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. Plan and prepare for scaffolding operations

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

1.2. Access and interpret work requirements 

1.3. Develop the preliminary scaffolding plan  in accordance with safety  requirements

1.4. Confirm site preparation  with other appropriate personnel and implement hazard control measures if necessary

1.5. Identify and select equipment  consistent with work requirements

1.6. Check equipment is ready for use and report, label and repair any defects

1.7. Confirm scaffolding plan in accordance with Statutory/regulatory authorities and environmental requirements 

2. Erect and maintain scaffolding

2.1. Erect scaffolding in accordance with safe work practices 

2.2. Adhere to safety requirements at heights, on incomplete structures and in confined spaces

2.3. Install static lines when specified

2.4. Assemble and erect lifting device where specified

2.5. Inspect critical structural and safety areas  and equipment periodically while in use to identify any variation from the plan and record inspection in inspection log

2.6. Perform alteration or repair to critical structural and safety areas and equipment

3. Dismantle scaffolding

3.1. Isolate scaffolding and appropriately sign and barricade to enable safe dismantling

3.2. Inspect, classify, label and dismantle scaffolding safely using the reverse procedure for erection

3.3. Clear work area and dispose of used and recycled materials in accordance with job specification, relevant statutory/regulatory authorities and environmental requirements

3.4. Clean and check equipment and store in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and standard work practices

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 conduct basic scaffolding operations:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for conducting basic scaffolding operations
• apply scaffolding operational safety requirements
• access, interpret and apply technical scaffolding information
• maintain scaffolding equipment records
• apply hand-eye coordination
• operate/use relevant hand tools
• identify hazards and potential hazards at scaffolding site
• communicate scaffolding ideas and information
• work in a team environment on site

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 conduct basic scaffolding operations:

• workplace and scaffolding equipment safety requirements
• quality scaffolding requirements
• plant, tools and equipment types, characteristics, uses, limitations and relevance to scaffolding
• materials safety data sheet
• scaffolding plans, drawings and specifications
• scaffolding materials handling, storage and environmentally friendly waste management
• JSAs/safe work method statements
• relevant legislation, regulations and code of practice relating to the erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding
• scaffolding lifting devices
• relevant national certification standards relating to scaffolding
• scaffolding site and equipment safety requirements
• scaffolding equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• scaffolding operational and maintenance procedures

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 the conduct of basic scaffolding operations
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conduct of basic scaffolding operations
• working with others to undertake and complete the conduct of basic scaffolding operations that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of basic scaffolding operations 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 should 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 requirements, 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 basic scaffolding operations

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.

Compliance documentation  may include:

• legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• relevant federal, state and local authorities administering the applicable acts
• regulations
• relevant code of practice
• manufacturer's requirements
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity Disability Discrimination legislation

Work requirements  may include:

• plans
• specifications
• quality scaffolding requirements
• quantity scaffolding requirements
• operational details
• shift briefings
• handover details
• work orders
• purpose of scaffolding

Preliminary scaffolding plan  may include:

• site sketch
• scaffolding requirements
• scaffolding / equipment configurations
• identification of potential hazards
• control measures
• site access and exit
• estimation of types and quantities of components
• identification of scaffolding coordination requirements
• transportation of required equipment

Safety  may include:

• relevant OHS requirements in accordance with the following:

• applicable legislation
• applicable regulations
• applicable code of practice
• applicable organisational safety policies and procedures
• project safety plan

• protective clothing and equipment
• use of tools and equipment
• workplace environment
• handling of materials
• use of fire fighting equipment
• First Aid
• hazard control including hazardous materials and substances
• safe operating workplace procedures
• conduct an operational risk assessment and treatments associated with power cables including:

• overhead service trays
• cables and conduits
• lighting
• earth leakage boxes
• trip hazards
• working with dangerous materials
• working in confined spaces
• surrounding structures
• restricted access barriers
• traffic control
• working at heights
• working in proximity to others
• worksite visitors
• the public

• emergency procedures including:

• extinguishing fires
• organisational First Aid requirements
• evacuation

• management plans
• manufacturer's instructions
• reporting defects in equipment

Site preparation  may include:

• site isolation
• worksite inspection
• assessment of conditions
• hazard identification
• erection of barriers
• installation of signage
• assembly and erection of lifting devices
• establishment of footings
• equipment defect identification

Equipment  may include:

• plant
• tools
• free standing prefabricated scaffolds
• cantilevered hoists with a working load limit not exceeding 500kg (materials only)
• ropes
• gin wheels
• safety nets and static lines
• bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork)
• aluminium modular scaffolding equipment
• ladders
• scaffolding planks
• steel box spanners
• hammers
• spirit levels
• tape measures
• shovels
• spanners
• whipping cord
• fibre rope
• scaffolding materials

Statutory /regulatory authorities  may include:

• relevant federal, state and local authorities administering the applicable acts
• regulations
• relevant code of practice
• applicable Australian standards
• manufacturer's requirements

Environmental requirements  may include:

• waste management
• noise
• dust
• clean-up management
• environmental plans
• regulatory obligations
• environmental protection

Safe work practices  may include:

• planned hazard prevention and control measures
• whipping designated rope ends in accordance with regulations and project specifications
• splicing designated rope ends in accordance with regulations and project specifications
• applying bends and hitches and inspecting them in accordance with project specifications
• maintenance of an inspection log for the inspection and repair of scaffolding

Critical structural and safety areas  may include:

• damage
• corrosion
• wear
• stability
• current usage reconciled with changes to the plan via the inspection log
• scaffold stability