Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit specifies the outcomes required to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding at the basic level, consisting of scaffolding work connected with the operation or use of modular or pre-fabricated scaffolds, cantilevered materials hoists with a maximum working load of 500kg, ropes and gin wheels, safety nets and static lines, and bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork) for licensing purposes.

Application of the unit 

This unit covers the scope of work to plan the job, select and inspect equipment, set up task, erect scaffold and scaffold equipment and dismantle scaffold and scaffold equipment.

This unit is based upon the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

This unit in its current form it state and territory licensing requirements. Any alteration will result in a unit which is not acceptable to regulators for the purpose of licensing.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan job.

1.1. Task to be undertaken is assessed.

1.2. Potential workplace hazards  are identified.

1.3. Hazard control measures  are identified consistent with appropriate standards  to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

1.4. Site information is obtained.

1.5. Scaffold , associated equipment  and scaffolding equipment  are identified from site information and in consultation with appropriate personnel  (where applicable).

1.6. Safety equipment  is identified.

1.7. All forces and loads  exerted on and by the scaffold and/or scaffolding equipment are determined and calculated.

1.8. Appropriate communication methods  are identified with appropriate personnel.

2. Select and inspect plant and equipment.

2.1. Scaffold, associated equipment and scaffold equipment are selected and inspected according to procedures  and site information.

2.2. Safety equipment is selected and inspected according to procedures.

2.3. All defective Scaffold, associated equipment, scaffold equipment and safety equipment are isolated according to procedures.

2.4. All defective Scaffold, associated equipment, scaffold equipment and safety equipment are reported and recorded according to procedures.

2.5. Communication equipment  is selected and inspected for serviceability (where applicable).

3. Set up task

3.1. Appropriate hazard prevention /control measures  are applied to the work area according to procedures.

3.2. Ground suitability is checked.

3.3. Appropriate footings are prepared to support scaffold and scaffold equipment according to procedures and the appropriate standard.

3.4. Scaffold and scaffold equipment are prepared for erection according to procedures and the appropriate standard.

3.5. Safety equipment is fitted and secured according to procedures (where applicable).

3.6. Scaffold and scaffold equipment are positioned for work application and stability  according to procedures and the appropriate standard.

4. Erect scaffold and scaffold equipment.

4.1. Scaffold and scaffold equipment are erected according to procedures and the appropriate standard.

4.2. Work is conducted safely at heights including safe and effective use of safety equipment.

4.3. Scaffold and scaffold equipment are erected consistent with site information.

4.4. Appropriate communication methods are used to coordinate the tasks.

4.5. Completed tasks are inspected for compliance with the appropriate standard.

4.6. Handover certificate is completed as required and handed to appropriate personnel.

4.7. Excess materials from the work area are removed (where applicable).

5. Dismantle scaffold and scaffold equipment.

5.1. Scaffold and scaffold equipment are dismantled according to procedures and the appropriate standard.

5.2. Work is conducted safely at heights including safe and effective use of safety equipment.

5.3. Scaffold, associated equipment and scaffold equipment are inspected for damage and defects.

5.4. All damaged and defective scaffold, associated equipment and scaffold equipment are tagged and isolated according to procedures.

5.5. Hazard prevention/control measures are removed (where appropriate).

5.6. All damaged and defective scaffold, associated equipment and scaffold equipment are reported and recorded according to procedures and appropriate action taken.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Required skills for this unit are:

• ability to calculate Safe Working Load (SWL) and Working Load Limit (WLL)
• ability to erect scaffold within the scope of the basic scaffolder
• ability to erect, level, plumb and stabilise cantilever hoists and scaffolds
• ability to interpret manufacturer's specifications for plant and equipment
• ability to work safely at heights
• ability to set up fall arrest systems, including safety nets
• ability to work safely in confined spaces
• accurate interpretation of basic structural charts and structural plans
• applying methods for making temporary connection using fibre ropes
• correct application of all scaffolding equipment
• methods for making temporary connection of guy ropes and static lines using Flexible Steel Wire Rope (FSWR)
• verify problems and equipment faults and demonstrate appropriate response.

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge for this unit is:

• use of appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement of loads Commonwealth, state or territory OHS legislation and local government regulations, including standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of techniques for undertaking basic scaffolding activities
• knowledge of principles relating to plant and equipment stability
• knowledge of types of scaffolding and their application
• knowledge of scaffolding erection and dismantling techniques
• knowledge of types of hoists, plant and equipment associated with basic scaffolding and their use/s
• risk assessment and control, including understanding of the hierarchy of control
• estimation of bearing pressures of the full range of soil types and associated ground conditions for setting up plant and equipment
• load capabilities of different types of scaffolding constructions
• understanding and application of organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for scaffolding
• safety equipment applicable to scaffolding
• understanding and application of the inspection and maintenance requirements for basic scaffold, associated equipment and scaffold equipment
• uses and limitations of tools and equipment, appropriate to scaffolding tasks and activities.

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 

Successful assessment of this unit meets the competency requirement of the National Standard for licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

State/Territory OHS regulators have mandated the use of Assessment Instruments and Instructions for Assessment endorsed by the national body responsible for OHS matters for the assessment of this unit.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

• comply with OHS licensing requirements.
• effectively communicate and work safely with others in the work area.
• effectively apply risk assessment and hazard management procedures at a basic scaffolder level.
• effectively complete the planning, erection and dismantling of a scaffolding system, in accordance with procedures, including a minimum of erect and dismantle:

• Modular Scaffold with return and ladder access and platform brackets (hop-up brackets)
• Bracket Scaffold
• Mobile Scaffold
• gin wheel
• Cantilever Hoist
• safety net and static line
• safety screen

Scaffold to be of a minimum height of at least 5.0 metres above the supporting surface with full edge protection (includes safety screen) for each work platform including toe boards and handrails.

