Application
This unit is appropriate for those working in mobile plant operator roles, at worksites within:
Civil construction
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to pipe-layer operations 1.2. Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions to the allotted task 1.3. Obtain, confirm and apply safety requirements to the allotted task 1.4. Identify, obtain and implement signage requirements from the project traffic management plan 1.5. Select plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks that are consistent with the requirements of the job, check them for serviceability and rectify or report any faults 1.6. Identity, confirm and apply environmental protection requirements from the project environmental management plan, to the allotted task |
2. Conduct machine pre-operational checks | 2.1. Carry our pre-start, start-up, park and shutdown procedures 2.2. Check pipe-layer controls and functions, including implements or other attachments, brakes and manoeuvrability for serviceability and rectify or report any faults |
3. Operate pipe-layer | 3.1. Identify site hazards associated with pipe-layer operations and use safe operating techniques to minimise risk 3.2. Identify and apply operating techniques for pipe-layer to achieve optimum output in accordance with manufacturer's design specifications while achieving specified tolerances 3.3. Operate pipe-layer to work instructions in accordance with company operating procedures |
4. Attach, secure, lift, carry and place materials | 4.1. Conduct communication practices associated with transportation of material in accordance with legislation or worksite specific practices and procedures 4.2. Establish weight of load 4.3. Select, attach and use slings and lifting gear in accordance with safe working load requirements 4.4. Shift load safely and effectively in accordance with industry safety standards and manufacturers' specifications 4.5. Position machinery ensuring stability and locate to effectively shift materials according to job specifications 4.6. Move load in accordance with hand and audible signals |
5. Transport pipe-layer | 5.1. Move pipe-layer safely between worksites, observing relevant codes and traffic management requirements 5.2. Prepare pipe-layer for relocation |
6. Carry out machine operator maintenance | 6.1. Safely park, shutdown and prepare machine for maintenance 6.2. Conduct inspection and fault finding 6.3. Remove and replace defective parts safely and effectively 6.4. Carry out regular programmed maintenance tasks |
7. Clean up | 7.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan 7.2. Load and unload pipe-layer to and from float or trailer |
Required Skills
Required skills |
Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct pipe-layer operations: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures apply site and equipment safety requirements apply techniques for calculating safe working loads apply pipe-layer and attachment operating techniques related to essential tasks apply processes for interpreting engineering drawings and sketches apply operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures apply site isolation requirements apply traffic management requirements interpret materials safety data sheets and apply materials handling methods apply project quality requirements use civil construction terminology apply methods of changing machine attachments apply safe operating techniques in all terrain carry out basic earthworks calculations apply JSA's/Safe work method statement requirements |
Required knowledge |
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to conduct pipe-layer operations: pipe-layer types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations basic principles of soil technology for civil works site and equipment safety requirements techniques for calculating safe working loads pipe-layer and attachment operating techniques related to essential tasks processes for interpreting engineering drawings and sketches operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities materials safety data sheets and materials handling methods project quality requirements civil construction terminology methods of changing machine attachments safe operating techniques in all terrain basic earthworks calculations civil construction activity sequences of road construction, earthworks and drainage JSA's/Safe work method statement |
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 conduct pipe-layer operations implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of conduct pipe-layer operations, including: a minimum of nine pipe lengths, where the size of the pipes are to be greater than 50% of the authorised working load of the pipe-layer machine, and the ground conditions are to include level, sloping and broken surface working with others to undertake and complete the conduct pipe-layer operations that meet all of the required outcomes consistent timely completion of conduct pipe-layer operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meet the required outcomes laser guidance or ATS are not to be used to assist in control of the machine during assessment |
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. 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. Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances. 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, including: a minimum of nine pipe lengths, where the size of the pipes are to be greater than 50% of the authorised working load of the pipe-layer machine, and the ground conditions are to include level, sloping and broken surface consistently achieving the required outcomes first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's: working with others to undertake and complete pipe-layer 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. | |
Relevant compliance documentation may include: | legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures manufacturer's guidelines and specifications Australian standards codes of practice Employment and workplace relations legislation Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation |
A pipe-layer is: | a self-propelled crawler tractor with a purpose built side boom and winch assembly used for the express purpose of lifting and laying pipes, normally below ground level |
Pipe-layer tasks include: | the lifting, moving and placement of pipes |
Work instructions may include: | plans, specifications, quality requirements and operational details quality requirements may include but not be limited to dimensions, tolerances, standards of work and material standards as detailed in the project drawings, specifications and project documentation to meet client satisfaction |
Safety requirements are to be: | in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan |
Safety requirements may include: | 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 personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices safe operating procedures which are to include but not be limited to recognising and preventing hazards associated with underground and overhead services, other machines, personnel, restricted access barriers, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public safe parking practices which is to include but not be limited to 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 hazards and risks may include but not be limited to uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials emergency procedures related to this unit are to include but may not be limited to emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation |
Tools and equipment are to include: | hand tools and maintenance equipment relevant to the particular pipe-layer and lifting equipment |
Environmental requirements are to include: | organisational/project environmental management plan, waste management, water quality protection, noise, vibration, dust and clean-up management |
Communications practices are to include: | verbal instructions and fault reporting and may include 2-way radio, hand signals, mobile phone, site specific instructions, written instructions or instructions related to job/task on site meeting processes may include notification/ scheduling (time, place, purpose), task discussions and local coordination of procedural and operational issues |
Materials may include: | clays, silts, stone, gravel, mud, rock, sand, topsoil, blended materials, organic materials, typical construction site materials/waste and bituminous mixes rock types may include metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary |
Materials are to include: | pipes and may |
Materials may include: | trench shields |
Operator maintenance is to include: | cleaning, authorised servicing and the monitoring, recording and reporting of faults. It may also include the conduct of authorised minor replacements and the provision of assistance to maintenance personnel during maintenance and repair activities |
Sectors
Mobile Plant Operations
Competency Field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor.