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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for work

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to the work activity

1.2. Obtain and confirm safety requirements  from the site  safety plan and organisational policies and procedures, and apply to the allotted task

1.3. Identify, obtain and implement signage  requirements from the project traffic  management plan

1.4. Select plant, tools and equipment  to carry out tasks consistent with the requirements of the job, check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults

1.5. Identify environmental protection requirements  from the project environmental management plan, and confirm and apply to the allotted task

2. Dig small excavations by hand

2.1. Confirm the location and specifications of the intended excavation on the ground before commencing work

2.2. Identify service markers or taped areas

2.3. Determine or confirm location of underground services  to avoid damage or interference

2.4. Use hand tools correctly to dig post holes, small pits and trenches safely and to the required dimensions

2.5. Undertake trench collapse prevention procedures, where excavation is in unstable ground

2.6. Place barricades around the excavation 

3. Complete and isolate the excavation

3.1. Clean loose material out of excavation using hand tools

3.2. Check excavation for confirmation with the specification or work instruction

4. Clean up

4.1. Clear loose material away from the edge of excavation

4.2. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan

4.3. Clean, check, maintain and store tools and equipment

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

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to carry out manual excavation:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for carrying out manual excavation
• organise work activities
• select and use relevant tools and equipment safely
• identify and report on hazards related to the worksite and work activity
• communicate effectively to receive and clarify work instructions

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to carry out manual excavation:

• types, uses, limitations and maintenance requirements of manual excavation tools
• basic principles of soil technology for civil works
• basic trench collapse prevention techniques including benching and battering
• site safety requirements
• site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities
• project quality requirements
• civil construction terminology
• concreting tools, plant and equipment
• JSAs/safe work method statement

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 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for carrying out manual excavation
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of manual excavation
• working with others to undertake and complete the manual excavation in a way that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of manual excavation that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment 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.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• 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.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistent achievement of required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete the manual excavation

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Relevant compliance documentation  may include:

• legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Safety requirements  may include:

• OHS requirements in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan including: protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
• safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with high voltage power lines, uneven/unstable terrain, trees, overhead service lines, bridges, surrounding buildings, obstructions, structures, facilities, dangerous materials, recently filled trenches, other machines, personnel, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public
• safe parking practices including ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement
• recognising hazards and risks including uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials
• emergency procedures related to equipment operation including emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing equipment fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation

Site  conditions may include:

• dry
• wet
• mud
• dust
• varying day/night visibility

Signage  may include:

• escort vehicle
• highway traffic signs
• site safety signage
• temporary signage for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians
• traffic conditions signage

Traffic  conditions may include:

• congested urban environments
• low traffic rural areas
• off-road un-trafficked areas
• buildings
• parking sites
• pedestrian areas

Tools and equipment  may include:

• picks
• crow-bars
• shovels
• hand augers
• string lines
• pegs
• levels
• tape measures
• jack hammers
• scabblers

Environmental protection requirements  may include:

• organisational/project environmental management plan
• waste management
• water quality protection
• noise
• vibration
• dust and clean-up management

Underground services  may include:

• power
• water
• gas
• telephone
• sewerage

Excavations  may include:

• trenches
• post-holes
• pits
• levelling of the work area

Materials  may include:

• clays
• silts
• stone
• gravel
• mu
• rock

• metamorphic
• igneous
• sedimentary

• sand
• topsoil