Unit of competency details

Modification History

Not Applicable

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to install physical termite barriers, including barriers that combine physical and chemical characteristics. The unit applies to the application of physical termite barriers in both pre- and post-construction and can be applied to domestic, commercial and industrial construction.

The unit requires the ability to assess the techniques and method of construction and the techniques required to prevent termites gaining concealed access to the completed construction. It requires a thorough understanding of client requirements and the application of company information in order to perform the task. The selection of appropriate equipment, materials and methods is essential for performing the task safely and efficiently. These work functions would be carried out within company guidelines and in accordance with statutory requirements.

Application of the Unit

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Pre-Requisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills Information

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills and Knowledge

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to install efficacious physical termite barriers safely and efficiently. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment.

Critical aspects of competency 

• Accurate identification of the hazards and risks associated with the installation.
• Carry out correct procedures prior to and during application of the installation.
• Compliance with company and legislative/regulatory requirements.
• Compliance with organisational policies and procedures including quality assurance requirements
• Demonstrate compliance with OHS requirements.
• Demonstrate compliance with product installation specifications.
• Demonstrate safe and effective operational use of hand and power tools, plant and equipment.
• Interactively communicate to support team and ensure safe and effective workplace operations.
• Outcomes achieved in relation to work order.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria 

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

• Subterranean termite ecology as related to termite barrier installation.
• Construction systems and techniques (e.g. concrete slabs and footings).
• Installation equipment.
• Applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.
• Product knowledge including manufacturers' specifications for equipment and products being used.
• Relevant Australian standards.
• Relevant licence requirements.
• OHS legislation and procedures.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Hazardous substances in the workplace.
• Company management structure and reporting channels.
• Work order specifications.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria 

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

• hazard identification and risk control
• applying correct manual handling techniques
• reading, interpreting and comprehending directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and on MSDS and labels
• attention to detail in observing site conditions
• performing the mathematical calculations required for measuring lengths, areas and volumes
• communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes
• requesting advice or further information
• seeking and receiving feedback
• working on an individual basis and within a team
• planning and organising work
• sourcing, organising and recording information
• customer service.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit 

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

• PRMPM02B Assess pest management options
• PRMPM05B Modify environment to manage pests
• PRMPM07B Implement a pest management plan
• PRMPM43A Prepare and present a pest management submission including quotation.

Resources required to assess this unit 

The following resources should be available:

• access to a suitable work site or venue
• access to suitable equipment and materials
• access to personal protective equipment
• access to equipment operating manuals and MSDS
• access to company procedures and manufacturers' specifications and material safety data sheets
• access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
• access to relevant databases and information
• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit the competency should be demonstrated in the field by reviewing the outcome of several (more than one) complete installations under normal industry operating conditions, or if this is not practicable, in a simulated work environment.

The competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant written correspondence with existing and potential clients. This information must be relevant by showing evidence of the candidate's work performance.

Other forms of gaining evidence such as through oral questioning and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to supplement (but not substitute for) the practical demonstration of competence.

Key competency levels 

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed alphabetically and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person (s ) may include:

• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• person(s) in control of work site(s)
• supervisors.

Clients  may include:

• architect
• body corporate
• builder
• building supervisor
• company/organisation
• developer
• maintenance manager
• owner
• person in control of work processes
• property agent/manager
• tenant.

Client records  may be a computer or manual file and include:

• contact details
• customer files and databases
• details of previous installation(s)
• details of previous quotations
• government orders
• specific details about the site, termite barrier installation details, etc.

Company requirements  may include:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• business and performance plans
• client communication procedures
• client confidentiality procedures
• client service standards
• communication channels and reporting procedures
• company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• company issued identification badge/card/pass
• company policy and procedures
• defined resource parameters
• dress and presentation requirements
• duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• establishing operator identity with client
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• OHS policies and procedures
• personnel practices and guidelines
• policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• records and information systems and processes
• training (induction and refresher) materials
• work site access security clearance procedures.

