This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to provide advice on building fitout to achieve optimum access to new and existing buildings. It requires knowledge of the codes and standards that provide information on the placement of fixtures, fitment and furniture to achieve optimum access for people with disabilities. It also requires knowledge of the new products and services available in the marketplace.

The unit supports the provision of access advice for new and existing buildings. It applies to access consultants who inform clients of the design, materials, and placement of fixtures, fitment and furniture that are not regulated under existing building law.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit.

The person must also provide access advice on the fitout of two different classes of buildings for different clients, ensuring that each set of advice is provided in a building fitout access report that complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and fulfils contractual requirements.

In preparing each of the above building fitout access reports, the person must:

apply organisational policies and procedures, including quality assurance requirements

use research skills for interpreting building plans and specifications, working drawings, and other related documentation

use measurement tools correctly and record collected data accurately

interpret manufacturer specifications and advise on their suitability for providing practical access

use effective consultation skills with key stakeholders to elicit information.

In providing access advice in each of the above building fitout access reports, the person must:

interpret and apply legislative and regulatory requirements relating to disability access and evaluate the provision of access in relation to those requirements

interpret the impacts of the full range of disabilities and the limitations that each disability places on the individual’s ability to access the building

interpret how the full range of environmental barriers impacts on people with a range of disabilities and impairments

apply and adhere to work health and safety (WHS) regulations, policies and processes applicable to workplace operations

use business equipment effectively to prepare and present reports in required format

provide final version report and documentation of supporting evidence for advice given within required timeframe and according to organisational requirements.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:

key requirements of commonwealth, state and territory legislation, local government regulations, and Australian standards specified in the range of conditions

disability awareness to inform building fitout access report, including:

range of disabilities to be considered when providing building fitout access advice

disability-specific physical barriers to access

disability-specific minimum requirements for enhancing accessibility

design and construction principles of buildings

performance features of building materials

organisational requirements for providing access advice, including:

access and equity policy, principles and practices

client service standards

code of conduct and code of ethics

client privacy and confidentiality requirements

communication channels and reporting procedures

communication of services offered

complaint and dispute resolution procedures

compliance with applicable legislation, codes and standards

compliance with applicable legal policies and guidelines relating to the provision of access advice

policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibilities and delegation

procedures for writing and recording building fitout access reports, including required:

content

format, style, and structure

presentation

quality assurance requirements

records and information management systems and processes

limitations of own work role, responsibility and professional abilities with regard to above building fitout access reports

processes for interpreting reports, working drawings and specifications relating to building fitout access

building industry terminology required to provide access advice on building fitouts

terminology and definitions in hazard identification

WHS procedures relating to provision of advice, including procedures for:

identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with work

selecting and using required personal protective equipment (PPE).

The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:

equipment, including:

PPE required for specific project and building

computer and software to access, retrieve, store and distribute building fitout access report documentation

specifications:

legislation, standards and codes specified in the range of conditions

relationships with:

clients

colleagues

ancillary trades.

Timeframe:

in line with timeframe established in contractual arrangements for providing access advice on building fitout.

Assessor requirements

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Access consulting