Work Methods

• The purpose, characteristics and application of materials, tools and equipment
• Safe handling, storage and protection of materials and equipment and work area
• Safe and efficient working methods and appropriate work requirements in accordance with Health and Safety legislation
• Methods and techniques for the installation of porcelain, stone, conglomerate and mosaics in accordance with British Standards

• Identify and minimise hazards and risks in the workplace, ensuring a safe environment is maintained at all times. Follow safety procedures, risk assessments, method statements and work instructions
• Make the most efficient and effective use of resources, time and materials.
• Select, use, maintain and store tiling tools and equipment
• Prepare backgrounds, install wall and floor tiles and produce finished work that conforms to British Standards BS5385:1-5 and BS8000:11.
• Report accidents or incidents in the workplace in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements

Identify and Respond to Customers Needs

• The most appropriate products for each application and relevant factors influencing selection in different settings
• Different types of communication and understanding of customer requirements to include formal and informal methods with the ability to respond to customer needs

• Prepare for meetings with customers and use appropriate listening and questioning techniques when discussing product selection
• Review and check that the specification meets the requirements of the customer in-line with industry standard and aesthetic requirements
• Interpret drawings, quality standards and specifications

Construction Industry and

• Key factors and systems of work appropriate to different work environments i.e. basic workmanship for conventional types of building works.

• Identify different Industry sectors e.g. new construction, social housing, residential, refurbishment, commercial, heritage

Building Methods

• Different industry sectors such as private residential, new construction, commercial and refurbishment
• Differences between modern and traditional construction methods including specific tiling techniques
• Those aspects of relevant British Standards BS5385:1-5, BS8000:11and Codes of Practice, which apply directly to their work and substrates

• Identify different building methods e.g. steel frame, reinforced concrete frame, traditional (solid wall and cavity wall) timber frame
• Use the appropriate method of preparation and fixing for the work environment and product being installed
• Identify various types of fixing and installation methods from traditional render and screed to modern adhesives and grouts

Product and Specification Information

• Relevance of technical data sheets, specifications, CoSHH sheets, method statements and risk assessments
• Differences between product types, their characteristics, qualities, uses, sustainability and limitations
• The reasons for selecting and preparing the appropriate type of background; wall and floor boards, screed, render and concrete to receive wall and floor tiling
• The implications that can arise from the installation and use of under floor heating
• Factors affecting tanking & tiling to wet room installations.
• Causes of common problems and how these can be prevented

• Interpret technical product data, drawing, specifications, manufacturer’s information, Codes of Practice and British Standards to ensure correct preparation and installation of wall and floor tiles and associated systems
• Interpret relevant health and safety requirements: method statements, risk assessments, CoSHH according to product and specification requirements
• Advise clients/customers on the different types and sizes of wall and floor tiles, and ancillary products and the materials they are manufactured from e.g. ceramic, porcelain, stone, plastic
• Revert to Manufacturers’ product information to avoid errors
• Identify and rectify common preparation, fixing and installation problems

Preparation and Application and Removal

• Difference in types of common preparation methods, make-up and application; screed, levelling compounds, priming and surface preparation depending on substrate
• Different types of resources, tools and equipment for preparing backgrounds and fixing wall and floor tiles
• Different types & weight limits of wall & floor substrates
• How to protect the work and its surrounding area from damage
• Different types of screeds/render & specialist preparations such as waterproof tanking, decoupling and anti-fracture membranes
• The impact of Drying and Curing times for various backgrounds
• Measuring and setting out procedures
• How to estimate and calculate required amounts of tiles, materials and resources including allowing for wastage
• Removal and Installation techniques and methods (including remedial works) for removing and fixing different types of wall and floor tiles and accessories including trim
• Different types of adhesives & grouts (i.e. cementitious/epoxy)
• Handling, measuring cutting techniques and how product type/size affects this
• Types of under floor heating and how and when to tile

• Identify substrate type and condition to determine appropriate preparation methods/products
• Select materials including: wall and floor tiles, primers, levelling compounds, screeds, adhesives, grouts, trims and ancillaries suitable for the substrates, tile products and installation environment
• Select suitable hand and power tools and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Calculate required amounts of tiles, materials and resources for the work requirements
• Prepare wall and floor backgrounds (including level and plumb) using primers, renders, levelling compounds and screeds

• Set-out for tiling wall and floor areas, ensuring mall cut tiles are avoided as far as practical and joint widths are consistent, parallel and plumb.
• Measure, mark & cut tiles in accordance with work requirements to include cutting around obstacles such as pipes, sockets and drains
• Apply adhesives and fix tiles to wall and floor surfaces
• Grout and finish tiles to wall and floor areas
• Install tanking systems, decoupling membranes and electric under-tile heating
• Undertake remedial work in accordance with specification.
• Be able to remove and replace individual damaged tiles without causing damage to adjacent finishes