DEFCA322
Assist in the construction of dry gap crossings

This unit covers the competency required to assist in the preparation, construction, maintenance and recovery of dry gap crossing bridging equipment, including:multiple or single span gap crossing equipmentfixed clearspan equipmentnon equipment bridgingimprovised and/or expedient materialssuspended cable equipmentaerial ropeways, to cross any form of gap including rivers and streams to facilitate the movement of personnel, vehicles, cargo and equipment. A dry gap crossing is defined as a bridge over or spanning the gap rather than one that floats or contours the surface. Bridges will normally be constructed on a temporary basis to meet the operational need to provide a crossing point over a gap to carry personnel and equipment. When the crossing is no longer required the bridge is either recovered to storage or redeployed to another crossing. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This competency was developed for combat engineer personnel required to assist in the preparation, construction, maintenance and recovery of dry gap crossing bridging equipment, including multiple and single span bridges, to cross any form of gap including rivers and streams to facilitate the movement of personnel, vehicles, cargo and equipment in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

The individual will usually be engaged in bridge construction as part of a team under supervision, but may undertake some autonomous tasks.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for dry gap crossing operations

1.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn in accordance with WHS requirements.

1.2 Site layout and preparation is conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 All bridging components are checked against inventory and materials list for completeness and are prepared for operation with faults and deficiencies reported to the supervisor.

1.4 Tools and equipment required for the task are selected, checked for serviceability and faults are reported to the supervisor.

2. Construct a dry gap crossing

2.1 Jigs, fixtures and tools to be used in construction are assembled and adjusted ready for use.

2.2 Bridge components are assembled and checked for compliance, accuracy and alignment in accordance with standard procedures.

2.3 Equipment is operated in accordance with standard procedures.

3. Maintain and clean up site and equipment

3.1 Gap crossing sites and crossing systems are maintained in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Gap crossing equipment, tools and unused materials are recovered, cleaned, maintained and documentation is completed, with any faults and deficiencies reported in accordance with standard procedures.

3.3 Gap crossing equipment, tools and materials are either stored or redeployed to another site in accordance with standard procedures.

Required Skills

Required Skills

work safely to instructions

select and use tools and equipment appropriate to the task

follow instructions/directives and report information

participate in team

encourage other team members

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

Required Knowledge

WHS workplace and equipment safety requirements

materials handling while operating tools

site safety while working with plant

checking components against inventory

techniques for supporting others

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and nonverbal 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 assist in the construction of at least two dry gap crossings using two types of dry gap crossing bridging equipment listed in the Range Statement. Individuals should be assessed participating in the construction of:

at least one bridge of not less than 15 metres span

at least one bridge constructed at night

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

prepare the work site

check components, tools and equipment

participate in the assembly, construction and recovery of the crossing systems

identify faults/problems and take action to rectify them

work as part of a team and interactively communicate with others

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated under field conditions over a time frame that allows for individuals to be assessed in the various tasks related to the construction of at least two dry gap crossings using two types of equipment listed in the Range Statement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

selected dry gap crossing equipment and components (multiple or single span gap crossing equipment, fixed clearspan equipment, nonequipment bridging, improvised and/or expedient materials, suspended cable equipment, aerial ropeways)

tools, equipment and materials required to support the construction and operation of dry gap crossing equipment

suitable dry gap training area


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.

Personal protective equipment may include:

boots

dust masks/respirators

ear plugs/muffs

gloves

hard hat/cap

life vests

safety glasses/goggles

WHS requirements may include:

safe working on platforms and scaffolding

use of protective clothing and equipment

workplace operations and safety procedures

Site layout and preparation may include:

constructing approaches including access roads, tracks and bridge launching areas

determining datum line

marking out site

positioning components and materials for assembly

preparing site plan

removing vegetation

Standard procedures may include:

anchorages

clamps

expedient road and tracking i.e. materials obtained locally to construct improvised roads and tracks

hand and power tools

jigs

measuring tape/rule

mechanical advantage devices, including blocks and tackle

plant equipment

spirit level

straight edge

string lines

weights


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.