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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to erect, maintain and dismantle complex scaffolding/equipment safely and subject to legislative requirements. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with erection, maintenance and dismantling of complex scaffolding or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

levelling and aligning scaffolding

interpreting instructions and legislative requirements

using basic hand tools

assessing risk in relation to complex scaffolding erection

using manual handling techniques

undertaking site clean up and remediation

working safely and confidently at heights

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

erection and dismantling procedures as set in relevant Australian standards

codes of practice, for example the Scaffolder's Guide, relevant acts and regulations

site specific requirements

safety procedures, safe work practices and procedures

sequence of operations in erecting the scaffolding

types of scaffolding systems

hazards and control measures; electrical, stability, mobile plant issues/requirements; falls protection measures; minimum gap requirements; safe access and egress

deck loadings

use and application of personal protective equipment

scaffolding techniques and equipment

limitations of equipment

materials handling, storage and environmentally friendly waste management

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.

Scaffolding/equipment

Prefabricated tower scaffolds, tube and fitting scaffolds as limited by legislative requirements, tube and coupler scaffolds including tube and coupler covered ways and gantries, fall protection devices, catch platforms, bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork), mobile scaffolds, ropes, cantilevered hoists, cantilevered and spurred scaffolds, cantilever crane loading platforms and course-ways, fall protection devices, platforms

Complex scaffolding means Intermediate Scaffolding and above as set out in the legislative requirements in each State and Territory. The major difference between complex and basic scaffolding is the height of the working platform and certain types of scaffolding and configurations

Maintaining scaffolding means ensuring that the scaffolding remains in a safe condition according to manufacturers' specifications and legislative requirements

Hazards

Chemicals, dangerous or hazardous substances/materials

Movement of equipment, goods, materials, vehicular traffic

Uneven/unstable terrain, overhead service lines, trees, underground services, obstructions, structures, surrounding buildings, facilities, bridges/walkways, lifting equipment

Prescribed procedures may include

Clarification of instructions either written or from authorised personnel

Site safety policy and procedures

Standard operating procedures

Correct use of equipment

Industry standards and requirements

Manufacturers' specifications

Signage, barriers and third party protection measures may include

Physical barriers (parawebbing, bollards, timber or metal)

Warning/direction signs

Personnel to restrict unauthorised access (spotters)

Permits to work

Safe work practices may include

Hazard identification, risk assessment, standard operating procedures, house keeping and personal protective equipment.

State or Territory legislative requirements

Appropriate OH&S and Scaffolding acts and regulations.

Australian standards and codes of practice and

NOHSC:1006