PRMCC06A
Identify carpet fibre and construction

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

Not Applicable


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Identify carpet construction

1.1 Determine type of yarn, fibre and carpetconstruction method used by checking carpet(s) visually in accordance with company requirements

1.2 Establish the type of pile or tuft through observation and touch in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements

1.3 Inspect and identify the backing materials used through observation after lifting a corner of the carpet(s) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, occupational health and safety (OHS) and company requirements

1.4 Confirm carpet construction method with appropriate person(s) in accordance with company requirements

2 Classify carpet fibre

2.1 Obtain small sample of carpet fibre and perform appropriate test(s) to identify fibre type(s) in accordance with OHS and company requirements

2.2 Inspect fibre to determine possible dye methods used during manufacture in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements

2.3 Confirm fibre classification with appropriateperson(s) in accordance with company requirements

2.4 Identify any pre-existing conditions in accordance with work order and company requirements

3 Identify installation method

3.1 Inspect and identify the installation method and underlay used during initial installation by lifting a corner of the carpet in accordance with work order, OHS and company requirements

3.2 Confirm installation method with appropriate person(s) in accordance with company requirements

Required Skills

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Required

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.

1

Perform the process

2

Perform and administer the process

3

Perform, administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied?

1

Confirm own role and responsibilities with colleagues and supervisors to ensure compliance with work order and company requirements such as OHS.

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?

1

Collect and analyse information regarding work site in line with company procedures.

How are activities planned and organised?

1

Organise and prioritise work tasks to meet work order and company requirements.

How can teamwork be applied?

1

Provide support and assistance to team members to complete work tasks within designated timelines and to meet company requirements.

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?

1

Calculate floor area to be cleaned and measure and carry out chemical applications.

How can problem-solving skills be applied?

1

Discuss with management/clients/site managers, supervisors and team members how to help solve problems that may arise.

How can the use of technology be applied?

1

Record data for future use such as stock control.


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.


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Not Applicable