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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for manual excavation
   • Access, interpret and apply manual excavation documentation, and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Identify, obtain and implement traffic signage requirements
   • Select, and check for faults, equipment and/or attachments for work activities
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
2. Dig small excavations by hand
   • Confirm the location and specifications of the intended excavation
   • Identify service markers/taped areas
   • Determine and confirm location of underground services and avoid damage/interference
   • Use hand tools, and dig post holes, small pits and trenches to the required dimensions
   • Undertake trench collapse prevention procedures, where excavation is in unstable ground
   • Place barricades around the excavation
3. Complete and isolate the excavation
   • Clean loose material out of excavation using hand tools
   • Check excavation complies with the specification/work instruction
   • Clear loose material away from the edge of excavation
4. Conduct housekeeping activities
   • Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials
   • Clean and maintain condition of equipment, ensure suitability for use, and address/report issues
   • Manage/report hazards, and maintain a safe working environment
   • Process written records

Performance Evidence

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies applicable documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of manual excavation including:

using manual excavation tools

communicating effectively to receive and clarify work instructions

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the manual excavation in a way that meets all of the required outcomes including:

using a range of communications techniques and equipment to convey information to others

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

demonstrates completion of manual excavation that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

identifying the location of underground services

digging post holes, small pits and trenches to the required dimensions

applying trench collapse prevention procedures in unstable ground

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following when carrying out manual excavation:

organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

using job safety analyses/safe work methods

achieving project quality outcomes

identifying and reporting on hazards related to the worksite and work activity

organisation of work activities

relevant tools and equipment safely

types, uses, limitations and maintenance requirements of manual excavation tools

basic principles of soil technology for civil works

basic trench collapse prevention techniques including benching and battering

site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

Civil construction terminology

housekeeping activities

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