PMC552094B
Prepare for and apply shotcrete for installation

This unit of competency cover the use of the gunite/shotcrete technique to apply refractory materials. The refractory may be applied by wet or dry processes..

Application

This unit of competency applies to operators who are responsible for using the shotcrete technique to apply refractory materials. Shotcrete is often referred to by trade name of gunite and so the process is sometimes referred to as guniting. It involves setting out work, installing and applying guniting materials, assembling and operating guniting equipment, and removing and reinstating guniting materials. It includes the use of tools and ancillary equipment.

Shotcrete work may be the total requirement for the job, or it may need to join to brick/block, moulded or cast refractory.

This competency will typically be performed by a team of operators working under direction and to a specification and/or procedures.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish the suitability of resources

1.1. Check all information conforms with resources

1.2. Record discrepancies in information

1.3. Report any inaccuracies in information to the person in charge

1.4. Identify and select materials, components, tools and equipment

2. Apply shotcrete to prepared surface

2.1. Prepare backgrounds, cutting out, demolition and keying

2.2. Mix shotcrete

2.3. Assemble and operate shotcreting equipment

2.4. Apply shotcrete

2.5. Remove and reinstate damaged shotcrete material

2.6. Maintain tools and equipment

3. Contribute to controlling hazards in work area

3.1. Identify hazards in work area

3.2. Assess risks arising from those hazards

3.3. Take appropriate action to control risks to procedures and duty of care

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include:

observing and monitoring work procedures

adjusting/correcting/responding to work requirements

identifying and solving problems

manual skills

physical handling skills

using tools and equipment correctly and safely

working in a team or individually, as required

reading and numeracy to interpret workplace documents and technical information

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

methods of preparing background surfaces

types, uses and operation of tools and equipment

types, uses and operation of shotcreting equipment

types and characteristics of shotcreting materials

methods of mixing and applying shotcreting materials

methods of avoiding lamination of applied shotcreting materials

methods of protecting applied shotcreting material during application and curing

types and methods of finishing the surface of the shotcrete

curing shotcrete

reasons for, and timing of, dedicated curing and heat-up programs and the consequences of the installed concrete if the program is not correctly followed

types and uses of temporary support/formwork

methods of protecting work during installation

reasons for, and methods of, providing test panels

methods of cutting

safeguards to take during reinstatement

methods of removing damaged refractory

methods of keying and bonding new to existing refactories

reasons for, and methods of, obtaining seals between new and existing refractory

materials sources

materials types/categorisation

methods of production

familiarity with installation techniques

familiarity with principles of selection

familiarity with variety of applications

Evidence Required

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.

Overview of assessment

The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency.

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

Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

a uniform coating has been applied

it adheres appropriately the surface

it is of the desired thickness and consistency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations.

Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation or case studies/scenarios may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this unit of competency. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include 'walk-throughs' of the relevant competency components. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs and questions will be required to probe the reasoning behind observable actions.

Method of assessment

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.

It may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with other relevant units

Guidance information for assessment

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


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, 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.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions

Shotcrete

Shotcrete is the generic term used to describe the

placement of cementitious products such as

concrete or refractory monolithics, by high volume and high velocity air

Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment include:

mixing equipment

air compressors

water addition equipment

gunning equipment/nozzles

equipment allowing access

Installation

Installation includes:

correct thickness of course

correct compaction

conforming to required curves and angles

tying to structure

keying to existing refractory

Occupational health and safety (OHS)

All operations are subject to stringent OHS requirements and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and OHS requirements, the OHS requirements take precedence


Sectors

Unit sector

Operational/technical


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.