1

Inspect sites for small-scale building design projects

1.1

Site inspection tasks for small-scale building design projects are planned with reference to relevant site information and workplace procedures.

1.2

Site is inspected, sketched and where required photographed, and existing characteristics are noted according to workplace procedures.

1.3

Features of surrounding area that may affect design options are investigated and noted according to workplace procedures.

2

Measure and record site dimensions

2.1

Linear site dimensions are measured or calculated, and recorded according to workplace procedures.

2.2

Levelling devices are set up and adjusted according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures.

2.3

Horizontal and vertical angles are determined and recorded.

3

Plot contours and cut and fill areas

3.1

Contour lines are interpolated from spot level values and plotted on site plan.

3.2

Cut and fill areas are measured or calculated and plotted in plan and section drawings.

4

Analyse site and produce measured drawings

4.1

Field data is correlated and applied to production of measured drawings according to workplace procedures.

4.2

Orientation and layout of key design elements are determined, in consultation with technical experts as required, and added to measured drawings.

4.3

Measured drawings and relevant site analysis documentation are finalised within project timelines and processed according to workplace procedures.

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

analytical and problem-solving skills to:

apply design principles and theories within regulatory requirements

correlate site information from different sources

respond to the challenges of irregularly shaped sites

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

calculate measurements

communicate with clients and colleagues

interpret complex documents, including:

client briefs

compliance requirements

land titles

reports

site plans

technical skills to:

apply on-site OHS procedures

apply drawing skills, including:

drawing to scale

field sketching

producing measured drawings based on field data

take accurate measurements using basic surveying equipment, including:

chains and tapes

global positioning systems (GPS)

automatic, dumpy and tilting levels

theodolites

technology skills to use information technology and relevant software

Required knowledge

architectural styles and terminology

construction materials and methods to accurately assess materials and methods used in existing on-site and neighbouring buildings

contextual and site constraints

design development processes and uses of on-site measured drawings in these processes

key features of building life cycles to accurately assess potential for re-use of existing buildings

legislation, codes and standards relevant to small-scale building design projects, including:

drawing standards

OHS

organisational scope of business, service levels and fees

principles of building design, including sustainable design

safe operating procedures for basic levelling and surveying equipment

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.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

safely and thoroughly inspect at least three sites for small-scale building design projects, each site having significantly different features and characteristics

observe and document relevant features and characteristics of sites and neighbouring areas

accurately measure or calculate relevant angles, contours and dimensions

produce sets of accurate and scaled measured site drawings.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to:

suitable assessment venue and equipment

suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence

assessment instruments.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit

observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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.

Small-scale building design projects:

include buildings covered by the BCA, except construction Type A buildings

may be residential projects, such as:

additions and renovations

heritage restoration

new buildings

may be commercial or industrial projects, such as:

factories

motels

offices

restaurants

retail and service outlets

warehouses.

Site information may include:

compliance requirements

environmental reports, including:

climate

flora and fauna

soil

water catchment

maps

overlays

service and utility layouts

site plans

titles.

Workplace procedures may include:

access arrangements

drawing production systems and procedures

equipment operation and maintenance procedures

hazard and risk assessment and control

OHS requirements

project management procedures.

Existing characteristics of a site may include:

access

boundaries

buildings, including:

materials and methods

structural integrity

contours

easements

features

fences

flora, especially significant trees

relationship to adjoining properties

services, including power, telecommunications and water supply

structures

views

water and drainage, including:

absorption and transpiration areas

ground water

rainwater tanks

roof water

sewerage treatment plant

stormwater.

Features of surrounding area may include:

architectural styles of buildings and structures

dimensions, locations and uses of adjacent buildings and structures, including:

aesthetics

noise produced

shade cast on site

traffic

landscaping, including significant trees

street features and furniture, such as poles and cables.

Key design elements may include:

access and egress points

buildings

existing utilities and services infrastructure.