Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of implementing a retaining wall project and defines the standard required to: set out and prepare site according to plan specifications; establish survey benchmarks; excavate and profile soil levels; install and assemble components of a retaining wall; use tools and equipment for retaining wall projects; verify completed works meet the design plan and specifications. This standard forms a part of the training and assessment necessary to obtain the industry license.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to landscapers involved in the process of implementation of a retaining wall project. The work is likely to be under limited supervision, with checking only related to overall progress.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for retaining wall project

1.1. Requirements of the retaining wall project are clarified with client/supervisor.

1.2. Equipment and material resource requirements are identified according to the scope of the construction work.

1.3. The environmental implications of the proposed work are identified.

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

1.5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to procedures

1.6. Delivery of materials to site is organised according to workplace priorities.

2. Mark out site for retaining wall

2.1. Site bunting is erected and safety signage is placed where appropriate.

2.2. Services are determined and located from site plans.

2.3. The position of the retaining wall is marked out according to site and construction plans.

2.4. The location and depth of excavations are determined from site and construction plans.

2.5. Profiles are established to conform to the tolerances designated by the construction plans.

2.6. Survey benchmarks are established.

3. Construct retaining wall

3.1. Retaining wall components are assembled /installed according to plan specifications.

3.2. Appropriate drainage is installed according to plan.

3.3. Tools, equipment and machinery are used safely in accordance with enterprise safe operating procedures and OHS requirements.

4. Check quality of work and clean up site

4.1. Quality of finished works is inspected to ensure the standard of the finished project is in accordance with design drawings and specifications.

4.2. The work site is cleaned down in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner

4.3. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored according to enterprise guidelines.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• read and interpret documentation associated with retaining wall projects
• calculate material and resource requirements
• establish survey benchmarks
• install and assemble components of a retaining wall
• coordinate a team to achieve optimum performance
• document results clearly and concisely
• identify hazards and assess risk
• 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 

• landscape retaining wall materials
• landscape retaining wall construction techniques
• set out techniques
• work schedule programming
• possible causes of disruption to work activities and their effect on quality and time schedules
• methods and practices for maintaining and repairing retaining walls
• the range, use and availability of materials, equipment and machinery that may be required for the project
• OHS issues, legislative requirements and codes of practice
• state based licensing
• local council regulations
• WorkCover regulations.

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 and prepare site according to plan specifications
• establish survey benchmarks
• excavate and profile soil levels
• install and assemble components of a retaining wall
• use tools and equipment for retaining wall projects
• verify completed works meet the design plan and specifications.

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.

Implementation may include:

• materials
• tools
• equipment
• machinery and techniques used to construct retaining walls.

Unit sector 

Landscape

Co-requisite units 

Competency field