Environmental requirements  may include:

• clean-up, containment and/or isolation
• company policies and guidelines
• environmental protection agency and government departments (e.g. agriculture, emergency services and national parks and wildlife) regulations and guidelines
• hazardous materials handling
• local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment and tools  may include:

• adhesive applicators
• angle grinder
• bolster
• brushes and brooms
• drills (power and rechargeable)
• generators
• hammer
• hoses
• knives
• measuring tape/rule
• power leads
• roller
• safety switch equipment
• screwdriver
• sheet metal or utility cutters or snips
• shovel.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals, pests and/or equipment, including latex allergies
• blood and blood-stained products
• confined/restricted spaces
• contaminated clothing, materials and/or equipment
• damaged or inappropriate equipment
• dust and fibres
• electrical hazards arising from cables, electrical fittings (switches and lights) and untested electrical equipment
• environmental impact
• fatigue
• fire
• gas
• heights
• inadequate lighting and ventilation
• manual handling techniques including awkward and repetitive postures
• mobile/vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles
• moving and/or unguarded parts
• noise
• occupational violence and bullying
• poor personal hygiene practices
• spill, splash and spray
• underfoot conditions e.g. slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
• work environment temperature extremes
• work in isolated/remote environments.

Installation  may include:

• identifiable areas that require protection
• method of combining specifications and work order requirements
• procedures from company training and reference manuals
• specifications from company manuals
• techniques conveyed during training courses.

Legislative requirements  may include:

• Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements
• award and enterprise agreements
• industry advisory standards and codes
• relevant Commonwealth/state/territory legislation and local government regulations which affect company operation:

• anti-discrimination and diversity
• building codes
• chemical controls
• consumer protection legislation
• environmental protection issues
• equal employment opportunity
• freedom of information
• industrial relations
• installers' licence requirements
• motor and commercial vehicle(s) transportation
• motor licence and endorsement regulations
• OHS Acts and regulations
• privacy
• public health
• trade practices
• workplace consultative arrangements.

Manufacturers' specifications  may include:

• emergency response resources
• equipment operational manuals
• government publications
• instructional guides
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards, notices and wall posters) in work sites or vehicles
• product labels
• safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Materials  may include:

• adhesives
• equipment and tools
• termite barrier components.

Occupational health and safety * (OHS ) requirements  may relate to:

• allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)
• communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc
• emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
• hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
• hierarchy of hazard control procedures
• industry advisory standards
• information provided by national registration authority and state government authorities e.g. agriculture, environment protection, health and primary industry
• injury and dangerous occurrence reporting
• national and industry codes of practice
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• safety training, induction and refresher training
• selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
• use of chemicals in accordance with MSDS
• use of epoxies or other bonding agents in accordance with MSDS
• use of residual current devices
• use, storage and maintenance of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and equipment operating manuals.

* Also known as workplace health and safety 

Personal protective equipment  (PPE ) may include:

• communication equipment
• drinking fluids
• dust mask
• ear protection
• eyewashes
• face shield
• First Aid kit appropriate to the task and location
• gloves
• hair nets
• hard hats
• long pants
• noise protection
• overalls, coveralls or other protective clothing
• safety boots, shoes
• safety glasses
• safety harness
• soap and towel
• sunscreen
• washable sun hats.

Personnel  may include:

• client's staff
• fellow workers (colleagues)
• general public including bystanders
• venue/facility/building/shopping centre staff/management.

Previous trades work  may include:

• blocklaying
• bricklaying
• carpentry
• concreting
• electrical
• plumbing.

Public health and safety  may affect:

• animals
• client staff
• company staff
• customers (present and future)
• distributors
• facility users
• general public
• inspectors
• neighbours
• onlookers
• retailers
• suppliers
• trade and service providers.

Regulatory and company documentation  may include:

• accident and incident reports
• certificates and notices
• customer files and databases
• invoices
• job sheets
• logbooks
• OHS control procedures, forms and documentation
• receipts
• risk assessments
• work diaries.

Termite access points  may include:

• concrete shrinkage joint around slab penetrations
• construction joints
• perimeter cavities
• piers and sub-floor walls in suspended floor construction
• retainer walls.

Termite barrier  may include:

• bonding materials to adhere the proprietary products to the substrate
• proprietary product used to provide a barrier at the termite access point(s)
• proprietary products used in combination to provide a comprehensive barrier in accordance with regulatory requirements
• visual barriers formed as a result of construction techniques such as exposed concrete slab edges.

Waste  may be solid or liquid and include:

• contaminated/hazardous biological waste
• used containers
• used/contaminated personal protective equipment.

Work order  information may include:

• access to work site including timing of access and access and egress points
• budget allocations
• completion times/dates
• job requirements and tasks
• legislative and local government requirements
• OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
• resource requirements - equipment and materials
• specific client requirements e.g. noise control, sensitivity of occupants to pests and/or management, relationships with other customer activities, dress and presentation requirements
• use of signage and barriers
• work schedules
• work site contact person(s)
• working in isolated and remote locations.

Work sites  may include:

• a building
• commercial construction area
• domestic construction area
• industrial construction area
• vacant land prepared for construction.

Unit Sector(s)

Not Applicable