Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL974013 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Monitor performance of structures

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL974013 - Monitor performance of structures
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to monitor civil engineering structures (such as roads, dams, embankments, open cut faces, bridges, tunnels, towers and other concrete/steel erections) to measure their performance, confirm design parameters or measure the effects of improvements or rehabilitation. The unit involves confirming the requirements of the monitoring activities, liaising with site personnel, performing monitoring activities, setting up monitoring equipment, collecting reliable data and reporting results. Personnel are also expected to interpret results in the field, recognise/rectify obvious errors or unexpected results and troubleshoot common problems.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory personnel working in the geotechnical, construction material testing, civil engineering and mining industry sectors.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924001 Process and interpret data

MSL924002 Use laboratory application software

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of monitoring data, results and records generated by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and clients regarding the candidate's ability to work independently and conduct a range of monitoring activities reliably, safely and efficiently

questions to assess understanding of workplace procedures, monitoring activities, test methods and interpretation of data relevant to their job role.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

access to civil engineering structures and relevant site documentation

survey equipment, monitoring instruments and equipment, such as transducers, accelerometers, load cells, pieziometers, strain gauges and thermocouples

signal conditioning and data storage devices, such as amplifiers, data loggers and portable computers

global positioning system (GPS) and communication equipment

digital camera

signage, warning lights and boundary tape/cones, umbrellas and shade structures

workplace procedures, test methods and description of monitoring activities, data sets and records, and worksheets.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Confirm requirements for monitoring activities
  • Review job request to confirm the purpose and objectives of monitoring activities with supervising staff
  • Review emergency plans, site hazards, risk assessments, safe work procedures and environmental requirements, associated with the monitoring activities and site requirements
  • Review any available data from previous monitoring at the site to identify expected values and any trends in results
  • Liaise with client to arrange site access, confirm timing and clarify the need for permits, induction training or any other special requirements
  • Confirm details of monitoring instruments to be used, parameters to be measured and the data formats required by users
       
Element: Prepare for monitoring activities
  • Complete all administrative requirements and obtain appropriate approvals/permits
  • Make appropriate travel arrangements to and from the site, as required
  • Assemble all required instruments, equipment and supplies and check that they are fit for purpose
  • Stow monitoring instruments, equipment and supplies to ensure their safe transport
  • Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during monitoring
  • Complete site induction as necessary
       
Element: Collect and verify monitoring data
  • Use barriers and signage to control access to work area in accordance with workplace safety procedures
  • Perform pre-use checks of instruments and trial measurements to ensure they are operating within specifications
  • Identify location for monitoring in accordance with work instructions and/or test method
  • Operate instruments safely and in accordance with work instructions, test method, and/or manufacturer specifications
  • Take sufficient measurements to ensure that data meets quality requirements
  • Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions
  • Recognise and record/photograph details of site conditions that may impact on data quality
  • Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence
       
Element: Finalise monitoring activities
  • Remove signage and barriers and reinstate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Ensure all data are stored safely before shutdown of instrument/equipment
  • Clean all instruments and equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests
  • Check that all instruments, equipment and supplies are present and undamaged before re-stowing them for safe transport
  • Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of monitoring activities and prior to leaving site
  • On return to base, check serviceability of instruments and equipment before storage
  • Download data into laboratory/workplace information management system in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Complete site safety plans, instrument/equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Notify supervising staff upon completion of activities
  • Report any significant issues arising from monitoring activities to appropriate personnel
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • Minimise environmental impacts of monitoring activities and generation of waste
  • Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm requirements for monitoring activities

1.1

Review job request to confirm the purpose and objectives of monitoring activities with supervising staff

1.2

Review emergency plans, site hazards, risk assessments, safe work procedures and environmental requirements, associated with the monitoring activities and site requirements

1.3

Review any available data from previous monitoring at the site to identify expected values and any trends in results

1.4

Liaise with client to arrange site access, confirm timing and clarify the need for permits, induction training or any other special requirements

1.5

Confirm details of monitoring instruments to be used, parameters to be measured and the data formats required by users

2

Prepare for monitoring activities

2.1

Complete all administrative requirements and obtain appropriate approvals/permits

2.2

Make appropriate travel arrangements to and from the site, as required

2.3

Assemble all required instruments, equipment and supplies and check that they are fit for purpose

2.4

Stow monitoring instruments, equipment and supplies to ensure their safe transport

2.5

Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during monitoring

2.6

Complete site induction as necessary

3

Collect and verify monitoring data

3.1

Use barriers and signage to control access to work area in accordance with workplace safety procedures

