Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of installing aggregate paths and defines the standard required to: set out the path on a site; undertake ground preparation for an aggregate path; construct the aggregate path and supporting structures; minimise the impact of the aggregate path on the surrounding natural area; dispose of waste materials according to requirements.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of installing aggregate paths in landscape projects. The standard relates to working under direct supervision with regular checking. It requires the application of knowledge in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) responsibilities, setting out, reading of plans, use of different aggregate materials, tools and equipment used in installation of paths and methods of disposing of soil and waste materials in order to minimise damage to the environment.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare for installation

1.1. Required workplace information is interpreted and confirmed with supervisor.

1.2. Tools and equipment are prepared and used according to supervisors' instructions.

1.3. The quantity and quality of materials are checked to ensure they conform to the requirements of the job.

1.4. OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.

1.5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing is selected, used and maintained.

1.6. Plans for public risk protection are developed in liaison with the supervisor according to statutory obligations and enterprise guidelines.

1.7. The potential for environmental damage are assessed and measures are planned to avoid or control/minimise those impacts.

2. Set out the site for path construction

2.1. The location of the proposed path is marked out according to the site plan and contract documents or supervisors instructions.

2.2. The marked out area is checked with the supervisor for compliance with the site plan, contract documents and OHS requirements.

2.3. Public risk protection measures are put in place and used throughout the course of construction work.

3. Undertake ground preparation

3.1. The area is cleared of debris and excavated to base level and soil and waste materials are relocated or disposed of as directed.

3.2. Measures to avoid environmental impacts are put in place prior to commencement of work.

3.3. Base material is placed and compacted to the required finished level.

3.4. Work carried out conforms to site plan, contract documents and instructions.

3.5. Set out work is checked at regular intervals with supervisor.

3.6. 3Edge restraints, where required, are installed according to site plan and instructions.

3.7. Install drainage structures as directed.

3.8. Site problems and discrepancies are reported to the supervisor.

4. Lay surface aggregate materials

4.1. Surface aggregate materials are spread over the area to the designated depth.

4.2. Material is screed to ensure consistent depth of materials.

4.3. Aggregate materials are levelled to the designated level and falls.

4.4. Aggregate materials are compacted using appropriate machinery.

5. Make good the site

5.1. Soil and waste material from the site is disposed of or recycled to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

5.2. Areas disturbed by installation works are reinstated according to good environmental practices.

5.3. All tools&equipment are cleaned and stored according to supervisors' instructions.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• plan and prepare for installation and site safety
• set out the site for path construction
• undertake ground preparation
• lay surface aggregate materials
• make good the site
• 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 

• OHS responsibilities of employees
• OHS regulations regarding the erection of signs and barriers around the work area and responsibilities to the public
• the environmental impact of soil disturbance when preparing the site and the environmental effects of altering water flow when installing paths
• setting out site for path construction
• reading of plans and contract documents
• different base and aggregate materials and their performance
• tools and equipment used for installing paths
• methods of disposing of soil and waste materials in order to minimise damage to the environment
• machinery used in path construction
• ordering and estimating materials.

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:

• set out the path on a site
• undertake ground preparation for an aggregate path
• construct the aggregate path and supporting structures
• minimise the impact of the aggregate path on the surrounding natural area
• dispose of waste materials according to requirements.

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.

Aggregate paths may include:

• all types of aggregate paths used in landscaping.

Unit sector 

Landscape

Co-requisite units 

Competency field