MSFSF3008
Measure up and calculate fabric quantities for window coverings


Application

This unit of competency covers measuring up and calculating fabric and tracking quantities for window coverings during a site visit for subsequent use in job specifications and quotes/tenders.

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 windows coverings 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 calculations

1.1

Measuring and calculating equipment are collected

1.2

Mathematical processes and guide charts required are identified

1.3

Drape requirements, fabric types and lining/interlining requirements are noted from work order

2

Measure windows and calculate drape fabric requirements

2.1

Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

2.2

Fabric repeats are noted from samples of customer selected fabrics and recorded

2.3

Fabric width and pattern repeat are noted for work order

2.4

Finished length of window covering is identified for order

2.5

Heading type is identified for order and fullness ratio is identified

2.6

Loose or attached lining preference is noted on work order

2.7

Finished width of tracking and window covering is measured and noted

2.8

Number of fabric drops per curtain is calculated

2.9

Length of each fabric drop is calculated based on finished length plus hem and heading allowances and pattern repeats

2.10

Allowances for seams, hems, headings, drape fullness or heading type are noted for the work order

3

Calculate lining and interlining quantities

3.1

Width of lining and interlining fabrics is noted

3.2

Number of lining/interlining widths or quantity of continuous lining is calculated based on required number of drape drops or continuous fabric

3.3

Length of lining/interlining drops is calculated, including hem allowances

3.4

Amount of lining/interlining fabric is calculated and noted for work order

3.5

Procedures for minimising waste fabric are identified

4

Complete documentation

4.1

Quotation is prepared for client according to workplace procedures

4.2

Documentation is forwarded to appropriate work area

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

Measure up and accurately calculate fabric quantities for at least three (3) different window covering types

Prepare quotation and/or work order and locate and apply relevant information

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

Design features of the fabrics and finished curtains in relation to attractive draping requirements

Fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures

Work requirements, including workplace standards


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 work orders, measuring equipment, fabrics, including linings and interlinings, calculator and other relevant equipment.


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 individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving

Window coverings include:

curtains and drapes

blinds

Measuring and calculating equipment includes:

tapes

rulers

calculators

computers

The number of fabric drops per curtain is based on:

useable drapery fabric width

fullness requirements for heading type

size of returns and overlaps

track width identified for customer order

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

Soft Furnishing