RIIHAN211A
Conduct basic scaffolding operations

This unit covers the conduct of basic scaffolding operations in the resources and infrastructure industries. It includes planning and preparing for scaffolding operations, erecting and maintaining scaffolding and dismantling scaffolding. The work required in this unit relates to the National Standard for High Risk Work. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

Application

This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:

Civil construction

Coal mining

Drilling

Extractive industries

Metalliferous mining


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for scaffolding operations

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

1.2. Access and interpret work requirements

1.3. Develop the preliminary scaffolding plan in accordance with safety requirements

1.4. Confirm site preparation with other appropriate personnel and implement hazard control measures if necessary

1.5. Identify and select equipment consistent with work requirements

1.6. Check equipment is ready for use and report, label and repair any defects

1.7. Confirm scaffolding plan in accordance with Statutory/regulatory authorities and environmental requirements

2. Erect and maintain scaffolding

2.1. Erect scaffolding in accordance with safe work practices

2.2. Adhere to safety requirements at heights, on incomplete structures and in confined spaces

2.3. Install static lines when specified

2.4. Assemble and erect lifting device where specified

2.5. Inspect critical structural and safety areas and equipment periodically while in use to identify any variation from the plan and record inspection in inspection log

2.6. Perform alteration or repair to critical structural and safety areas and equipment

3. Dismantle scaffolding

3.1. Isolate scaffolding and appropriately sign and barricade to enable safe dismantling

3.2. Inspect, classify, label and dismantle scaffolding safely using the reverse procedure for erection

3.3. Clear work area and dispose of used and recycled materials in accordance with job specification, relevant statutory/regulatory authorities and environmental requirements

3.4. Clean and check equipment and store in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and standard work practices

Required Skills

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 conduct basic scaffolding operations:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for conducting basic scaffolding operations

apply scaffolding operational safety requirements

access, interpret and apply technical scaffolding information

maintain scaffolding equipment records

apply hand-eye coordination

operate/use relevant hand tools

identify hazards and potential hazards at scaffolding site

communicate scaffolding ideas and information

work in a team environment on site

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 conduct basic scaffolding operations:

workplace and scaffolding equipment safety requirements

quality scaffolding requirements

plant, tools and equipment types, characteristics, uses, limitations and relevance to scaffolding

materials safety data sheet

scaffolding plans, drawings and specifications

scaffolding materials handling, storage and environmentally friendly waste management

JSAs/safe work method statements

relevant legislation, regulations and code of practice relating to the erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding

scaffolding lifting devices

relevant national certification standards relating to scaffolding

scaffolding site and equipment safety requirements

scaffolding equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

scaffolding operational and maintenance procedures

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

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 the conduct of basic scaffolding operations

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conduct of basic scaffolding operations

working with others to undertake and complete the conduct of basic scaffolding operations that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of basic scaffolding operations 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 should 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 requirements, 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 basic scaffolding operations

Guidance information for assessment

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


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.

Compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

relevant federal, state and local authorities administering the applicable acts

regulations

relevant code of practice

manufacturer's requirements

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity Disability Discrimination legislation

Work requirements may include:

plans

specifications

quality scaffolding requirements

quantity scaffolding requirements

operational details

shift briefings

handover details

work orders

purpose of scaffolding

Preliminary scaffolding plan may include:

site sketch

scaffolding requirements

scaffolding / equipment configurations

identification of potential hazards

control measures

site access and exit

estimation of types and quantities of components

identification of scaffolding coordination requirements

transportation of required equipment

Safety may include:

relevant OHS requirements in accordance with the following:

applicable legislation

applicable regulations

applicable code of practice

applicable organisational safety policies and procedures

project safety plan

protective clothing and equipment

use of tools and equipment

workplace environment

handling of materials

use of fire fighting equipment

First Aid

hazard control including hazardous materials and substances

safe operating workplace procedures

conduct an operational risk assessment and treatments associated with power cables including:

overhead service trays

cables and conduits

lighting

earth leakage boxes

trip hazards

working with dangerous materials

working in confined spaces

surrounding structures

restricted access barriers

traffic control

working at heights

working in proximity to others

worksite visitors

the public

emergency procedures including:

extinguishing fires

organisational First Aid requirements

evacuation

management plans

manufacturer's instructions

reporting defects in equipment

Site preparation may include:

site isolation

worksite inspection

assessment of conditions

hazard identification

erection of barriers

installation of signage

assembly and erection of lifting devices

establishment of footings

equipment defect identification

Equipment may include:

plant

tools

free standing prefabricated scaffolds

cantilevered hoists with a working load limit not exceeding 500kg (materials only)

ropes

gin wheels

safety nets and static lines

bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork)

aluminium modular scaffolding equipment

ladders

scaffolding planks

steel box spanners

hammers

spirit levels

tape measures

shovels

spanners

whipping cord

fibre rope

scaffolding materials

Statutory/regulatory authorities may include:

relevant federal, state and local authorities administering the applicable acts

regulations

relevant code of practice

applicable Australian standards

manufacturer's requirements

Environmental requirements may include:

waste management

noise

dust

clean-up management

environmental plans

regulatory obligations

environmental protection

Safe work practices may include:

planned hazard prevention and control measures

whipping designated rope ends in accordance with regulations and project specifications

splicing designated rope ends in accordance with regulations and project specifications

applying bends and hitches and inspecting them in accordance with project specifications

maintenance of an inspection log for the inspection and repair of scaffolding

Critical structural and safety areas may include:

damage

corrosion

wear

stability

current usage reconciled with changes to the plan via the inspection log

scaffold stability


Sectors

Load Handling


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.