Assessor Resource

PMLTEST511B
Supervise earthworks inspection, sampling and testing operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competence covers the ability to supervise and direct earthworks operations based on observation and testing. This competency is typically performed by experienced technicians or para-professionals, who often supervise or direct less experienced technical personnel.

This unit of competency has the following prerequisites:

PMLTEST403B Assist with geotechnical site investigations

or

PMLSAMP400B Obtain representative samples in accordance with a sampling plan, and

PMLTEST406A Perform physical tests.

This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers working in the construction industry sector.

Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These can be found at the end of this unit of competency under the section This competency in practice.

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



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.

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence.

Critical aspects of competency

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard. Candidates must be able to direct earthworks operations, as well as sampling and testing of materials. In particular the assessor should look to see that the candidate:

reads and interprets maps, drawings, specifications and Codes of Practice

identifies and locates sampling and testing sites

measures and estimates elevations, lengths, areas and volumes

determines sampling and testing frequencies

takes representative samples

identifies and describes materials

records project details in writing, by sketching and photography

handles and transports samples correctly

records sampling and testing information

compares test results with specifications and draws valid conclusions on compliance

uses tools and equipment effectively and efficiently

observes, interprets and reports atypical situations

communicates problems to appropriate personnel

records and communicates work results

works safely

resolves problems constructively.

Underpinning knowledge

Competency includes the ability to apply and explain:

engineering properties of soil and rock materials

techniques used in civil construction

plant and equipment used in earthworks

in-situ and laboratory test methods and their application to various materials

roles and responsibilities for different levels of supervision

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

Assessment context and methods

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

It is strongly recommended that assessment is conducted through observation over time. The timeframe must allow for adequate assessment of operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions. Where this is not practical additional assessment techniques must be used.

The following assessment methods are suggested:

inspection of workplace documents completed by the candidate

review of work outputs over a period of time to ensure accuracy, consistency and timeliness

feedback from peers and supervisors

use of suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

Interdependent assessment of unit

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

PMLORG500B Schedule laboratory work for a small team

PMLCOM500B Provide information to customers

PMLDATA500B Analyse data and report results.

Resource implications

Resources may include:

access to construction sites, tools, equipment and materials

enterprise procedures, sampling plans, test methods and equipment manuals.

This competency in practice

Construction materials

A geotechnical consultancy company has been contracted to provide level one supervision for a commercial development in accordance with AS3798 - Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments. This will involve the construction of roadways, building pads and parking areas for heavy vehicles. A senior technician has been placed in charge of the project with an experienced tester to assist with routine testing and supervision. The principal contractor has provided copies of specifications, drawings and local authority requirements for this type of project. The project will involve clearing and stripping, setting-out (by contract surveyors), cut-to-fill, drainage, sewer lines and other services and construction of roadways and building pads.

The supervision will be carried out in accordance with local authority requirements. Testing will involve measuring in-situ densities of fill (including trench backfill) and road base materials. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests will be used as an aid in determining pavement thicknesses. Additional tests will be used to monitor the quality of pavement materials supplied from a local quarry. This will involve both on-site and off-site testing and require liaison with off-site personnel to ensure that the testing is timely and as specified. Based on test results and direct observations, the technician is able to direct and advise the contractor's operators so that the materials are correctly placed and compacted. Test locations are marked on drawings and sketches and photographs used to record details of the project. Detailed daily records are used to prepare monthly reports for the contractor, accompanied by test certificates. Office staff use this information to invoice the client. The technician monitors the project to avoid exceeding the project budget. When the project is finished, the technician prepares a completion report, including all test results, site observations and a scale drawing showing all filled areas and reviews the information as a guide to planning and costing future projects.

Key Competencies

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation. The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit. These are stand-alone levels and do not correspond to levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively

Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks

Level (3) represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.

Collecting, analysing and organising information

Communicating ideas and information

Planning and organising activities

Working with others and in teams

Using mathematical ideas and techniques

Solving problems

Using technology

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

Level 2


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.

