Required skills include

identifying and describing materials used in civil construction

directing materials placement operations

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

identifying and locating sampling and testing sites and taking representative samples

setting up and maintaining tools and equipment

measuring and estimating elevations lengths areas and volumes

observing and recording project information in writing by sketching and photography

using tools and equipment to perform required sampling and insitu testing

working safely with equipment and around civil construction plant and sites

driving safely on and offroad

cleaning equipment before leaving site in compliance with environmental authority requirements

handling transporting and storing samples

comparing test results with specifications

resolving problems appropriately

seeking advice about problems beyond technical competence from appropriate personnel

report writing

using computer software to createmaintain databases and produce detailed reports

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

engineering properties of civil construction materials relevant to job role

techniques used in civil construction

plant and equipment used in civil construction

insitu and laboratory test methods and their application to various materials

roles and responsibilities for different levels of supervision

relevant health safety and environment requirements

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

Assessors should ensure that candidates can

direct sampling and testing in accordance with inspection and testing plans

compare test results with specifications and draw valid conclusions on compliance

communicate problems to appropriate personnel and resolve problems constructively

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSLA Provide information to customers

MSL915001A Provide information to customers

MSLA Schedule laboratory work for a small team

MSL915002A Schedule laboratory work for a small team

MSLA Analyse data and report results

MSL925001A Analyse data and report results.

Resources may include

access to construction sites tools equipment and materials

enterprise procedures sampling plans test methods and equipment manuals

Method of assessment

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 andor a range of case studiesscenarios

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

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

The language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting

Construction materials

A geotechnical consultancy company has been contracted to provide levelone supervision for a commercial development in accordance with AS 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 settingout by contract surveyors cuttofill drainage sewer lines and other services and construction of roadways and building padsThe supervision will be carried out in accordance with local authority requirements Testing will involve measuring insitu 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 onsite and offsite testing and require liaison with offsite 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 contractors 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

Construction materials

A concrete supply company has been contracted to provide supervision and technical support for a highrise commercial development This will involve pumping concrete for placement up to forty floors 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 and drawings The project will involve supervising the placement of concrete Testing for consistency will be required for each truckload Compressive strength cylinders and a flexure beam will be required for every fifth trucklload and a shrinkage bar for each days productionThis will involve both onsite and offsite testing and require liaison with offsite personnel to ensure that the testing is timely and as specified Based on test results and direct observations the technician is able to direct the batch plant how to adjust the mix to improve its pumpability and advise the contractors operators so that the materials are correctly placed and compacted

Construction materials

Anasphalt supply company has been contracted to provide supervision and technical support for a runway upgrade at a major regional airport This will involve laying asphalt so that airport operations are not impeded 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 and drawings and a Gantt chart showing the critical stages of the project Testing for asphalt temperature will be required for each truckload Nuclear density tests and core samples will be required for each lotThis will involve both onsite and offsite testing and require liaison with offsite personnel to ensure that the testing is timely and as specified Based on test results and direct observations the technician is able to advise the contractors operators so that the materials are correctly placed and compacted

Codes of practice

Standards, codes, Procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Tools and equipment

Site hazards

Safety procedures

Typical problems

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements