Application
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to plan and conduct field surveying operations, which may include working in isolated or remote areas. The unit covers planning and preparing operations to ensure adequate equipment and supplies and to meet work health and safety requirements. The unit also requires completing documentation and cleaning, checking, maintaining and storing equipment after the field operation is completed. The unit requires knowledge of emergency procedures.
The unit supports those who work in support positions in a surveying team.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements concerning the use of vehicles apply to this unit in most 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. | Plan field surveying operation. | 1.1. | Field surveying objectives, principal work activities and site location are identified in consultation with appropriate persons. |
1.2. | Logistical considerations are planned according to location, duration and size of field trip, and resupply requirements. | ||
1.3. | Maps, photographs and other available data are used in planning activities. | ||
1.4. | Equipment and supplies are selected and prepared according to field surveying objectives, and health and safety requirements. | ||
2. | Carry out field surveying activities. | 2.1. | Vehicles are prepared and equipment and supplies loaded and secured according to organisational requirements. |
2.2. | Surveying field site is located, prepared and maintained according to organisational requirements. | ||
2.3. | Surveying activities are conducted according to operation objectives and timeframes, and health and safety requirements. | ||
2.4. | Contingency procedures are implemented in the event of emergencies and unforeseen hazards according to organisational requirements. | ||
2.5. | Environmental impact from field activities is minimised and waste disposed of according to organisational requirements. | ||
3. | Finalise field surveying operation. | 3.1. | Equipment is unloaded, cleaned and stored according to organisational requirements. |
3.2. | Equipment is checked and necessary repairs organised and reported according to organisational requirements. | ||
3.3. | Required documentation is completed according to organisational requirements. | ||
Evidence of Performance
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:
plan two field surveying operations
carry out field service tasks during one of the above planned operations.
While planning and conducting the above field surveying operations, the person must:
assess field operation objectives to identify equipment and supply requirements
comply with health and safety requirements when carrying out field service tasks by:
following procedures in the event of an emergency
identifying potential hazards and applying risk management strategies
inspecting equipment to ensure it is in safe working order
comply with legislation and regulations when disposing of waste, and if using vehicles
comply with organisational requirements when using and storing equipment and resources, and completing records and documentation
monitor surveying activities to ensure planned schedules and objectives are met
plan for logistical considerations to:
allow for contingencies in the event of adverse weather conditions and emergencies
arrange an appropriate method of communication and transport to and from the site
arrange appropriate amounts of equipment and supplies
locate an appropriate field site
select and use the tools and equipment specified in the assessment conditions, to conduct field operation activities.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
emergency procedures, particularly survival procedures when working in remote and isolated areas
methods of communication in an emergency situation, including procedures for using distress beacons
organisational procedures for using equipment and instruments when carrying out surveying field service tasks
procedures for communicating with emergency services personnel
procedures for minimising the impact on the environment from field work activities
requirements for survival kits
project management techniques and their application to field surveying work.
Assessment Conditions
The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:
equipment:
communications equipment appropriate to field site location
emergency and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the operation
surveying equipment and instruments, including scanning total station
vehicle
specifications:
maps and other spatial and navigational data appropriate to field trip
organisational policies and procedures relating to:
work health and safety
protecting the environment
surveying data specifications
relationships with team members and supervisor:
working in a team.
Timeframe:
as specified by field operation requirements.
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.
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 |
Planning and organising skills to: | prioritise work activities to meet field operation timeframes. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate supply requirements relative to location, duration and size of field operation. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask questions to elicit details of field surveying requirements relay accurate information to emergency services personnel. |
Reading skills to: | interpret graphical information in maps and photographs. |
Writing skills to: | complete planning documents and proformas. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. | |
Appropriate persons must include at least one of the following: | experienced colleague qualified surveyor supervisor or line manager. |
Sectors
Surveying and spatial information services