Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Prepare for the turf renovation program

1.1

The turf renovation site and renovation program  are identified according to the site plan and enterprise work procedures .

1.2

Turf and renovation materials  are selected according to enterprise work procedures.

1.3

OHS hazards  are identified, risks assessed, controls implemented and reported to the supervisor.

1.4

Suitable safety  and personal protective equipment (PPE)  are selected, used and maintained.

2

Prepare renovation equipment

2.1

Tools, equipment and machinery  are selected according to enterprise work procedures.

2.2

Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise work procedures.

2.3

Tools, equipment and machinery are calibrated and adjusted according to manufacturers guidelines and enterprise work procedures.

3

Implement the renovation program

3.1

Enterprise work team and contractors are identified and work tasks are co-ordinated in a sequential, timely and effective manner in consultation with the supervisor.

3.2

Work pattern is planned to cover the renovation site in an efficient, sequential and co-ordinated manner according to enterprise work procedures.

3.3

Renovation tasks are undertaken according to OHS requirements  and with due consideration of the environmental implications .

3.4

Renovation tasks are monitored and remedial action is undertaken where necessary to achieve program objectives.

3.5

A clean and safe work area  is maintained throughout and on completion of work.

4

Complete renovation activities

4.1

Waste material  is removed from the renovation site and disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to enterprise work procedures.

4.2

Tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, maintained and stored according to enterprise work procedures.

4.3

Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to enterprise work procedures.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole ?

Competence in renovating a sports turf surface requires evidence that a person is able to prepare for renovation activities, co-ordinate work groups, prepare renovation tools, equipment and machinery, and apply soil and plant treatments without damage to the existing sports turf surface.

The skills and knowledge required to renovate a sports turf surface must be transferable  to a different work environment. For example, this could include different turf species, renovation methods, soil types and enterprise procedures.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria ?

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

how turf renovation methods can achieve enterprise and industry standards for turf surface appearance and quality relevant to the end use of the turf surface

comparative environmental implications associated with renovation activity, turf and soil treatments and waste disposal procedures

different planting, care and renovation scheduling requirements of cool and warm season grass species and cultivars because of the different times of the year that they are at the height of their performance.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria ?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate with work team members, supervisors and contractors

interpret and draft basic plans

utilise proforma reporting, analysis and work procedure documents

understand design symbols and information

measure materials

interpret and apply site plans and renovation program specifications

co-ordinate work group, contractors and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete turf renovation in a timely and cost effective manner.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard ?

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. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information  (1 ) be applied?

Written, oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to renovation activities and problems encountered will be required with the work group, supervisor and contractors.

2. How can information be collected , analysed and organised  (1 )?

Enterprise work procedures and site plan should be consulted, interpreted and applied to co-ordinate renovation activities, with further clarification sought from the supervisor when necessary.

3. How are activities planned and organised  (1 )?

Work activities for the work group, contractors and self will be planned prior to and adjusted during the renovation program.

4. How can team work  (1 ) be applied?

The renovation program will involve facilitating and leading members of a team to complete the renovation program on time and budget.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques  (1 ) be applied?

Mathematical application will be required to calculate the spatial and logistical requirements of the renovation program.

6. How can problem -solving skills  (1 ) be applied?

Site contingencies, personnel difficulties and timeline failures may require problem-solving techniques.

7. How can the use of technology  (1 ) be applied?

Technological understanding will be required to use renovation tools, equipment and machinery, undertake renovation activities, communicate and keep records.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one ?

This competency standard could  be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance  and where and how it may be assessed , in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access  to the Assessment Guidelines . Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet .

Range of Variables 

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What tasks may be undertaken in the turf renovation program ?

The program may include fertilising, over-sowing, turf plant replacement, top dressing, watering, levelling, scarifying, de-thatching, checking surface and/or sub-surface drains, and soil aeration.

What enterprise work procedures  may apply to this standard?

Work procedures will be based on sound horticultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, renovation program, enterprise standard operating procedures (SOP), specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes; product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals; waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines; and OHS procedures.

What turf materials  may be selected for the renovation program?

Turf materials may include cool or warm season turf seed or plants of the species and cultivar specified by the supervisor and/or the turf renovation program.

What renovation materials  may be required?

Renovation materials may include sand, organic matter, fertilisers and soil ameliorants such as gypsum and lime.

What OHS hazards  may be associated with the renovation of sports turf?

Hazards may include disturbance or interruption of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, soil- and water-borne micro-organisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, moving vehicles, machinery and machinery parts, uneven surfaces, and flying objects.

What safety equipment  may be required?

Safety equipment may include signage and barriers.

What PPE  may be required to renovate sports turf?

PPE may include hat, boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, respirator or face mask, face guard, hearing protection, sunscreen lotion and hard hat.

What tools , equipment and machinery  may be required for the renovation of sports turf?

Tools, equipment and machinery may include hand tools such as rakes, spreaders, shovels, turf spades, rollers, wheelbarrows, hoses and hose fittings, and machinery such as trailed or motorised renovating equipment, scarifiers, de-thatchers, coring machines and core harvesters, mechanical rollers, front-end loaders, trucks, hydraulic trailers, and tractors and 3-point linkage equipment.

What OHS requirements  may be relevant to this standard?

OHS requirements may include identifying hazards; assessing risks and implementing controls; cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery; appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; basic first aid; personal hygiene, and reporting problems to supervisors.

What environmental implications  may be associated with the renovation of sports turf surfaces?

Turf renovation may have beneficial environmental impacts where excess water, nutrient and chemical flow from the existing turf surface into the external environment, including natural waterways, are reduced by the application of materials to assist with soil drainage or water holding capacity.

Detrimental environmental impacts may arise where renovation activities produce excess noise, dust or water run-off, or off-site ground water or soils are contaminated from solids, debris, nutrients, chemicals and water run-off.

How may a clean and safe work area  be maintained?

Tasks may include disabling unused tools, equipment and machinery and storing neatly out of the way of renovation activities; safely storing materials on site; using signage and safety barriers during and removing after renovation activities are completed; and swiftly and efficiently removing and processing debris and waste from the work area.

What waste material  may be relevant to this standard?

Waste material may include unused renovation materials, and plant debris, litter and broken components.

Plant-based material may be mulched or composted, plastic, metal, paper-based materials may be recycled, re-used, returned to the manufacturer or disposed of according to enterprise work procedures.

Waste may be removed to designated areas for recycling, reuse, return to the manufacturer or disposal.

For more information on contexts, environmental implications and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.