ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for work

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Obtain and confirm safety requirements from the site safety plan and organisational policies and procedures, and apply to the allotted task

1.3. Identify, obtain and implement signage requirements from the project traffic management plan

1.4. Select plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks consistent with the requirements of the job, check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults

1.5. Identify environmental protection requirements from the project environmental management plan, and confirm and apply to the allotted task

2. Dig small excavations by hand

2.1. Confirm the location and specifications of the intended excavation on the ground before commencing work

2.2. Identify service markers or taped areas

2.3. Determine or confirm location of underground services to avoid damage or interference

2.4. Use hand tools correctly to dig post holes, small pits and trenches safely and to the required dimensions

2.5. Undertake trench collapse prevention procedures, where excavation is in unstable ground

2.6. Place barricades around the excavation

3. Complete and isolate the excavation

3.1. Clean loose material out of excavation using hand tools

3.2. Check excavation for confirmation with the specification or work instruction

4. Clean up

4.1. Clear loose material away from the edge of excavation

4.2. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan

4.3. Clean, check, maintain and store tools and equipment

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to carry out manual excavation:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for carrying out manual excavation

organise work activities

select and use relevant tools and equipment safely

identify and report on hazards related to the worksite and work activity

communicate effectively to receive and clarify work instructions

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to carry out manual excavation:

types, uses, limitations and maintenance requirements of manual excavation tools

basic principles of soil technology for civil works

basic trench collapse prevention techniques including benching and battering

site safety requirements

site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

project quality requirements

civil construction terminology

concreting tools, plant and equipment

JSAs/safe work method statement

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

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for carrying out manual excavation

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of manual excavation

working with others to undertake and complete the manual excavation in a way that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of manual excavation that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment 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.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

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.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

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

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the manual excavation

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Safety requirements may include:

OHS requirements in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan including: protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances

safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with high voltage power lines, uneven/unstable terrain, trees, overhead service lines, bridges, surrounding buildings, obstructions, structures, facilities, dangerous materials, recently filled trenches, other machines, personnel, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public

safe parking practices including ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement

recognising hazards and risks including uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials

emergency procedures related to equipment operation including emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing equipment fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation

Site conditions may include:

dry

wet

mud

dust

varying day/night visibility

Signage may include:

escort vehicle

highway traffic signs

site safety signage

temporary signage for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians

traffic conditions signage

Traffic conditions may include:

congested urban environments

low traffic rural areas

off-road un-trafficked areas

buildings

parking sites

pedestrian areas

Tools and equipment may include:

picks

crow-bars

shovels

hand augers

string lines

pegs

levels

tape measures

jack hammers

scabblers

Environmental protection requirements may include:

organisational/project environmental management plan

waste management

water quality protection

noise

vibration

dust and clean-up management

Underground services may include:

power

water

gas

telephone

sewerage

Excavations may include:

trenches

post-holes

pits

levelling of the work area

Materials may include:

clays

silts

stone

gravel

mu

rock

metamorphic

igneous

sedimentary

sand

topsoil