Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to access, interpret and apply relevant building codes and standards applicable to the construction processes of large, high rise and complex buildings (open' licensing classification with special reference to Type A buildings).

To successfully comply with relevant standards and codes in large constructions requires a thorough knowledge of the purpose of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) coupled with the ability to interpret specific standards in relation to the design and specifications of building projects.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency supports builders, project managers and related construction industry professionals responsible for ensuring compliance with building codes and standards in the residential and commercial construction industry.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Access and interpret relevant code and standard requirements.

1.1. Relevant clauses from the BCA that apply to individual projects (classified as open ) are identified.

1.2. Prescriptive requirements of relevant BCA clauses for standard construction  are determined for the scope of work .

1.3. Requirements of relevant Australian standards referenced in the BCA are accessed and interpreted appropriately.

2. Classify buildings.

2.1. Nature of a building is determined according to use and arrangement.

2.2. BCA criteria to determine the defined classification are applied.

2.3. BCA requirements for multiple classifications are identified and interpreted.

3. Analyse and apply a range of solutions to a construction problem for compliance with the BCA.

3.1. Range of criteria that will ensure construction methods comply with intent of the BCA is determined.

3.2. Alternative solutions to a construction problem that will comply with BCA requirements are discussed and proposed in accordance with company policies and procedures and standard specifications .

3.3. Performance-based solutions are identified and documented in accordance with BCA requirements.

3.4. Assessment methods  used by authorities to determine whether a building solution complies with performance requirements  or deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) provisions of the BCA are analysed and applied.

3.5. BCA assessment methods are identified as appropriate to meet DTS provisions of BCA.

3.6. Relevant documentation is identified and completed in accordance with performance requirements of the BCA.

4. Apply fire protection requirements.

4.1. Fire resistance required for the construction of all classes and types of buildings is determined.

4.2. BCA requirements with respect to passive and active fire protection to all classes and types of buildings are identified and applied.

4.3. Check of existing buildings for compliance with passive and active fire protection requirements is carried out in accordance with BCA requirements.

5. Implement strategy to manage compliance with BCA for large, complex and high rise buildings.

5.1. Processes are established and implemented to coordinate the work of professionals involved in the development and management of the building process.

5.2. Effective design solutions for buildings of more than three storeys are sought to meet the needs of clients and ensure compliance with BCA.

5.3. Quality assurance processes are designed and implemented to ensure effective and compliant management of the construction process.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Required skills for this unit are:

• accurate application of building codes and standards
• application of design concepts and principles in accordance with Australian standards
• application of design concepts and principles in accordance with BCA
• analysis and interpretation skills relating to documentation from a wide range of sources, including BCA and Australian standards
• communication skills to:

• enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand
• discuss and propose alternative solutions
• read and interpret specifications and drawings
• use and interpret non-verbal communication
• use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences
• written skills to complete documentation in accordance with BCA requirements

• numeracy skills to apply mathematical information included in building codes and standards.

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge for this unit is:

• application of BCA, namely:

• low rise:

• Class 1 and 10
• Class 2 to 9 with a gross floor area not exceeding 2000 square metres, not including Type A or Type B construction

• medium rise:

• Class 1 and 10
• Class 2 to 9 to a maximum of 3 storeys, not including Type A construction

• open:
• all classes of building and types of construction

• application of relevant Australian standards
• BCA performance hierarchy
• definitions and common technical terms or usage specified under general provisions of BCA
• design principles and the behaviour of structures under stress, strain, compression, bending or combined actions
• nature of materials and effects of performance
• relevant legislative and OHS requirements, codes and practices
• work drawings and specifications.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed by the application of design principles and solutions specified in the deemed-to-satisfy and performance-based concept of BCA criteria applied to a building project.

This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

• comply with organisational quality procedures and processes
• apply and interpret relevant documentation and codes
• accurately apply BCA codes and standards relating to performance of and compliance with building project work
• demonstrate understanding of the assessment methods available to determine whether a building solution complies with performance requirements or DTS provisions of BCA.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• BCA, Class 2 to 9 buildings and Guide to BCA
• documentation, including design brief drawings, specifications, codes, design concepts, construction schedules and other necessary supporting documents
• research resources, including product information and data
• access to relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice; like BCA, National Timber Framing Code, AS1684, AS4055 and other Australian standards required to meet the purpose of intended use
• relevant computer software package and suitable hardware.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
• include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Open  is classified as:

• classes of building and types of construction within the BCA with special reference to the construction of buildings of more than 3 storeys.

Standard construction  includes:

• BCA
• Australian standards relative to the scope and context of large building construction.

Scope of work  includes:

• characteristics
• compatibility
• dimensions
• location
• patterns
• quantities
• sizes
• surfaces
• type of product or service.

Standard specifications  include:

• detailed specifications addressing specific components, such as:

• electrical
• mechanical
• structural
• other requirements

• developed specifications
• preliminary and outline specifications.

Assessment methods  include:

• comparison with DTS provisions
• evidence of suitability
• expert judgement
• verification method.

Performance requirements  include:

• cost
• detail relating to materials and quality of work
• milestones
• nominated subcontractors
• provision of site access and facilities
• quality assurance
• standard procedures
• standards of work
• work schedules.

Unit sector 

Construction

Co-requisite units 

Nil

Functional area