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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Interpret site plans and specifications
  2. Locate and mark out position of construction works
  3. Establish datum point and survey benchmarks on site
  4. Take and verify site levels

Evidence Required

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

Competence in setting out a site for construction works requires evidence that site plans and specifications can be interpreted correctly and that information can be transferred from a site plan onto a site This transfer of information involves the locating and marking out of the position of proposed construction works then the checking of horizontal and vertical levels prior to any works being undertaken

The skills and knowledge required to set out a site for construction works must be transferable to a different work environment For example a person who can set out a site for the construction of drainage or irrigation systems should be able to set out a site for the construction of retaining walls garden beds or pergolas This could include different landscape features work site environment and enterprise procedures

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

interpretation of symbols and use of a legend on site plans and specifications particularly in relation to benchmarks and the location of existing features

understanding of compass directions the difference between true North and magnetic North and how to locate North from a site plan

an awareness of other plans that may be referred to when setting out a site for construction works

an awareness of common levelling and surveying terms

environmental awareness associated with the preparation for construction works to ensure that the impact on the environment is minimal when works are implemented

OHS hazards associated with setting out a site for construction works

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

implement mathematical and geometrical principles when locating and marking out a site for construction works

use a range of surveyors instruments

analyse and interpret detailed site plans and specifications

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

The taking of site levels and recording of readings using surveyors instruments may need to be communicated to a fellow worker

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Site plans and specifications outline information that should be analysed and then transferred on to a site

How are activities planned and organised

The setting out of a site for construction works may require a number of activities to be planned and organised

How can team work be applied

Team work may be required to mark out the shape of proposed construction works

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical ideas and techniques such as the reading of levelling equipment and the use of geometrical shapes may be required

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems may arise when surveying instruments are out of specification and require adjustment

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be applied with the use of levelling equipment

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 particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations availabl

What components are likely to be included in site plans and specifications?

Components may include site location, scale of plan, north symbol, name of project, legend, associated plan references, plant lists, details of special features, existing vegetation and structures, and services above and below ground.

What other available plans may be referred to?

Other plans may include surveyors plans which may provide information on utility services, site levels, boundary lines, easements and rights of way, or engineers and architect plans that may show other proposed works.

What equipment is likely to be used when setting out a site for construction works?

Equipment may include tapes, a compass, pegs, string lines, line marking equipment, a lump or mash hammer, ranging rods, arrows, plumb bobs, levelling equipment, and personal safety equipment such as a coloured vest, safety boots, sun hat and sun screen lotion.

What could be considered an environmental impact in relation to proposed construction works?

Any construction works may impact on the environment in either a positive or negative manner. If it is drainage and irrigation, this may reduce excess water, nutrient and chemical flow into natural waterways. If the works involve excavation, then this may damage the soil structure and stability of the site.

What OHS hazards may apply to setting out a site for construction works?

Hazards may include solar radiation, uneven surfaces, strings, tapes and measures that may be tripped over, sharp equipment and surrounding obstacles.

How would existing site features be located from a site plan?

The location of features may include the use of baselines, offset measurements, angles and grids.

What scale measurements are likely to be used on site plans?

Metric scales may include: 1 metre to 10 metres = 1:10, 1 metre to 20 metres = 1:20, 1 metre to 50 metres = 1:50, 1 metre to 100 metres = 1:100 and 1 metre to 200 metres = 1:200.

What shape are proposed construction works likely to be on a site plan?

Proposed construction works are likely to be basic geometric shapes including straight lines, curved lines, circles, squares, triangles, rectangles and ellipses.

How could the shape of the proposed construction works be marked out on site?

The shapes may be marked out or set out on the site by using paint from a spray can, lime, stringlines, pegs, stakes, rods and arrows.

What are the likely reasons for taking levels when setting out a site for construction works?

The reasons for taking levels may be to determine height above sea level or a datum of drainage outlets, areas and volumes in cut and fill operations, any changes in slope or gradient of the land, contours of the land, to provide the means for safe and efficient construction of structures, to achieve falls for drainage of stormwater from pavements, falls in pipe work or for installing sumps and drains, and to help set out of step risers, treads, goings, nosings, landings and hand-rails to Australian Building Regulations.

What levelling equipment is likely to be used to verify site levels?

Levelling equipment may include spirit levels, line bubbles, water levels, boning rods, dumpy levels, pegs, tilting levels, automatic levels, laser levels, plumb bobs, staves and tripods.

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