in installation and materials and faults rectified following workplace procedures

5

Complete housekeeping

5.1

Unused materials are stored or recycled as required

5.2

Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored appropriately

5.3

Work area is cleaned and rubbish disposed of appropriately

5.4

Workplace documentation is completed

Evidence of Performance

Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information

Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment

Identify materials used in the work process

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self or others

prevent damage to goods, equipment and products

maintain required production output and product quality

Complete a minimum of two (2) impact and sound absorption underlay installations with one (1) incorporating such obstructions as doorways, fittings and irregular (obtuse/acute) angles (dual-bonded and conventional)

Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements

Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems, interpret basic plans and follow safety procedures

Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage

Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity


Evidence of Knowledge

State or territory WHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to installing impact and sound absorption underlay

Organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for installing impact and sound absorption underlay

Environmental protection requirements

Established communication channels and protocols

Relevant problem identification and resolution

Types of tools and equipment and procedures for their safe use, operation and maintenance

Characteristics of materials, products and defects

Set-up and operation of equipment

Products assembly techniques

Procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information

Appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement

Types, characteristics, uses and limitations of impact and sound absorption underlay

Types and uses of impact and sound absorption underlay installation tools and equipment

Workplace safety system requirements related to cutting and fitting impact and sound absorption underlay

Characteristics and requirements of sub-floor preparation

Work flow in relation to cutting and fitting impact and sound absorption underlay


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must:

hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors

have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification

be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.

Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Access is required to materials, equipment and specifications relevant to installing impact and sound absorption underlay.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. Detail on appropriate performance levels for each furnishing unit of competency in reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy utilising the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) are provided in the Furnishing Training Package Implementation Guide.


Range Statement

Specifies different 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. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Unit context includes:

WHS requirements, including legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes, and local safe operating procedures or equivalent

work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

work requires individual to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving

Impact and sound absorption underlays include:

single fibre

composite fibre

bonded foam

recycled rubber

Adhesives include:

solvent and water-based contact

acrylic or polyurethane elastomeric

Tools and equipment include:

utility knife

straight edge

chalk-line,

hammer

heavy-duty electrical drill

hacksaw

notched trowel

Materials include:

impact and sound absorption underlay

PVC tapes

adhesives

nails

plugs

primers

Personal protective equipment includes:

that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures include:

workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment

work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs

workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

manufacturer specifications and operational procedures


Sectors

Flooring technology