This unit of competency supports specialist and advanced tradespersons working in refractory bricklaying. It may be applied in the construction or repair of various fire resistant structures, including boilers, kilns and industrial furnaces.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Set out and prepare the base location of work.

1.1. Location of the brickwork is set out to position in accordance with job specifications and drawings.

1.2. Base location is prepared so that the surface is dry, horizontal, clean and flat, and in accordance with job specifications.

2. Lay brickwork.

2.1. Fire clay is applied to bricks to maintain joints at the specified thickness.

2.2. Bricks are in the required bond and set out, method and line, level and plumb in accordance with job specifications and drawings.

2.3. Bricks are cut to the correct length to maintain the required bond in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and job specifications.

2.4. Brickwork is completed with surplus fire clay removed to specification requirements.

3. Form a segmental arch.

3.1. Span and rise of the arch are identified and located in accordance with job plans and specifications.

3.2. Adjustable props are placed appropriately to support the timber arch centre, and adjusted as necessary.

3.3. Position of the central key brick is established and marked for easy identification.

4. Cut and lay bricks to position around the arch.

4.1. Bricks are cut and laid on the centre to form an arch to specifications.

4.2. Same sized wedge shape brick is maintained throughout the construction of the arch.

4.3. Measurements and placement of bricks are monitored and adjusted accordingly to ensure accurate application of job requirements.

5. Complete and review finished work.

5.1. Props and other support materials are removed.

5.2. Construction is finished and cleaned to meet job requirements and professional expectations.

5.3. Intrados of the arch is cleaned and repointed with mortar as necessary.

Required skills

Required skills for this unit are:

ability to use tools and equipment employed in refractory work

ability to apply materials accurately and to required tolerances and specifications

communication skills to:

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

communicate technical issues

communicate with the team

consult with architect and stakeholder

read and interpret:

documentation from a variety of sources

plans, specifications and drawings

use and interpret non-verbal communication

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

organisational skills, including the ability to plan for and set out work

relevant application techniques specific to the laying and installation of refractory materials

teamwork skills and the ability to work with others to ensure coordination and cooperation between self and others

technical skills to select and use relevant tools and equipment.

Required knowledge

Required knowledge for this unit is:

Building Code of Australia (BCA) and other Australian standards relevant to the nature of work and materials being used

characteristics and applications of different materials used in refractory brick work

methods and processes relating to the use of refractory bricks and insulation materials for the construction of fire resistant structures

organisational procedures for the acquisition and storage of materials

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

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 by constructing a fire brick wall and arch. This work may include a 230mm fire brick wall to incorporate an opening (600mm x 600mm) with a segmental arch above, a minimum of 1.5m long and 1.2m high to the top of the arch.

This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

demonstrate understanding of the purpose and application of refractory bricklaying

comply with OHS regulations applicable to workplace operations

use safe and effective procedures to handle hazardous materials

apply organisational quality procedures and processes within context of constructing or repairing structures employing refractory materials

read and interpret two-dimensional refractory plans and specifications

select and use processes, tools and equipment appropriate to the job requirements

prepare materials and samples in accordance with job requirements

identify typical faults and problems with materials and equipment that occur and necessary action taken to rectify

communicate effectively with others to ensure safe work site operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

materials appropriate to refractory brickwork

plant, tools and equipment relevant to refractory brickwork.

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.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

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.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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.

Job specifications and drawings include:

detailed plans showing aspects and sections of the structure in greater detail than the general plan

general plans showing the entire structure to be constructed.

Required bond includes:

header bond

stretch bond.

Adjustable props include:

metal props

packers

timber toms

timber wedges.

Adjusted supports:

ensure the arch centre is level at right angles to the wall face and level across the springing line.

Wedge shape bricks include the following common sizes:

51mm

63mm

69mm.

Measurements and placement include:

accurate positioning and maintenance of the centreline of the key brick is through the vertical centre line of the arch ensuring:

all bricks are cut and laid to maintain even joints

even joint thickness around the extrados.

Unit sector

Construction

Nil

This unit contains employability skills.