Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

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

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Respond to client inquiry .

1.1 The client  requesting the building access audit is identified and their authority to act is established in accordance with organisational requirements .

1.2 Client needs are discussed and confirmed using effective interpersonal skills and communication techniques  in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.3 Personal competence and organisational capability to respond to client needs are determined and assessed.

1.4 Authority to proceed is negotiated with client and documented in accordance with organisational requirements.

2 Establish client relationship .

2.1 Contractual arrangements are negotiated, confirmed, documented and stored in accordance with client, organisational and legislative requirements .

2.2 A client brief  providing the required level of detail is requested in accordance with organisational requirements.

2.3 Site access arrangements  are negotiated and relevant contact person  is identified in accordance with client, organisational and legislative requirements.

2.4 Copies of all relevant building plans and associated documentation of the property to be audited are obtained.

3 Prepare for the building access audit .

3.1 A building access audit checklist  appropriate to the scale of the audit task is prepared.

3.2 Personnel  required to efficiently conduct the building access audit are assembled and briefed.

3.3 Tools and equipment required to efficiently conduct the building access audit are assembled.

3.4 Tools and equipment are calibrated to manufacturers' specifications prior to conducting the building access audit.

3.5 Site is accessed in accordance with the agreed site access arrangements.

4 Conduct the building access audit .

4.1 The extent to which the external areas within the property boundary, including reserved disability parking and continuous path of travel, comply with the requirements of building legislation  for access for people with disabilities is determined.

4.2 Accessible path of travel to and within all spaces in the building, required by building legislation to be accessible, is determined.

4.3 Appropriate strategies for overcoming any areas of access non-compliance are developed and documented.

5 Prepare the building access audit report .

5.1 A building access audit report is prepared for the client in accordance with contractual arrangements and organisational requirements.

5.2 The draft building access audit report is reviewed with appropriate persons  in accordance with organisational requirements.

5.3 Feedback received from the review process is incorporated and the building access audit report is completed.

6 Distribute and store the building access audit report .

6.1 The building access audit report documentation is prepared in accordance with organisational arrangements.

6.2 The building access audit report documentation is forwarded to the client in accordance with contractual arrangements.

6.3 A copy of the building access audit report and associated documentation are recorded and retained for future reference in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.

• analytical skills to:

• interpret and apply legislative requirements pertaining to disability access
• interpret the impacts of the full range of disabilities and the limitations that each disability places on the individual's ability to access the environment
• interpret how the full range of environmental barriers impacts on people with disabilities (who may have any of many impairments)
• evaluate the provision of access in relation to legislative requirements

• application skills to:

• apply relevant codes of practice and other legislative requirements to work processes
• apply and adhere to all OHS regulations, policies and processes in the workplace
• apply disability awareness to work processes
• maintain knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations, practices and industry updates

• communication skills to:

• explain clearly information on issues relating to the provision of access
• identify client needs
• consult effectively with clients and colleagues
• impart knowledge and ideas through oral, written and visual means

• interpersonal skills to:

• relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
• provide advice in a sensitive and appropriate manner
• facilitate change for greater awareness of disability access
• analyse own work practices and process outcomes critically
• adapt to new workplace situations

• literacy skills to:

• assess and use workplace information
• interpret building industry terminology and jargon
• read and understand instructions concerning OHS and the use of equipment, tools and PPE
• read and record data

• negotiation skills to:

• clarify client requirements
• establish the contractual conditions with the client
• establish the site access arrangements

• numeracy skills to:

• undertake measurement tasks
• perform calculations, such as those necessary to determine the provision of access

• organisational skills to:

• prepare and administer documentation
• implement organisational policies and procedures
• respond to customer service expectations
• prepare contracts and meet contractual obligations

• problem-solving skills to:

• develop appropriate strategies for addressing areas of access non-compliance

• report-writing skills to:

• prepare a building access audit report to meet the contractual requirements of the client
• prepare a building access audit report that meets organisational requirements

• research skills to:

• source information to assist in developing potential solutions to the provision of appropriate access

• teamwork skills to:

• work effectively with other people

• technical skills to:

• read and interpret plans
• carry out measurements and calculations
• select and prepare appropriate tools and equipment in readiness for use in a building access audit
• safely handle tools and equipment

• technology skills to:

• apply information technology and computer skills to prepare working documentation and reports.

Overview of assessment 

• This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or as part of an integrated assessment activity involving other competencies relevant to the job function.

