Assessor Resource

DEFCA324
Assist in the construction and maintenance of field structures

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This competency was developed for combat arms personnel required to construct and maintain a range of field structures, such as bunkers, strongpoints, towers and shelters in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

The individual will usually work as part of a team under supervision, but may undertake some autonomous tasks, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This unit covers the competency required to construct and maintain a range of field structures, such as bunkers, strongpoints, towers and shelters.

Construction is usually of a temporary nature and is undertaken employing expedient construction methods using both commercially available and improvised materials. Construction will normally be carried out in a field environment.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to construct at least three types of field structures included in the Range Statement using a variety of materials and expedient construction methods. At least one above and one below ground structure should be constructed.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

interpret job instructions and plans, and layout a site

prepare materials and equipment for construction

apply appropriate expedient construction methods and procedures to the construction including accurate measuring and levelling

use standard processes to handle and place materials

complete the construction of field structures to the specified standard

work in a team and interactively communicate with others

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated under field conditions over a time frame that allows for constructing and maintaining a number of field structures utilising expedient construction methods and a variety of materials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

construction materials relevant to the task

hand tools, power tools, plant and other equipment appropriate to the construction process

suitable training areas for construction.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

work safely to instructions

read drawings and interpret plans and sketches

select construction materials

measure relative to the construction process

utilise expedient and improvised methods to construct field structures

follow instructions/directives and report information

participate in team

encourage other team members

use a variety of verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

Required Knowledge

workplace and equipment safety requirements

materials handling and storage

measurement relative to construction

expedient and improvised construction methods

types and use of field structures

drawings, plans and graphic representation including lettering, symbols tables, charts, specifications

techniques for supporting others

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Personal protective equipment may include:

boots

dust masks/respirators

ear plugs/muffs

gloves

hard hat/cap

safety glasses/goggles

WHS requirements may include:

manual handling of materials

safe use of scaffolding

use of protective clothing and equipment

workplace environment and equipment safety

Site layout and preparation may include:

constructing jigs and other field machines

identifying assembly method from job instructions and technical specifications

requesting plant support

setting out to dimensions contained in job instructions and technical specifications

stockpiling materials

Tools and equipment to be used in construction may include:

anchorages

chain saws and paving breakers

concrete mixers

cordage

crow bars

explosives

hand, power and explosive tools

measuring tape/rule

mechanical aids

scaffolding

steel wire rope

various types of plant

Standard procedures and instructions may include:

standing orders, routine orders, procedures manuals, field engineering pamphlets, job guides and other publications

technical specifications, plans, sketches

written and verbal orders and job instructions

Materials may include:

bricks/blocks

cement and sand

masonry

other commercial or improvised materials including locally sourced materials

pierced aluminium plank (PAP)

pierced steel plank (PSP)

rigid or flexible sheet materials

rock

sandbags

steel

timber

wire mesh

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn in accordance with WHS requirements. 
Site layout and preparation is carried out in accordance with approved sketches, drawings, specifications and job instructions. 
All tools and equipment are inspected for serviceability and prepared for operation and defects are reported to the supervisor in accordance with standard procedures. 
Materials identified from job instructions and specifications are sourced, prepared and stockpiled in accordance with work schedule, design specifications and job instructions. 
Earthworks for hardstanding, pits and trenches are carried out manually or with the assistance of plant and operator support in accordance with specifications and site requirements. 
Fabricated/prefabricated components are correctly positioned for assembly. 
Jigs, fixtures and other equipment are assembled and applied to support construction. 
Scaffolding is erected as required in accordance with job requirements and WHS requirements. 
Concrete, bricks/blocks, timber, wire mesh, matting, steel and other materials are laid/assembled according to job specifications. 
Horizontal and vertical construction/erection is carried out to specification using expedient methods and materials available. 
Site is progressively camouflaged and concealment is maintained. 
Assembly/construction is checked for compliance with specifications. 
Field structures are maintained, further developed and/or repaired to specification in accordance with standard procedures. 
Plant, vehicles, tools and other equipment are removed from the site, cleaned, serviced, maintained and stored in accordance with standard procedures and documentation is completed. 
Area is cleared and waste material is disposed of safely in accordance with standard procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFCA324 - Assist in the construction and maintenance of field structures
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

DEFCA324 - Assist in the construction and maintenance of field structures

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: