Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

1

DEF12V2

First release. Replaces and is equivalent to DEFCA308B Assist in the construction and maintenance of field structures. Pre-requisites removed. Unit Descriptor updated. Application added. Minor Range Statement change. Evidence Guide updated.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare work site 

1.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment  is selected and worn in accordance with WHS requirements.

1.2 Site layout and preparation  is carried out in accordance with approved sketches, drawings, specifications and job instructions.

1.3 All tools and equipment  are inspected for serviceability and prepared for operation and defects are reported to the supervisor in accordance with standard procedures .

1.4 Materials  identified from job instructions and specifications are sourced, prepared and stockpiled in accordance with work schedule, design specifications and job instructions.

2. Build and maintain field structures 

2.1 Earthworks for hardstanding, pits and trenches are carried out manually or with the assistance of plant and operator support in accordance with specifications and site requirements.

2.2 Fabricated/pre-fabricated components are correctly positioned for assembly.

2.3 Jigs, fixtures and other equipment are assembled and applied to support construction.

2.4 Scaffolding is erected as required in accordance with job requirements and WHS requirements.

2.5 Concrete, bricks/blocks, timber, wire mesh, matting, steel and other materials are laid/assembled according to job specifications.

2.6 Horizontal and vertical construction/erection is carried out to specification using expedient methods and materials available.

2.7 Site is progressively camouflaged and concealment is maintained.

2.8 Assembly/construction is checked for compliance with specifications.

3. Maintain and clean up site and equipment 

3.1 Field structures are maintained, further developed and/or repaired to specification in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Plant, vehicles, tools and other equipment are removed from the site, cleaned, serviced, maintained and stored in accordance with standard procedures and documentation is completed.

3.3 Area is cleared and waste material is disposed of safely in accordance with standard procedures.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• work safely to instructions
• read drawings and interpret plans and sketches
• select construction materials
• measure relative to the construction process
• utilise expedient and improvised methods to construct field structures
• follow instructions/directives and report information
• participate in team
• encourage other team members
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

Required Knowledge 

• workplace and equipment safety requirements
• materials handling and storage
• measurement relative to construction
• expedient and improvised construction methods
• types and use of field structures
• drawings, plans and graphic representation including lettering, symbols tables, charts, specifications
• techniques for supporting others
• composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to construct at least three types of field structures included in the Range Statement using a variety of materials and expedient construction methods. At least one above and one below ground structure should be constructed.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

• interpret job instructions and plans, and layout a site
• prepare materials and equipment for construction
• apply appropriate expedient construction methods and procedures to the construction including accurate measuring and levelling
• use standard processes to handle and place materials
• complete the construction of field structures to the specified standard
• work in a team and interactively communicate with others

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated under field conditions over a time frame that allows for constructing and maintaining a number of field structures utilising expedient construction methods and a variety of materials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to:

• construction materials relevant to the task
• hand tools, power tools, plant and other equipment appropriate to the construction process
• suitable training areas for construction.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Personal protective equipmen t may include:

• boots
• dust masks/respirators
• ear plugs/muffs
• gloves
• hard hat/cap
• safety glasses/goggles

WHS requirements  may include:

• manual handling of materials
• safe use of scaffolding
• use of protective clothing and equipment
• workplace environment and equipment safety

Site layout and preparation  may include:

• constructing jigs and other field machines
• identifying assembly method from job instructions and technical specifications
• requesting plant support
• setting out to dimensions contained in job instructions and technical specifications
• stockpiling materials

Tools and equipment to be used in construction  may include:

• anchorages
• chain saws and paving breakers
• concrete mixers
• cordage
• crow bars
• explosives
• hand, power and explosive tools
• measuring tape/rule
• mechanical aids
• scaffolding
• steel wire rope
• various types of plant

Standard procedures and instructions  may include:

• standing orders, routine orders, procedures manuals, field engineering pamphlets, job guides and other publications
• technical specifications, plans, sketches
• written and verbal orders and job instructions

Materials  may include:

• bricks/blocks
• cement and sand
• masonry
• other commercial or improvised materials including locally sourced materials
• pierced aluminium plank (PAP)
• pierced steel plank (PSP)
• rigid or flexible sheet materials
• rock
• sandbags
• steel
• timber
• wire mesh