DEFCA308B
Assist in the construction and maintenance of field structures

This unit covers the competency required to construct and maintain a range of field structures, such as bunkers, strongpoints, towers and shelters.Construction is usually of a temporary nature and is undertaken employing expedient construction methods using both commercially available and improvised materials. The individual will usually work as part of a team under supervision, but may undertake some autonomous tasks. Construction will normally be carried out in a field environment.

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s

BCG1004A Carry out measurements and calculations

BCG1006A Use small plant and equipment

BCG1008A Use simple levelling devices

BCG1009A Carry out excavation and install support

BCG1010A Carry out concreti


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare work site

1.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn in accordance with OH&S requirements

1.2 Site layout and preparation is carried out in accordance with approved sketches, drawings, specifications and job instructions

1.3 All tools and equipment are inspected for serviceability and prepared for operation and defects are reported to the supervisor in accordance with standard procedures

1.4 Materials identified from job instructions and specifications are sourced, prepared and stockpiled in accordance with work schedule, design specifications and job instructions

2. Build and maintain field structures

2.1 Earthworks for hardstanding, pits and trenches are carried out manually or with the assistance of plant and operator support in accordance with specifications and site requirements

2.2 Fabricated/pre-fabricated components are correctly positioned for assembly

2.3 Jigs, fixtures and other equipment are assembled and applied to support construction

2.4 Scaffolding is erected as required in accordance with job requirements and OH&S requirements

2.5 Concrete, bricks/blocks, timber, wire mesh, matting, steel and other materials are laid/assembled according to job specifications

2.6 Horizontal and vertical construction/erection is carried out to specification using expedient methods and materials available

2.7 Site is progressively camouflaged and concealment is maintained

2.8 Assembly/construction is checked for compliance with specifications

3. Maintain and clean up site and equipment

3.1 Field structures are maintained, further developed and/or repaired to specification in accordance with standard procedures

3.2 Plant, vehicles, tools and other equipment are removed from the site, cleaned, serviced, maintained and stored in accordance with standard procedures and documentation is completed

3.3 Area is cleared and waste material is disposed of safely in accordance with standard procedures

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

work safely to instructions

read drawings and interpret plans and sketches

select construction materials

measure relative to the construction process

utilise expedient and improvised methods to construct field structures

follow instructions/directives and report information

participate in team

encourage other team members

use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

Required Knowledge

workplace and equipment safety requirements

materials handling and storage

measurement relative to construction

expedient and improvised construction methods

types and use of field structures

drawings, plans and graphic representation including lettering, symbols tables, charts, specifications

techniques for supporting others

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to construct at least three types of field structures included in the Range Statement using a variety of materials and expedient construction methods. At least one above and one below ground structure should be constructed.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

interpret job instructions and plans, and layout a site

prepare materials and equipment for construction

apply appropriate expedient construction methods and procedures to the construction including accurate measuring and levelling

use standard processes to handle and place materials

complete the construction of field structures to the specified standard

work in a team and interactively communicate with others

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated under field conditions over a time frame that allows for constructing and maintaining a number of field structures utilising expedient construction methods and a variety of materials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in a field environment. Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual participating in the construction of various types of field structures requiring the application of a variety of expedient methods and materials.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

construction materials relevant to the task

hand tools, power tools, plant and other equipment appropriate to the construction process

suitable training areas for construction.


Range Statement

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Field environment may include

A range of terrain, soil and vegetation

Under all weather conditions

By day or night and under illumination

Personal protective equipment may include

Boots

Safety glasses/goggles

Ear plugs/muffs

Dust masks/respirators

Gloves

Hard hat/cap

OH&S requirements may include

Workplace environment and equipment safety

Use of protective clothing and equipment

Manual handling of materials

Safe use of scaffolding

Site layout and preparation may include

Setting out to dimensions contained in job instructions and technical specifications

Identifying assembly method from job instructions and technical specifications

Constructing jigs and other field machines

Stockpiling materials

Requesting plant support

Tools and equipment to be used in construction may include

Various types of plant

Scaffolding

Hand, power and explosive tools

Concrete mixers

Chain saws and paving breakers

Explosives

Measuring tape/rule

Mechanical aids

Crow bars

Cordage

Steel wire rope

Anchorages

Standard procedures and instructions refer to

Written and verbal orders and job instructions

Standing orders, routine orders, procedures manuals, field engineering pamphlets, job guides and other publications

Technical specifications, plans, sketches

Materials may include

Masonry

Cement and sand

Bricks/blocks

Steel

Timber

Rock

Wire mesh

Rigid or flexible sheet materials

Sandbags

Pierced steel plank (PSP)

Pierced aluminium plank (PAP)

Other commercial or improvised materials including locally sourced materials

Field structures may include

Observation towers and posts

Command posts, bunkers and strong points

Weapon pits and trenches

Gun emplacements

Vehicle hides

Sandbag structures including sangars

Revetment

Overhead protection (OHP) and overhead cover (OHC) for command posts, bunkers and shelters

Light buildings and shelters

Above ground water storage

Piers

Rocket screens


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.