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

Competence in this standard requires evidence of the ability to develop conventional fencing plans and implement its construction. It requires the ability to access and interpret plans, arrange surveys and analyse results, calculate cost structures, obtain legal authorisations for development, and provide alternative options. Evidence must also be demonstrated in an awareness of legislative requirements associated with planning and construction activities. The skills and knowledge required to plan and construct conventional fencing must be transferable to another rural environment.

For example, this could include different fencing situations, materials, terrain and environments.

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:

Issues affecting property fence planning and construction.

Procedures for planning fencing in relation to the whole property plan.

Range of fencing designs, construction methods and materials.

Types of fencing construction tools and equipment.

Fencing materials and costings.

Common fencing hazards and safety precautions.

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice.

Relevant Codes of Practice with regard to the protection of the environment.

Hazard identification, assessment and control.

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:

Draft fencing plans and specifications.

Cost fencing plans.

Arrange and purchase supplies.

Demonstrate safe workplace practices.

Minimise environmental impacts.

Read and interpret plans.

Consult with and report to management.

Calculate and measure fencing requirements and calculate costings.

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 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Information with regard to fencing requirements and planning may be sourced from management and the property network.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

Information with regard to the type of fencing, siting details and resource requirements may be prepared and included in a plan.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

Activities involving the purchasing of materials and arranging their transportation to worksite may be planned and arranged prior to work schedule.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

In the application of methods and procedures to construct fencing according to plan within timeframes and health and safety meetings.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Basic mathematical techniques may be applied in quantity surveying, costing alternatives and measuring and drafting.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

Problems of topography, stock pressures, location of gates may be solved by revising and making changes to the fencing plan.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Technology may be used to communicate, process information and assist in construction processes.

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 both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet.

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 situations available

What may be identified in fencing requirements?

This may include types of fencing and the purposes for which it is to be used.

What equipment and materials may be required for the construction of fences?

This may include post driver, post hole diggers, fencing pliers, wire strainers, wire cutters, wire spinners, shovel, crowbar/rammer, brace and bit, drill, fencing wire might include: plain, barbed, ringlock, netting, posts, droppers, wire, staples, gates, hinges and chains.

What information may be included for consideration in a fencing plan?

This may include the type of materials required and costs, type of stock/animal/people control required, soils, topography, water, layout of site/land to be fenced, machinery use and access.

What information may be included in a work plan?

This may include designated work tasks, allocated tools and equipment, materials requirements, procedures for pre-start and safety checks of tools and equipment, timeframe for work completion, managers instructions and reporting requirements.

What may be involved in the efficient transport of tools and equipment?

This may involve methods and procedures to minimise possible damage or loss to tools, equipment and personnel.

What enterprise requirements may be applicable to this standard?

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), industry standards, production schedules, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), work notes and plans, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), and supervisors oral or written instructions.

What hazards may be relevant to this standard?

This may include exposure to hazardous noise, dust solar radiation and adverse weather conditions, PTO shafts, manual handling, trip or uneven surfaces, splinters, insect, spider and snakebites, and wire breakage when straining. It may also include electricity associated with powered tools.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?

Safe systems and procedures for:

the use of fencing tools and equipment

the operation of vehicles

hazard and risk control

lifting, carrying and handling techniques

manual handling especially when handling posts and coils of wire and using a rammer

the use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment

outdoor work including protection from solar radiation

protection from dusts

the administration of first aid.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, overalls, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection.

What may be involved in the construction of a fence?

This may include constructing end assemblies, positioning marker wire, installing and securing intermediate posts along the marker wire, attaching wires to posts which are then joined, strained and fixed using correct knots. It may also include laying out and securing droppers to the wires.

When might gates be determined as operating correctly?

Gates are attached to a gate post, hung, swung and secured for closure.

What may be involved in clearing and tidying a work site?

This may involve replacing dirt, and the removal and safe disposal of waste.

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