CPCCBS6016
Assess and advise on performance-based solutions for buildings up to three storeys


Application

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to advise on the application of National Construction Code (NCC) performance requirements for performance-based solutions for buildings up to three storeys, and to apply approved assessment methods to determine whether a proposed solution is compliant.

The unit applies to assessing architectural drawings and specifications for performance-based solutions and analysing them in relation to the relevant sections of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA).

The unit supports the work of building surveyors who:

provide advice to architects and building designers on compliance requirements and options for performance-based solutions, or

act in the statutory role with responsibility for assessing the compliance of performance-based solutions and certifying those that are compliant.

Under legislation the building surveyor is responsible for ensuring that there is no conflict of interest between the two roles. The building surveyor cannot advise on, and then certify, the same performance-based solution.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit in some States. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1.

Determine building surveying service requirements.

1.1.

Scope and limitations of building surveyor role in relation to advising on or certifying performance-based solutions are determined.

1.2.

Architectural drawings and specifications are obtained and performance-based solutions to be advised on or certified are identified.

1.3.

Requirement for performance-based solution is clarified and discussed with development team, as required.

1.4.

Service level agreements and budgets are negotiated with clients in the case of building surveyors providing an advisory service.

1.5.

Process for applying for assessment of performance-based solutions is clarified with clients in the case of building surveyors acting in a statutory role.

2.

Analyse performance requirements for performance- based solutions.

2.1.

Regulatory intent of performance-based solutions is determined.

2.2.

Methods for identifying performance requirements relevant to proposed performance-based solutions are determined and applied.

2.3.

Level of performance applied to the development of performance-based solutions is determined.

3.

Determine assessment requirements for performance- based solutions.

3.1.

NCC performance requirements and specifications for the material, form of construction or design of performance-based solution are interpreted and confirmed.

3.2.

NCC assessment methods that may be applied to performance-based solution are determined.

3.3.

Requirements for services of technical experts qualified to provide evidence or expert judgement in relation to the performance-based solution are determined and negotiated with clients.

4.

Analyse performance-based solutions.

4.1.

Analysis of performance-based solution is discussed with relevant stakeholders and technical experts.

4.2.

Principles of fire safety engineering are applied to analysis of compliance of performance-based solution for fire safety.

4.3.

Design principles are applied to analysis of compliance of performance-based solution for structural safety, health, amenity and sustainability.

4.4.

Strengths and weaknesses of performance-based solution are determined.

5.

Advise on performance-based solutions.

5.1.

Assessment requirements for performance-based solution are explained to, and discussed with, clients.

5.2.

Strengths and weaknesses of proposed performance-based solutions are evaluated and discussed with clients.

5.3.

Optional performance-based solutions are developed and discussed with clients.

5.4.

Client is advised and assisted in selecting preferred performance-based solution.

5.5.

Verification methods and evidence or expert judgment to support performance-based solutions are evaluated and explained to clients.

5.6.

Documentation for performance-based solution is gathered and prepared for submission for assessment.

6.

Assess compliance of performance-based solutions.

6.1.

Documentation for performance-based solution is reviewed for completeness and requests are made for further information, as required.

6.2.

Verification information supplied to support performance-based solution is analysed and evaluated.

6.3.

Evidence or expert judgment to support performance-based solution is analysed and evaluated.

6.4.

Compliance of performance-based solution is determined and documented according to regulatory requirements.

6.5.

Documentation is processed and client is notified according to legislative and regulatory requirements.

Foundation Skills

This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill

Performance feature

Learning skills to:

independently access and interpret a range of complex technical information relating to performance requirements for buildings up to three storeys

use structured approaches to maintain currency of skills and knowledge as a regular part of routine through, for example, email alerts, conferences, or subscriptions to relevant journals.

Numeracy skills to:

extract and interpret a range of mathematical information contained in technical documentation relating to the design of buildings up to three storeys, including:

ratios, rates and proportions

detailed plans.

Oral communication skills to:

determine client requirements regarding nature and scope of services sought, through open-ended questioning, active listening, paraphrasing and summarising

understand and use specialised construction industry vocabulary in a variety of situations, for example explanations, descriptions and discussions with architects, building designers and specialist personnel.

Reading skills to:

use different reading strategies to locate specific compliance requirements in a range of resources, including the NCC

understand technical texts with complex structures, specialised vocabulary, acronyms and diagrams specific to plans and performance requirements for buildings up to three storeys

monitor own understanding of technical language and texts and apply a range of strategies to ensure correct interpretation of performance requirements, including re-reading or obtaining clarification from another source.

Writing skills to:

use accurately-spelled specialised construction industry vocabulary in emails, letters and reports to clients and specialist personnel.


Range Statement

This section specifies essential operating conditions and any other factors essential to the work environment. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Assessment methods must include:

calculations

inspections

tests

other method recommended by appropriate technical experts in relation to the material, construction method or design.

Analysis of compliance must include:

comparison with deemed-to-satisfy specifications

evaluation against NCC assessment methods.

Structural safety, health, amenity and sustainability must include two of the following:

access and egress, including access for people with a disability

damp and weatherproofing

energy efficiency

light and ventilation

room heights

sanitary and other facilities

services and equipment

sound transmission and insulation

structural safety.


Sectors

Construction


Competency Field

Building surveying