Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of installing, maintaining and repairing fencing and defines the standard required to: select the appropriate materials and tools; erect fence; install gates and components; assess the fencing site for environmental impacts of the fence; undertake repairs, record work activities and clean up the fencing site; remove and dispose of, or recycle waste.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in rural organisations who operate under limited supervision with checking only related to overall progress within established enterprise routines and procedures.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for fencing work

1.1. Appropriate tools and materials are selected in accordance with task requirements, manufacturer's guidelines and fence design.

1.2. Faulty or unsafe tools are identified and put aside for repair or replacement.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and safety concerns reported to the supervisor.

1.4. Transport of fencing materials, tools and equipment to worksite is arranged.

2. Undertake fence installation

2.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and maintained according to procedures.

2.2. Posts and stays are installed and secured in accordance with industry practice.

2.3. Wire is strung and tensioned in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and industry practice.

2.4. Wire netting or other fencing materials are attached in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and industry practice.

2.5. Gates are positioned and attached and checked for correct operation.

3. Maintain and repair fencing

3.1. Faults or structural damage are identified and necessary repairs are carried out in accordance with industry practice and manufacturer's guidelines.

3.2. Dismantling operations are carried out recovering re-useable materials.

3.3. Further maintenance or repair works are identified and reported.

3.4. Used fencing material is packed for reuse or disposed of according to enterprise procedures.

4. Complete fencing work

4.1. Work area is cleared and tidied and all non re-useable materials are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

4.2. Tools, personal protective equipment and re-useable materials are cleaned and stored.

4.3. Work activities are recorded in accordance with industry practice.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and follow safe work practices
• site fencing materials and tools for efficient use
• use fencing tools safely and in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines
• install fence posts and stays
• tension fencing wire and netting in accordance with manufacturers guidelines
• string, strain and tie off wires safely and efficiently
• use hand tools safely
• operate powered fencing machinery in a safe, efficient and controlled manner
• use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• designs and purpose of a range of conventional fencing
• wire types, knots, tensions applications and limitations
• common hazards involved in fencing installation, maintenance and repair
• uses and types of fencing tools and equipment
• fencing materials manufacturers specifications and guidelines
• OHS and environmental legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures.

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 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• select the appropriate materials and tools
• erect fence, install gates and components
• assess the fencing site for environmental impacts of the fence
• undertake repairs
• record work activities
• clean up the fencing site and remove and dispose of, or recycle, waste.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Fences may include:

• post and wire
• wire netting.

Unit sector 

Infrastructure

Co-requisite units 

Competency field