Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of installing water features and defines the standard required to: prepare site for water feature installation; construct/assemble, install and commission water feature/s.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the installation of water features which may include waterfalls, ponds, waterways and fountains. They may be prefabricated water features as supplied by irrigation suppliers and garden centres, or they may be formed 'in situ' with the appropriate waterproof membrane and medium.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare work

1.1. Plans and specifications are interpreted and clarified with the supervisor.

1.2. The quantity and quality of materials are checked to ensure they conform to design drawings and specifications.

1.3. Tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability according to enterprise guidelines.

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

1.5. Environmental implications of constructing concrete structures are identified and reported to the supervisor.

2. Set out and prepare the site

2.1. Services are determined and located from site plans.

2.2. The exact location and depth of excavations is determined from design drawings and specifications, and marked out accordingly.

2.3. Site is excavated to the shape, depth and dimensions as marked out.

2.4. Drainage systems are constructed according to design drawings and specifications.

2.5. Bedding material is placed and compacted to the required finished levels.

2.6. Soil and waste material is sorted and stockpiled ready for removal, reuse or recycling.

3. Install water feature and accessories

3.1. A waterproof membrane, prefabricated shell or formed 'in situ' feature is installed according to design drawings, specifications and/or manufacturer's instructions.

3.2. All accessories to the feature are installed according to design drawings, specifications and/or manufacturer's instructions, and with due consideration to safety issues.

3.3. The feature is filled with water, tested for leaks and repaired accordingly.

3.4. Water is treated to remove or neutralise contaminants resulting from excavation and installation work.

4. Check quality of work and clean up site

4.1. Any mechanical features are checked and adjusted to ensure they operate according to manufacturer's specifications.

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

4.3. Debris is cleaned from feature and site according to enterprise guidelines.

4.4. Soil and waste material is disposed of in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner.

4.5. All 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 

• measure and calculate area, depth and volume
• use some surveyors instruments
• install various types of prefabricated water features and/or form them 'in situ'
• 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 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 

• regulations regarding water use and safety in public places
• pumping systems and accessories associated with water features
• pipe sizes, types and applications
• plant materials, fish and water animals suitable for various types of water features
• water treatment methods
• comparative environmental implications associated with soil excavation and the establishment of drainage systems and water catchment features
• legislative and regulatory requirements with water feature installation.

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:

• prepare site for water feature installation
• construct/assemble, install and commission water feature/s.

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.

Water feature may include:

• waterfalls
• ponds
• waterways
• fountains which may be prefabricated or formed 'in situ'.

Unit sector 

Landscape

Co-requisite units 

Competency field