Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the functions required to plan and construct conventional fencing and defines the standard required to: site the fence line according to property or land management plan; estimate, cost and source fencing materials and arrange delivery; carry out fencing operations safely and efficiently; construct a fence that meets specifications in plan or contract and is within tolerances for materials; minimise environmental impacts and dispose of waste appropriately.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in rural enterprises or who work as fencing contractors. It is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within enterprise guidelines.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Determine fencing requirements

1.1. Fencing requirements are assessed and clarified according to enterprise objectives.

1.2. Equipment, materials and labour requirements are determined, and estimated costings are maintained within budgetary constrains.

1.3. Plan is prepared giving consideration to siting fences in relation to natural features and proposed uses.

1.4. Legal requirements associated with fencing construction are identified.

2. Prepare for construction

2.1. Proposed fencing is checked and verified against property maps and work plan.

2.2. Services, structures and features, which may impact on the fencing work, are identified and incorporated into the fencing plan.

2.3. Tools and fencing equipment (including safety equipment), are arranged and safely and efficiently transported to the work site.

2.4. Labour requirements are arranged and confirmed according to enterprise requirements.

2.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.

3. Construct conventional fence

3.1. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to enterprise requirements.

3.2. Fence lines are marked out and checked against work plan and property maps.

3.3. Fence is constructed according to work plan and fence design.

3.4. Gates are attached and appropriately positioned for correct operation and function according to work plan.

3.5. All work is carried out safely according to enterprise requirements.

4. Complete fencing operations

4.1. Work site is cleared and tidied and all waste is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

4.2. Tools and fencing equipment are transported safely from the work site and stored according to manufacturer's recommendations and enterprise requirements.

4.3. Tools and equipment faults or malfunctions are reported for repair or replacement according to enterprise requirements.

4.4. Relevant information is recorded and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
• construct end assemblies
• construct gate assemblies and swing gates
• string and strain wires to manufacturer's recommended tension
• tie fencing knots
• use and maintain fencing machinery and equipment
• select fencing materials
• arrange and purchase supplies
• demonstrate safe workplace practices
• consult with and report to management
• minimise environmental impacts
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• issues affecting property fence planning and construction
• procedures for planning fencing in relation to the whole property plan
• range of fencing designs, construction methods and materials
• types of fencing construction tools and equipment
• fencing materials and costings
• common fencing hazards and safety precautions
• OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice
• relevant Codes of Practice with regard to the protection of the environment
• hazard identification, assessment and control.

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:

• site the fence line according to property or land management plan
• estimate, cost and source fencing materials and arrange delivery
• carry out fencing operations safely and efficiently
• construct a fence that meets specifications in plan or contract and is within tolerances for materials
• minimise environmental impacts and dispose of waste appropriately.

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.

Fencing construction may include:

• conventional fencing constructed with post and wire/wire netting under tension.

Unit sector 

Farm infrastructure

Co-requisite units 

Competency field