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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan and prepare work
  2. Set out the site for the structure
  3. Prepare and cut metal components
  4. Assemble and erect structure
  5. Check quality of work and clean up site

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in installing metal structures and features requires evidence that the work can be planned and prepared for that the structure site can be marked out according to design drawings and specifications and that the structure or feature can then be assembled installed and finished off according to the required standards

The skills and knowledge required to install metal structures and features must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different metals structures locations and enterprises

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

surveying principles and techniques

the correct use of hand and power tools and other OHS requirements associated with installing structures and features

comparative environmental implications associated with excavation and construction activity

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

interpret design drawings and specifications

measure and mark lengths of metal components accurately

join and cut metal components using different techniques and methods

use some surveyors instruments

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information regarding the design of the structure to be installed may need to be discussed with suppliers the client and other members of the work team

How can information be collected analysed and organised

The information on design drawings specifications and site plans may need to be collected analysed and then transposed to site

How are activities planned and organised

Activities on the work site may need to be planned and organised to ensure efficient use of time and resources

How can team work be applied

Team work may be required when assembling and installing metal structures and features

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical techniques may be applied when marking out the structure site and establishing profiles

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems may arise if calculations of metal component lengths are inaccurate

How can the use of technology be applied

The use of technology may be applied when using levelling equipment to mark out the structure site

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What tools and equipment are likely to be used when installing metal structures and features?

Tools and equipment may include levelling equipment, string lines, tape measures, marking gauges, spades, shovels, crow bars, hammers, spanners, metal files, hacksaws, angle grinders and electric saws with metal blades.

What OHS hazards may apply to this standard?

OHS hazards may include manual lifting, use of power tools, use of sharp hand tools, dust, and sun exposure.

What OHS controls may be relevant to this standard?

OHS controls may include safe lifting and transporting techniques, the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment such as overalls, boots, face shield, hat, installation of safety signs and barriers, the disabling and disconnecting of soldering, thermal cutting equipment and other powered tools when not in use, the identification of site access points, the safe storage of materials on site, the drinking of fluids, and basic first aid.

What environmental implications are likely to be considered?

Consideration may be given to the impact of soil disturbance and the alteration to water flow during construction and after the structure or feature has been installed.

What services are likely to be located on site?

Services may include power, gas, water, stormwater, sewerage or septic connections, phone and optical cables.

What type of footings are likely to be prepared for metal structures and features?

Footings may be concrete or in some case rammed earth. The depth of footings and timing of footing installation may vary according to the type of structure or feature to be installed. Some structures (e.g. fences) need the post and footing installed at the beginning. Others may be supported by temporary bracing, and when complete, the footings are filled.

What metal components are likely to be included in a timber structure or feature?

Metal components may include panels, sheets, posts, bars, rails, wire, wire mesh and metal lattice.

What cutting tools are likely to be used?

Cutting tools may include hacksaws, angle grinders, electric saws with metal blades, and thermal cutting equipment (oxy acetylene set).

What OHS specifications may be included for the use of metal cutting equipment?

OHS specifications may include pre start checks of blades, torches, irons, nuts, bolts and switches, operating the equipment according to manufacturers recommendations including correct handling, the wearing of protective clothing and eye protection, and regular servicing and safe storage when not in use.

What methods are likely to be used for joining metal to metal?

Joining methods may include brackets, nuts and bolts, hinges, and other metal screws and fasteners.

How can metal components be fixed into place?

Metal fixing methods may include brackets, galvanised plates, saddles, nails, cuphead bolts, coach screws, and masonry bolts.

How can a structure or feature be finished off to ensure completeness and security of components?

Finishing off may include the cutting off of overhangs, burring of angles and edges, and any other cosmetic work that may be required.

What coatings are likely to be applied to metal structures and features?

Coatings may include primers and paint with rust inhibitors.

What OHS guidelines are likely to be followed when applying coatings to metal?

Guidelines may include appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment, protective ground cloths, preparing and applying the coating according to manufacturers recommendations, correct care and cleaning of application tools, the installation of "wet surface" signs and barriers, and the disposal of empty containers in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.