Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the efficient delivery of quality concrete to site using an agitator or similar.

Application of the unit 

This competency covers the efficient delivery of quality concrete to site using an agitator or similar. It includes the operation of all ancillary equipment and the operation of plant using PLCs where appropriate. This competency is NOT intended to be used for the delivery of concrete within a site using mobile equipment or overhead cranes. PMC562070B Move materials  should be used in these circumstances.

In a typical scenario the agitator will be truck mounted. This unit does not cover the driving of the truck. Local regulations should be consulted and complied with.

Typically an operator would:

• deliver premix concrete to a customer.
• determine the product/delivery requirements from the production schedule, specifications. delivery docket and/or other specifications.
• resolve and prevent routine problems; and
• ensure the delivered product is to specification.

The operator generally works independently with frequent contact with the base plant.

Prerequisite units 

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. Load agitator.

1.1. Check job requirements

1.2. Position agitator for loading

1.3. Load agitator with correct concrete batch

1.4. Check any special requirements and take action required.

1.5. Check that slump is to specification and take any action required

2. Deliver concrete.

2.1. Deliver concrete without delay

2.2. Position vehicle/agitator as required by safety needs and if practical customer requirements

2.3. Report breakdowns or lengthy delays en route to relevant person

2.4. Maintain product quality as per requirements and procedures.

3. Conform to site protocols

3.1. Check access to site with customer

3.2. Assess site conditions and enter in a manner suited to the conditions, load and site requirements

3.3. Mix concrete on site as per quality requirements

3.4. Discharge concrete as required by customer

3.5. Wash down chutes and agitator in the area designated by the customer

3.6. Complete all records

4. Rectify routine problems

4.1. Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation

4.2. Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

4.3. Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures

4.4. Make sure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures

4.5. Identify non-routine problems and take appropriate action.

4.6. Ensure required checklists are completed

5. Control hazards

5.1. Identify hazards from the job to be done

5.2. Identify other hazards in the work area

5.3. Assess the risks arising from those hazards

5.4. Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Skills required for this unit include the ability to:

• communicate with customers
• determine, and meet customer requirements while maintaining HSE standards
• deliver product to site on time and within specification
• operate the equipment safely

Reading and numeracy is required to the level of interpreting workplace documents and technical information.

Required knowledge 

• Knowledge and understanding of the equipment sufficient to recognise problems and the appropriate action to be taken.
• Knowledge of the organisation's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the equipment.
• Knowledge of:

• the relationship between mixing time/water cement ratio and product quality
• importance of slump
• quality procedures
• handling techniques to maintain quality

• Knowledge of underlying causes of faults such as precipitated by:

• irregular mixing action
• mechanical failure
• electrical equipment malfunction

as is relevant to the practical operation of the equipment.

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 

The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency.

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

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

• concrete is delivered in full, on time and in specification
• there are good relations with the customers
• there is good liaison with the batching plant.

These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what ifs as the stimulus, with a walk-through forming part of the response. The assessment activities should include responding to a range of problems.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment for this unit of competency will be on an operating work site.

Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation or case studies/scenarios may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this competency unit (e.g., those parts of element 3 referring to dealing with customers). Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include 'walk-throughs' of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Method of assessment 

It may be appropriate to assess this unit together with:

• TLIC407D Drive heavy rigid vehicle
• TLIC307C Drive medium rigid vehicle
• TLIC507D Drive heavy combination vehicle

or such other unit as may be appropriate.

This unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

• MSAPMSUP280A Manage conflict at work
• PMC562081B Deliver customer service.

Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites and co-requisites relevant to their processes.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

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.

Procedures 

All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

Special requirements 

Special requirements may be noted on the docket or instructed by the batcher or otherwise communicated.

Special requirements may include the addition of water.

Relevant person 

Relevant person for reporting delays/breakdowns may include batcher, dispatcher or other person as specified in the procedures.

Records 

Completion of records must include:

• the addition of water
• other items identified in the procedures

and where possible the customer signature.

Records may be completed on the docket or other means as specified in the procedures.

Checklists 

Required checklists ma include:

• maintenance checklists
• pre start checklists
• other checklists

Context 

This unit includes:

• determining and adding the correct amount of water taking into account required specification and moisture/water already in the mix
• measurement of slump or similar tests
• customer service and product knowledge
• knowledge of relevant road rules and waste disposal requirements.
• It does NOT include the driving of the truck (which is a prerequisite). However the driver's road skills should be observed to ensure that they meet the business's standards.

It does NOT include the driving of the truck. However, the driver's road skills should be observed to ensure that they meet the business's standards.

Typical problems 

Typical problems may include:

• sites with poor access/unstable soil
• transportation/site delays
• site conflicts
• disposal of agitator washings

Unit sector 

Operational/technical

Competency field 

Co-requisite units