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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for retaining wall project
  2. Mark out site for retaining wall
  3. Co-ordinate retaining wall construction
  4. 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 implementing a retaining wall project requires evidence that a person can prepare a project site set out a retaining wall project build a retaining wall and complete a project according to design parameters

The skills and knowledge required to implement a retaining wall project must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different retaining situations different retaining wall materials and different job complexities

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

landscape retaining wall materials

landscape retaining wall construction techniques

set out techniques

work schedule programming

possible causes of disruption to work activities and their effect on quality and time schedules

methods and practices for maintaining and repairing retaining walls

the range use and availability of materials equipment and machinery that may be required for the project

OHS issues legislative requirements and codes of practice

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

read and interpret documentation associated with retaining wall projects

calculate material and resource requirements

coordinate a team to achieve optimum performance

communicate with personnel at all levels

document results clearly and concisely

perform an OHS risk assessment

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

Ideas and information may need to be communicated with the clientsupervisor such as regular reporting

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information on retaining wall project may need to be collected analysed and organised according to the scope of work required

How are activities planned and organised

Activities may need to be planned and organised to ensure that the project meets timelines

How can team work be applied

Team work may be applied to ensure that retaining wall project is undertaken according to schedule

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical ideas and techniques may be applied when organising calculating materials determining falls and setting out site

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Site contingencies personnel difficulties timeline failures assessing hazards and identifying controls may require problemsolving skills

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be used to set out and level 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 range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts

What retaining wall projects are covered by this unit?

Retaining wall projects include all modular concrete, timber, brick, dry stone and mortared block.

What resource requirements are likely to be identified?

Resource requirements may include base materials, sub-surface drainage materials, retaining wall components, levelling equipment and powered tools, and other equipment associated with construction.

What might be the environmental implications of proposed work site activities?

Environmental implications may include risk of contamination of soils, water, or adjoining property through fuels flowing into drains and water sources, or changes to drainage patterns. Compliance with local, State/Territory, and Commonwealth environmental legislation is required.

What OHS hazards may apply to work site activities?

Hazards may include disturbance of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, through traffic, uneven surfaces and holes, moving machinery and machinery parts, powered equipment and hand tools, hazards from use of hired equipment (untrained staff), and overhead hazards including powerlines.

What PPE is likely to be selected?

PPE will be determined by the type of activity being undertaken and may include work boots, gloves, overalls, sun hat, sunscreen lotion, and hearing or eye protection.

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 drainage systems are likely to be installed?

Drainage systems may include sumps, agricultural drains, storm water pipes and slotted pipes.

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