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:

• recognising the needs and desires of people with disabilities to engage fully in all aspects of society, and their right to do so
• interpreting accurately the impacts of the full range of disabilities and the limitations that each disability places on the individual's ability to access the environment
• interpreting accurately how the full range of environmental barriers impact on any of the impairments that people with disabilities might have
• interpreting and applying anti-discrimination legislation for the provision of access
• interpreting and applying building legislation for the provision of access
• reading and interpreting building plans accurately
• using measurement tools correctly and recording collected data accurately
• preparing a building access audit report that complies with legislative requirements and fulfils contractual requirements
• complying with OHS regulations applicable to workplace operations
• applying organisational management policies and procedures, including quality assurance requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Resource implications for assessment include:

• a registered provider of assessment services
• competency standards
• assessment materials and tools
• suitable assessment venue/equipment
• workplace documentation
• candidate special requirements
• cost and time considerations.

• Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice with a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be current and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

Client  may include:

• architect
• owner and manager
• building designer
• builder
• building certifier and surveyor
• developer
• potential property purchaser.

Organisational requirements  may be outlined and reflected in:

• access and equity policy, principles and practices
• business and performance plans
• client service policies, procedures and standards
• codes of conduct and codes of practice
• communication channels and reporting procedures
• communication of services offered
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• compliance with legislation, codes and workplace standards
• continuous improvement processes and standards
• defined resource parameters
• duty of care
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• ethical standards
• legal policies and guidelines
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• organisational mission statement, goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• policies and procedures relating to the setting of fees and the negotiation and management of contracts
• policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibilities and delegation
• privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures
• quality assurance and/or procedures manuals
• records and information management systems and processes
• style guides and other guides used to prepare documents.

Interpersonal skills and communication techniques  may include:

• active listening to clarify and confirm understanding
• control of tone of voice and body language
• culturally aware/sensitive use of language and concepts
• demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to negotiate
• presenting options and consequences
• providing constructive feedback
• reflection
• seeking feedback to confirm understanding of needs
• summarising and paraphrasing to check understanding
• using effective presentation aids (e.g. audiovisual slides, diagrams, photographs and pictures)
• using language that is:

• accurate, articulate and concise
• positive, confident and cooperative
• verbal or non-verbal.

Legislative requirements  may be outlined and reflected in:

• relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation that affects organisational operation:

• OHS
• building
• environmental
• equal employment opportunity
• industrial relations
• anti-discrimination and diversity

• Australian standards
• codes of practice
• local government regulations and by-laws
• privacy legislation
• quality assurance and certification requirements
• trade practices laws and guidelines.

Client brief  may include:

• written instructions detailing requirements of the access consultant and building plans.

Site access arrangements  may include:

• access and egress points
• keys, passes and security clearances
• OHS requirements, including PPE
• timing of access.

Relevant contact person  may include:

• identified contact
• owner and manager
• site supervisor.

Building access audit checklist  may be developed in-house or purchased commercially, and may include the following:

• building/facility identification and data sheet
• minimum requirements summary sheets (spaces and special areas):

• parking and passenger set-down zones
• site-accessible paths and elements
• entrances
• building-accessible paths of travel
• rooms and spaces (e.g. assembly areas and fitting rooms)
• toilets and bathrooms
• special purpose facilities (e.g. restaurants, medical facilities, shops and libraries)
• special features (e.g. signage, alarms and tactile ground surface indicators)
• additions and alterations
• historic preservation

• technical requirement audit forms:

• parking and passenger set-down zones
• exterior access paths
• ramps

kerb ramps

step ramps

• stairs
• entrances and exits, including safe havens to await rescue
• gates and doors
• lobbies and corridors (interior access paths)
• platform lifts
• lifts
• rooms and spaces
• assembly areas
• toilets and bathrooms
• bathtubs and showers
• dressing and fitting rooms
• signage
• tactile ground surface indicators
• alarms
• drinking fountains
• telephones
• automated teller machines

• special purpose building technical requirement audit forms:

• restaurants and cafeterias
• medical facilities
• retail shops
• libraries
• hotels and motels
• transportation premises
• access audit report forms
• building access audit report forms.

Personnel  may include:

• business partners
• existing staff
• new staff.

Building legislation  may include:

• Australian standards
• Building Code of Australia
• DDA
• DDA Premises Standard
• state and territory building legislation
• local government building regulations.

Appropriate person  may include:

• another member of the building access audit team
• business partner or colleague
• staff member.