Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of laying modular paving and defines the standard required to: set out the paving area; prepare the ground; lay bedding material; lay pavers to the specified pattern; clean up the site and dispose of waste.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of laying modular paving in landscape projects and involves working under routine supervision with intermittent checking.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare for paving work

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

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

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

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.

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

2. Set out and prepare paving area

2.1. The area to be paved is marked out according to the site plan.

2.2. The marked out area is checked with the supervisor for compliance with the site plan and OHS requirements, and adjusted where necessary.

2.3. The reduced levels of the proposed paving area are calculated and pegged from the survey benchmark using the rise and fall method in a closed level run.

3. Undertake ground preparation

3.1. The area is excavated to shape, depth and dimensions to sub base level according to minimal industry standards.

3.2. The sub base is trimmed to the designated level and falls to ensure that the final level of paving can be achieved.

3.3. Drainage systems are constructed as necessary according to the site plan.

3.4. Base material is placed and compacted to the required finished level according to minimal industry standards.

4. Lay bedding material

4.1. Bedding material is spread loosely over the area to ensure the designated bedding depth can be attained according to minimal industry standards.

4.2. Screed rails are established to ensure the bedding course is maintained.

4.3. Bedding material is levelled to the designated level and falls and in accordance with minimum industry standards.

5. Lay pavers to a given pattern

5.1. Grid string lines are set to required levels to ensure the designated pattern of the project is attained, and to maintain straight lines of components.

5.2. Pavers are set out to the required dimensions and pattern according to the site plan.

5.3. Whole pavers are laid and compacted to the established finish level.

5.4. Pavers are marked, cut and fitted to accurately fill gaps in the pattern within tolerances nominated within the site plan.

5.5. Permanent edge constraints are installed to prevent movement of pavers.

6. Clean site and store tools and equipment

6.1. Paving is swept thoroughly to produce a clean and flat surface free of debris.

6.2. Sand is spread evenly of the paved area and compacted to the finished level.

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

6.4. All tools and 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 

• read, interpret and apply information from a site plan that is to scale
• calculate the amount of materials required, prepare the paving site, and follow a designated pattern
• install modular pavers
• sort soil and waste material from the excavation site in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner, such as sorting it into organic, inorganic, and recyclable piles
• 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 area to be paved
• the environmental impact of soil disturbance when preparing to pave, and the environmental effects of altering water flow when installing new drainage systems
• methods of disposing of soil and waste materials in order to minimise damage to the environment.

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 paving area
• prepare the ground
• lay bedding material
• lay pavers to the specified pattern
• clean up the site and dispose of 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.

Paving may include:

• clay or brick paving bricks.

Permanent edge constraints may include:

• concrete, timber or steel constraints

Unit sector 

Landscape

Co-requisite units 

Competency field