Unit of competency details

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.

1

Research requirements of applicable legislation

1.1

Legislation  affecting compliance of designs for different types of small-scale commercial and industrial building design projects  is researched and variations in requirements are interpreted and noted.

1.2

Legislation affecting compliance of designs for different project locations  and conditions  is researched and variations in requirements are interpreted and noted.

1.3

Research is recorded, filed and regularly updated according to workplace procedures.

2

Research requirements of applicable codes and standards

2.1

Codes and standards  relating to different types of commercial and industrial building design projects are researched and variations in requirements are interpreted and noted.

2.2

Codes and standards relating to different project locations and conditions are researched and variations in requirements are interpreted and noted.

2.3

Research is recorded, filed and regularly updated according to workplace procedures.

3

Analyse compliance requirements

3.1

Ambiguous or conflicting compliance requirements are clarified with relevant professionals.

3.2

Compliance requirements that affect client preferences are identified and communicated to client.

3.3

Constraints placed on design options by compliance requirements are identified and innovative solutions proposed.

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

Required skills 

• administration and management skills to:

• manage documents
• manage time, including planning and prioritising work
• plan and arrange professional development activities to update own knowledge base

• analytical and problem-solving skills to:

• envisage innovative design solutions
• research compliance requirements

• interpersonal skills to interact with clients and relevant professionals
• language and literacy skills to:

• communicate with clients, colleagues and contacts, including writing reports
• interpret and apply complex information, including legislation, regulations, and codes and standards

• technology skills to use information technology and relevant software

Required knowledge 

• compliance requirements relating to small-scale commercial and industrial building design projects, including:

• Australian standards
• BCA deemed-to-satisfy requirements
• environmental and sustainability requirements, including:

• energy efficiency
• fire resistance, including resistance to bushfire attack

• legislation
• regulatory limitations

• organisational scope of business and client demographics, including:

• geographic areas of operation
• trends in clients’ design preferences
• types of building design projects that form the core business of the organisation

• sources of reliable information on compliance requirements

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.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

• develop a body of current research findings relating to legislation, codes and standards affecting compliance of designs for different types of small-scale commercial and industrial buildings in different project locations and conditions
• analyse compliance requirements in relation to a range of different projects and locations
• systematically document and store research findings
• communicate with clients regarding compliance conflicts and constraints affecting design preferences, including proposing innovative solutions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

• must be in the context of the work environment
• may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills
• must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• access to:

• suitable assessment venue and equipment
• suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence

• assessment instruments.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit
• observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates
• implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes
• identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes
• identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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.

Legislation  may include:

• legislation and regulations relating to:

• building
• conservation
• construction materials and methods
• energy
• environment
• heritage
• OHS
• planning
• water

• local authority planning schemes
• industry-specific requirements relating to building use.

Small-scale commercial and industrial building design projects :

• include commercial and industrial building design projects covered by the BCA, except construction Type A buildings
• may be:

• factories
• motels
• offices
• restaurants
• retail and service outlets
• warehouses.

Project locations  may include:

• locations within the jurisdictions of different:

• countries
• local authorities
• states and territories

• locations with specific conditions, such as:

• bushfire threat zones
• coastal areas
• cyclone zones
• flood zones
• mountainous areas
• rural areas
• snow zones.

Conditions  may include:

• environmental, including:

• natural waterways
• protected flora and fauna

• weather, including:

• bushfires
• cyclones
• floods
• snow.

Codes and standards  may include:

• Australian standards
• BCA
• codes and standards applicable:

• at project locations
• in particular conditions.