Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1.

Plan concrete placement work.

1.1.

Concrete placement workplace is confirmed, potential hazards and emergencies are identified , and risk controls are selected according to applicable regulations, the hierarchy of controls, and site and workplace procedures .

1.2.

Type of required concrete placing boom and types, volumes and schedule of concrete delivery to the workplace are confirmed with relevant contractors and suppliers.

1.3.

Tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment, are selected to meet work requirements and checked according to workplace procedures.

1.4.

Workplace methods for communicating  between concrete placing boom operator and other workplace personnel  are identified and confirmed.

1.5.

Proposed location for setting up concrete placing boom is identified, and access to location and ground suitability are confirmed  with relevant personnel .

2.

Set up boom and prepare for operation.

2.1.

Location and ground are inspected and checked against advice received from reports and drawings  and confirmed as suitable according to workplace procedures.

2.2.

Concrete placing boom is located at workplace, positioned for work application, and outriggers are extended and adjusted to ensure stability according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

2.3.

Pre-start operator checks are conducted according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

2.4.

Concrete placing boom is partially extended to test operation and check function according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

2.5.

Plant safety devices are tested according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

2.6.

Post-start operational checks are carried out according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

2.7.

Concrete delivery system components are positioned securely and safely according to workplace procedures.

2.8.

Appropriate risk control measures  are applied to the concrete placing boom location according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

2.9.

Pumping system is tested and prepared for use according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

3.

Deliver concrete.

3.1.

Supply of bulk concrete to the hopper is coordinated with supply vehicle operators to ensure safe hopper levels, and hose hand and concreters are advised of pauses and changes in supply as required.

3.2.

Concrete placing boom is safely and efficiently operated through the full range of movements  using remote control or control panel to deliver the concrete as required.

3.3.

Risk of collision with other fixed structures and moving plant is monitored and suitable risk control measures are implemented.

3.4.

Pump is operated using remote control or control panel to ensure a safe optimum output according to requirements of concreters and to minimise damage to the engine and gears.

3.5.

Hand signals are correctly made and interpreted, or instructions over the radio are correctly given and received, according to any workplace procedures.

3.6.

Boom operation is constantly monitored  to ensure stability of boom and safety of personnel, delivery hose and workplace equipment and structures.

3.7.

Strategies for managing emergencies  arising during concrete placement are implemented as required and according to manufacturer specifications, and emergencies are reported in line with workplace procedures.

3.8.

Concrete placing boom is safely withdrawn from the work area at completion of delivery task.

4.

Shut down and secure concrete placing boom and components.

4.1.

Delivery lines and hopper are cleaned out according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

4.2.

Concrete placing boom is stowed according to manufacturer specifications and secured for travel according to plant operation and workplace procedures.

4.3.

Outriggers are retracted, stowed and secured for travel according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

4.4.

Plates or packing are stowed and secured for travel according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

4.5.

Concrete placing boom is relocated as required and shut down according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

4.6.

Routine post-operational equipment checks are carried out and recorded according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

4.7.

Defects and damage are reported and recorded and appropriate action is taken according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill 

Performance feature 

Learning skills to:

• operate concrete placing booms in different types of workplaces transferring key principles of safe operation to different contexts
• improve own performance in the safe and efficient operation of concrete placing booms by incorporating learning from experiences in different workplaces and different conditions.

Numeracy skills to:

• interpret numerical information, including:

• information regarding concrete supply:

• schedule of delivery
• strength and volume of concrete

• readings on control and monitoring instruments.

Oral communication skills to:

• use and interpret vocabulary specific to the construction industry at a level sufficient to communicate with other workplace personnel
• use non-verbal feedback to support effective communication
• use relevant conventions for the use of mobile communication devices, such as two-way radios.

Reading skills to:

• interpret documentation that includes technical specificity, including:

• engineering drawings
• geotechnical reports
• plant operation manuals and manufacturer specifications
• workplace procedures.

Writing skills to:

• accurately record and maintain information relating to the operation of concrete placing booms, including:

• incident reports
• vehicle and equipment checking and maintenance records.

Self-management skills to:

• implement risk control measures
• initiate emergency management strategies.

This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Identification of potential hazards and emergencies  must include consideration of:

• environmental conditions, including:

• lightning
• storms
• wind

• ground stability, including:

• compaction, especially recently filled trenches
• condition and structure, including presence of underground spaces
• slopes

• hazardous materials
• inadequate extension of outriggers
• insufficient lighting
• overhead or underground electrical assets and service pipes, including:

• identification of overhead electric line hazards and risks
• relevant limits of approach
• safety observer zone
• whether the work requires a permit from the electricity supply authority

• pressurised pipes, hoses and equipment
• risk of collision with other fixed structures and moving plant, including cranes, tower cranes and other concrete placing booms
• workplace visit if insufficient information available from building contractor or other workplace personnel
• traffic, including:

• pedestrians
• vehicles
• plant.

Workplace procedures  must: include:

• compliance with applicable:

• commonwealth, state and territory health and safety legislation
• approved codes of practice
• manufacturer specifications and recommendations for the operation of the concrete placing boom
• safe work method statements (SWMS)
• workplace-specific instructions

• consideration of relevant standards:

• Australian standards
• international technical standards (ISO)
• industry standards.

Methods for communicating  must comply with appropriate  workplace protocols and  must include:

• making and interpreting hand signals, including:

• boom up
• boom down
• slew left
• slew right
• open or extend boom
• close or retract boom
• stop boom
• start pump speed up
• slow pump down
• little bit
• add water
• all finished

• using fixed channel mobile communication devices, including selecting transmitting frequencies
• verbal:

• speaking, including questioning to confirm understanding
• listening

• written, including signage and symbols.

Other workplace personnel  must include:

• concrete placing and supply personnel:

• concreter
• form worker
• hose hand

• operator of other construction plant and equipment
• other personnel working on or visiting the workplace
• workplace supervisor.

Confirmation of ground suitability  must include:

• checking that there is no evidence of:

• backfilled ground
• soft soils
• underground cavities
• uneven ground

• evidence that the ground is stable and can withstand the weight of the fully loaded concrete placing boom and concrete delivery vehicles
• evidence that the ground is relatively level and there is ample space for extension of outriggers to ensure the security of the boom when fully extended and operational
• identifying the type of ground, including:

• bitumen
• concrete
• hard compacted soil
• rock.

Relevant personnel  must include one or more of the following:

• geotechnical engineer
• principal contractor
• structural engineer
• workplace manager.

Reports and drawings  must include one or more the following:

• engineering drawings
• geotechnical reports.

Risk control measures  must include:

• adequate lighting
• complying with requirements of permit conditions from electrical supply authority, including:

• observing the limits of approach
• maintaining the safety observer zone

• disconnecting electricity or compliance with electrical supply authority requirements
• locking pins, including R clips and lynch pins
• minimising the risk of collision with other operational plant
• moving obstructions
• properly securing load-rated chain to secure the hose to the boom
• setting up concrete placing boom an adequate distance from excavations
• using pedestrian barricades
• using personal protective equipment
• using safety tags on electrical switches or isolators
• using traffic barricades and controlling traffic.

Full range of movements  must include:

• folding and unfolding
• raising and lowering
• slewing left and slewing right
• stopping boom.

Monitoring boom operation  must include:

• checking:

• operation of safety devices
• readings on control panels
• boom location and movement
• concrete flow
• hopper level

• checking stability of concrete placing boom
• listening for abnormal noises.

Strategies for managing emergencies  must involve:

• complying with workplace evacuation procedures
• contacting emergency services
• notifying other workplace personnel
• shutting down equipment.