The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

Where reference is made to industry Codes of Practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

This unit of competence describes the work conducted by experienced technicians and engineering para-professionals.

Operations are performed in accordance with laboratory and/or enterprise procedures and appropriate legislative requirements. These procedures and requirements include or have been prepared from:

industry Codes of Practice

environmental legislation and regulations

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

equipment manuals

equipment start-up, operation and shutdown procedures

calibration and maintenance schedules

quality manuals

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

production and laboratory schedules

material, production and product specifications.

Tools and equipment used may include:

hand and power augers

hand tools, including shovels, crowbars, scoops, spanners, wrenches, tape measure

consumables, including sample bags, labels

documentation, including maps, plans, contract documents, worksheets

field test equipment, including sand replacement apparatus, nuclear soil moisture/density gauge, dynamic cone penetrometer

still/video camera

two-way radio, mobile telephone

levelling equipment (dumpy, automatic levels).

Site hazards may include:

solar radiation, dust and noise

manual handling of heavy materials and equipment

working in/on trenches, confined spaces, wet and uneven surfaces, heights, slopes

vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Safety procedures may include:

location of site services before investigations commence

use of material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

use of personal protective equipment, such as hard hat, hearing protection, sunscreen, gloves, masks, goggles, coveralls, safety boots, high visibility clothing

handling, and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer's instructions, enterprise procedures and regulations

regular cleaning of equipment and vehicles

machinery guards

signage, barriers, flashing lights, traffic control.

Typical skills may include:

working safely with equipment and around earthmoving plant

driving safely on- and off-road

working safely in field conditions

setting up and maintaining tools and equipment

using tools and equipment to perform sampling and in-situ testing

cleaning equipment before leaving site in compliance with environmental authority requirements

reading site plans, specifications and codes to determine sampling locations and frequencies

measuring and estimating elevations, lengths, areas and volumes

identifying of soil and rock materials

observing and recording project information

handling and storing samples appropriately

comparing test results with specifications

resolving problems without creating confrontational environments

using computer software to create/maintain databases and produce detailed reports.

Typical problems include:

uncooperative site personnel

non-conformances leading to confrontation with other personnel

delays in obtaining test results

damage to services, materials and site conditions

displaced, missing and inaccurate survey markers

misidentification of samples and sampling locations

equipment breakdown and breakage

environmental problems and issues, including site access, inclement weather, traffic, wildlife, vegetation, construction activities.

Health, safety and environment

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

All operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. Users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.

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
Identify the job, consult with the client and obtain relevant information, including the level of supervision required, drawings and specifications 
Select equipment and materials required for the job 
Identify site hazards and the personal protective equipment and safety procedures specified for job 
Organise site induction for support personnel as required 
Record description of the job to be undertaken, compare with specification and resolve any variations 
Select suitable transport for site access 
Brief support personnel on job-specific requirements 
Consult with the site superintendent to determine methods of communication, roles, responsibilities and expectations of each party, including identification of potential problems and conflicts 
Set up facilities for supervision, testing and sample storage 
Inspect the site to determine the characteristics of the project, including survey control points 
Design inspection, sampling and testing program in accordance with specifications 
Conduct inspection, sampling and testing in accordance with project requirements 
Direct and advise the site superintendent based on test results and observations 
Record test data and observations in accordance with enterprise practices 
Remit samples to the base laboratory for testing as required 
Ensure cleaning of equipment does not cause environmental damage 
Supervise the removal of equipment and materials from site 
Analyse project data and report to client 
Report test results to site superintendent at specified frequency 
Record observations, data and results in accordance with enterprise practices 
Maintain security and confidentiality of enterprise information 
Prepare and issue a final project report detailing supervision and testing carried out, statement of compliance and relevant tables and plans as required. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMLTEST511B - Supervise earthworks inspection, sampling and testing operations
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

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

PMLTEST511B - Supervise earthworks inspection, sampling and testing operations

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:

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