3.2

Perform pre-use checks of instruments and trial measurements to ensure they are operating within specifications

3.3

Identify location for monitoring in accordance with work instructions and/or test method

3.4

Operate instruments safely and in accordance with work instructions, test method, and/or manufacturer specifications

3.5

Take sufficient measurements to ensure that data meets quality requirements

3.6

Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions

3.7

Recognise and record/photograph details of site conditions that may impact on data quality

3.8

Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence

4

Finalise monitoring activities

4.1

Remove signage and barriers and reinstate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Ensure all data are stored safely before shutdown of instrument/equipment

4.3

Clean all instruments and equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests

4.4

Check that all instruments, equipment and supplies are present and undamaged before re-stowing them for safe transport

4.5

Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of monitoring activities and prior to leaving site

4.6

On return to base, check serviceability of instruments and equipment before storage

4.7

Download data into laboratory/workplace information management system in accordance with workplace procedures

4.8

Complete site safety plans, instrument/equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures

4.9

Notify supervising staff upon completion of activities

4.10

Report any significant issues arising from monitoring activities to appropriate personnel

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others

5.2

Minimise environmental impacts of monitoring activities and generation of waste

5.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely monitoring civil engineering structures on at least three (3) occasions to measure their performance, confirm design parameters and/or measure the effects of improvements or rehabilitation

liaising effectively with clients and site personnel to arrange for monitoring to be performed safely and efficiently

interpreting and applying work instructions, safety information, test methods and workplace procedures with close attention to detail

confirming requirements and assembling resources for monitoring activities

setting up, operating and troubleshooting monitoring equipment in the field in accordance with test methods and/or workplace procedures

recording and interpreting data in the field accurately

recognising and rectifying obvious errors or unexpected results and troubleshooting common problems

taking appropriate corrective actions, including:

logical checking of equipment setup

checking of calibration, zero error, drift for measuring instrument, data entry/storage and transfer

replacement of batteries, instrument boards/cards, and leads and connectors

careful re-reading of procedures and checklists

repeating measurements

seeking timely advice

estimating/calculating simple scientific quantities, such as stress, strain and pressure

downloading/storing data and site information and reporting results within the required timeframe

working semi-autonomously, demonstrating a professional approach and positive company/organisation image

maintaining security, integrity and traceability of all samples, data/results and documentation

following workplace procedures for minimising environmental impacts, maintaining equipment and for the collection and disposal of waste.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

purpose and principles of monitoring activities routinely performed in job role and the properties of materials and/or structures being monitored

operating procedures for monitoring instruments and equipment routinely used in job role, including the pre-use checks, function of key components, effects of varying key controls, connections, data acquisition fundamentals and common problems

basic instrument fault identification and rectification procedures

expected measurement values, precision, units, sources of uncertainty and methods for their control

procedures for verifying and recording instrumental data, reporting site observations and results, performing calculations and dealing with unexpected or atypical results and/or equipment problems

procedures for ensuring security, traceability of data and results, and confidentiality requirements

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environmental management requirements.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm requirements for monitoring activities

1.1

Review job request to confirm the purpose and objectives of monitoring activities with supervising staff

1.2

Review emergency plans, site hazards, risk assessments, safe work procedures and environmental requirements, associated with the monitoring activities and site requirements

1.3

Review any available data from previous monitoring at the site to identify expected values and any trends in results

1.4

Liaise with client to arrange site access, confirm timing and clarify the need for permits, induction training or any other special requirements

1.5

Confirm details of monitoring instruments to be used, parameters to be measured and the data formats required by users

2

Prepare for monitoring activities

2.1

Complete all administrative requirements and obtain appropriate approvals/permits

2.2

Make appropriate travel arrangements to and from the site, as required

2.3

Assemble all required instruments, equipment and supplies and check that they are fit for purpose

2.4

Stow monitoring instruments, equipment and supplies to ensure their safe transport

2.5

Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during monitoring

2.6

Complete site induction as necessary

3

Collect and verify monitoring data

3.1

Use barriers and signage to control access to work area in accordance with workplace safety procedures

3.2

Perform pre-use checks of instruments and trial measurements to ensure they are operating within specifications

3.3

Identify location for monitoring in accordance with work instructions and/or test method

3.4

Operate instruments safely and in accordance with work instructions, test method, and/or manufacturer specifications

3.5

Take sufficient measurements to ensure that data meets quality requirements

3.6

Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions

3.7

Recognise and record/photograph details of site conditions that may impact on data quality