• correctly demonstrate fibre rope bends and hitches.
• effectively conduct pre and post operational checks of basic scaffolding.
• complete handover certificate as required.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Assessment of the safe and effective application of knowledge and skill to workplace tasks (performance) must be undertaken using the National OHS endorsed Assessment Instrument
• Assessment of performance must be undertaken either in the workplace or in a realistically simulated workplace setting
• .Assessors must ensure that the assessment in the workplace is organised to ensure that all the required equipment and materials and a suitable working area is made available to suit the assessment and the workplace
• Assessment must occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints for basic scaffolding
• Applicants must have access to:

• personal protective equipment (PPE) for the purpose of the Performance Assessment
• appropriate safety equipment in safe condition
• appropriate scaffolding and associated scaffolding equipment
• communication equipment (e.g. fixed channel two way radios) where applicable
• appropriate personnel to assist with the erecting and dismantling of scaffold and scaffold equipment.

Method of assessment 

Assessment must be conducted using the national OHS endorsed Assessment Instruments. These Instruments provide advice on their application.

Assessment may be in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency.

The use of 'simulators'  in the assessment of this unit of competency is not acceptable .

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Guidance information for assessment 

Further information about endorsed Assessment Instruments may be obtained from state/territory OHS regulators.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Hazards  may include but not limited to:

• ground conditions (e.g. ground bearing pressure/s, back filled trenches, underground services, slopes)
• overhead hazards (e.g. power lines, service pipes) (minimum clearance distance from powerlines or electrical equipment as determined by relevant state authority or electrical supply authority)
• traffic (e.g. pedestrians, vehicles, other plant)
• insufficient lighting
• environmental conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, storms)
• other site specific hazards (e.g. hazardous materials).

Hazard control measures :

Refers to the systematic process of eliminating or reducing the risk to personnel and property through the application of controls.

It includes the application of the hierarchy of control, the six-step preference of control measures to manage and control risk:

• elimination
• substitution
• isolation
• engineering control measures
• using safe work practices
• personal protective equipment.

Appropriate standards  may include:

• codes of practice
• legislation
• Australian Standards
• manufacturer's specifications
• industry standards (where applicable).

Site Information  may include, but not be limited to:

• local conditions such as access and egress
• work method statements
• site-specific job safety analyses and other documentation as required
• task plans.

Scaffold  may include but not limited to:

• mobile scaffolding
• bracket scaffolding
• modular scaffolding, including:

• steel
• fibreglass and
• aluminium frame scaffolding

• prefabricated scaffolding.

Associated equipment  may include but not limited to:

• planks
• flexible steel wire rope and fittings.

NB : including identification, uses and connections which may include termination for static lines and guys for cantilever hoists.

• ladders
• tie tubes and fittings
• fibre rope

NB : including identification and uses (natural and synthetic), and connections associated with bends and hitches.

• stairways and screening
• hand tools, including, but not limited to:

• box spanners
• hammers
• spirit levels
• tape measures
• scaffold belts
• podgers
• hammers
• wire nips
• wrenches
• torpedo levels
• shovels
• spanners
• cutters
• hammer drills
• sledge hammers
• wheel barrows and
• relevant maintenance equipment.

Scaffolding equipment  may include but not limited to:

• materials hoists
• gin wheels
• safety nets
• static lines and fittings.

Appropriate personnel  may include, but are not limited to:

• supervisors
• colleagues
• managers who are authorised to take responsibility for the workplace or operations
• other scaffolders
• other site personnel as applicable.

Safety equipment  may include but not limited to:

• safety harness
• energy absorber
• lanyard
• inertia reel.

Forces and Loads  may include, but are not limited to:

• dead loads
• live loads
• static load
• dynamic loads
• wind loads.

Communication Methods  may include but not limited to:

• verbal and non-verbal language
• written instructions
• signage
• communication signals
• listening
• questioning to confirm understanding, and appropriate worksite protocol.

Procedures  may include but not limited to:

• manufacturer's guidelines (instructions, specifications or checklists)
• industry operating procedures, relevant codes of practice
• workplace procedures (work instructions, operating procedures, checklists)
• reporting and recording procedures such as e.g. equipment defect/s.

Communication equipment  may include but is not limited to:

• fixed frequency two way radios
• mobile phones.

Hazard prevention /control measures  may include but not limited to:

• safety tags on electrical switches/isolators
• safety observer used inside exclusion zone (e.g. Spotter), to include the use of power line warning systems (e.g. Tiger tails)
• power disconnected by competent authority where applicable
• traffic and pedestrian barricades and controls
• safe and adequate access / egress is established
• personal protective equipment
• adequate illumination.

Ground suitability  may include but not limited to:

• rough uneven ground
• backfilled ground
• soft soils
• hard compacted soil
• rock
• bitumen
• concrete.

Stability  may include but is not limited to:

• ground bearing pressure
• sole plates/boards
• screw jacks
• levelling
• ties/guys.

Unit sector 

Construction

Co-requisite units 

Nil

Functional area