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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace setting.

Assessment shall be while tasks are undertaken either individually or as part of a team under limited supervision.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person should demonstrate the ability to set out and construct a stone staircase and provide evidence of:

communicating with others to ensure safe and effective workplace operations

complying with work health and safety requirements applicable to workplace operations

complying with organisational policies and procedures

selecting and using appropriate processes, tools and equipment

applying organisational quality procedures and processes within context of laying and fixing stone

selecting stone and mortar consistent with specification of job required

marking out location of treads and risers accurately

adopting safe and effective procedures and using them to handle and place stone

identifying typical faults and problems that occur and taking necessary action to rectify them

finishing steps or stairs and joints to specifications.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment may include:

construction materials appropriate to construction of stone steps and stairs

documentation relative to task

tools, plant and equipment appropriate to installation processes

work location for construction of stone steps and stairs.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions

questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

review of relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should, as far as is practical, take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Required skills

communication skills to:

enable clear and direct communication

use questioning to identify and confirm requirements

share information

follow instructions

use and interpret non-verbal communication

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

innovation skills to select appropriate tools and equipment, respond to workplace challenges and put ideas into action

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculate material requirements

planning and organising skills to identify requirements, apply relevant resources and sequence tasks

problem-solving skills to recognise and take action to rectify minor faults and problems

reading skills to read and interpret drawings and specifications

self-management skills to work safely, including safely handling materials

teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks

technical skills to:

identify and select materials specific to requirements

select and use appropriate plant, equipment, hand and power tools

Required knowledge

Australian standards as they relate to the construction of stonemasonry steps or stairs, including:

AS1316 Masonry cement

AS3700 Masonry structures

mortar mix composition for different types of stone

National Construction Code as it applies to the construction of stonemasonry steps or stairs

range and application of mortar additives

safe operation of relevant tools, plant and equipment

types and characteristics of stone

types and safe operation of relevant lifting equipment

types of designs for steps and stairs

workplace and equipment safety requirements, including relevant statutory regulations, codes and standards

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Information may include:

diagrams or sketches

instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel

memos

regulatory and legislative requirements

current Australian standards relating to laying masonry stairs

safe work procedures

safety data sheets (SDS)

signage

verbal, written and graphical instructions, including manufacturer specifications and instructions where specified

work bulletins

work schedules, plans and specifications.

Planningandpreparation may include:

assessing conditions and hazards

determining work requirements and safety plans and policies

identifying equipment defects

inspecting work sites.

Work health and safetyrequirements must comply with state and territory legislation and regulations and project safety plan and may include:

emergency procedures, including extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements, and evacuation procedures

hazard control

hazardous materials and substances

personal protective equipment (PPE) prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures, including operational risk assessment and treatments associated with:

concealed services (water, power and gas)

lighting

restricted access barriers

traffic control

working at heights

work site visitors and the public

working in proximity to others

use of firefighting equipment

use of tools and equipment

workplace environmental requirements and safety.

Toolsandequipment may include:

brooms

brushes

concrete mixers

jointing tools

lifting clamps

mallets

masonry saws

measuring tapes or rules

mortar boards

power leads

rollers

screed boards

shovels

spirit levels

squares

trowels

wheelbarrows.

Qualityrequirements may include:

attention to specifications of work

control of handling procedures

finishing of stone surfaces

quality of materials

relevant regulations, including:

Australian standards

internal organisational quality policy and standards

manufacturer specifications where specified

workplace operations and procedures.

Materials used to renovate or restore stone may include:

granite

locally available stone

marble

slate.

Environmentalrequirements may include:

clean-up management

dust and noise control

vibration management

waste management.

Statutoryandregulatoryauthority includes:

federal, state and local authorities administering applicable Acts, regulations and codes of practice.

Steps and stairs may include:

geometrical stairs

open flight

quarter and half space landings

solid treads

straight flight

veneer faced.