3.8

Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence

4

Finalise monitoring activities

4.1

Remove signage and barriers and reinstate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Ensure all data are stored safely before shutdown of instrument/equipment

4.3

Clean all instruments and equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests

4.4

Check that all instruments, equipment and supplies are present and undamaged before re-stowing them for safe transport

4.5

Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of monitoring activities and prior to leaving site

4.6

On return to base, check serviceability of instruments and equipment before storage

4.7

Download data into laboratory/workplace information management system in accordance with workplace procedures

4.8

Complete site safety plans, instrument/equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures

4.9

Notify supervising staff upon completion of activities

4.10

Report any significant issues arising from monitoring activities to appropriate personnel

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others

5.2

Minimise environmental impacts of monitoring activities and generation of waste

5.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety, quality management and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national measurement regulations and guidelines, and environmental legislation and regulations

standard methods for sampling and testing construction materials, such as soils, aggregates, concrete and asphalt

specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as:

AustRoads test methods and State/Territory Road Authority test methods

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) documents regarding construction materials testing (Field application document)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; maps and site plans

sampling and testing procedures for specific sites, clients and samples

Monitoring activities

Monitoring activities include, but is not limited to, measuring one or more of:

displacement and vibration

pressure and force

temperature

setting time

strain

cracking (visual assessment of road condition)

defect mapping

moisture

water levels

movement of chemical ions through structures

Administrative requirements and appropriate approvals

Administrative requirements and appropriate approvals include:

travel requisitions and insurance

authority for procurement of supplies

use of vehicles and equipment

access permits

Site hazards

Site hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

dust and noise

extreme weather (e.g. sunlight, wind, hail, rain and heat)

manual handling of heavy equipment or materials

crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery

vehicular traffic on roads and sites

injuries caused by falling objects and working conditions, such as uneven surfaces, heights, slopes, wet surfaces, trenches and confined spaces

nuclear density/moisture gauges and industrial X-ray equipment

driving vehicles over long distances, in rural or remote areas and over difficult terrain

fatigue

Safe work procedures

Safe work procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

use of site safety plans and MSDS

use of signage, barriers, flashing lights and traffic control

use of PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, goggles, coveralls and safety boots

handling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

regularly cleaning equipment and vehicles

following established manual handling procedures

Minimising environmental impacts

Minimising environmental impacts include, but is not limited to, one or more of:

damage from movement of vehicles

disposal of surplus or spent or materials

containing run-off of water

recycling of wastes

compliance with quarantine requirements, including cleaning of vehicles to prevent transfer of pests (e.g. fire ants and seeds) and contaminants

compliance with environmental, cultural and heritage protection requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review job request to confirm the purpose and objectives of monitoring activities with supervising staff 
Review emergency plans, site hazards, risk assessments, safe work procedures and environmental requirements, associated with the monitoring activities and site requirements 
Review any available data from previous monitoring at the site to identify expected values and any trends in results 
Liaise with client to arrange site access, confirm timing and clarify the need for permits, induction training or any other special requirements 
Confirm details of monitoring instruments to be used, parameters to be measured and the data formats required by users 
Complete all administrative requirements and obtain appropriate approvals/permits 
Make appropriate travel arrangements to and from the site, as required 
Assemble all required instruments, equipment and supplies and check that they are fit for purpose 
Stow monitoring instruments, equipment and supplies to ensure their safe transport 
Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during monitoring 
Complete site induction as necessary 
Use barriers and signage to control access to work area in accordance with workplace safety procedures 
Perform pre-use checks of instruments and trial measurements to ensure they are operating within specifications 
Identify location for monitoring in accordance with work instructions and/or test method 
Operate instruments safely and in accordance with work instructions, test method, and/or manufacturer specifications 
Take sufficient measurements to ensure that data meets quality requirements 
Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions 
Recognise and record/photograph details of site conditions that may impact on data quality 
Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence 
Remove signage and barriers and reinstate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures 
Ensure all data are stored safely before shutdown of instrument/equipment 
Clean all instruments and equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests 
Check that all instruments, equipment and supplies are present and undamaged before re-stowing them for safe transport 
Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of monitoring activities and prior to leaving site 
On return to base, check serviceability of instruments and equipment before storage 
Download data into laboratory/workplace information management system in accordance with workplace procedures 
Complete site safety plans, instrument/equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures 
Notify supervising staff upon completion of activities 
Report any significant issues arising from monitoring activities to appropriate personnel 
Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others 
Minimise environmental impacts of monitoring activities and generation of waste 
Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL974013 - Monitor performance of structures
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL974013 - Monitor performance of structures

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: