Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use hand and power tools in the resources and infrastructure industries.
It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under supervision to undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and take responsibility for the quality of own work outcomes.
Licensing, legislative and certification requirements may apply to this unit and can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare to use hand and power tools | 1.1 Obtain, interpret, and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply documentation and procedures 1.3 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures according to workplace procedures 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activity 1.5 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for emergency situations |
2. Select and use hand tools | 2.1 Select hand tools appropriate for the work activity 2.2 Inspect tools for serviceability and report faults 2.3 Clamp or fix materials in position for hand tool application according to workplace procedures 2.4 Use hand tools safely and correctly 2.5 Store hand tools safely when not in immediate use |
3. Select and use power tools | 3.1 Select power tools and equipment appropriate for the work activity 3.2 Inspect tools for serviceability and report faults 3.3 Inspect power leads and hoses for serviceability and report faults 3.4 Establish a clear route for the safe placement and connection of power leads and hoses 3.5 Clamp or fix material in position for power tool application according to workplace procedures 3.6 Use power tools safely and correctly 3.7 Store power tools safely when not in immediate use |
4. Conduct housekeeping activities | 4.1 Clear work area and dispose of materials 4.2 Clean, maintain and inspect the serviceability of the equipment, and address and report any issues to relevant personnel 4.3 Complete written records and reports according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:
use hand and power tools on at least two occasions, including:
selecting and checking hand tools and power tools for serviceability
clamping or fixing material
ensuring power leads and cords are safely placed
using hand and power tools appropriately for the job activity
storing the hand and power tools appropriately when not in use
clearing the work area
cleaning and maintaining equipment.
During the above, the candidate must:
locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant
implement the requirements, procedures and techniques required to use hand and power tools
work with others to undertake the use of hand and power tools
communicate with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to determine coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:
key policies, procedures and documentation required to use hand and power tools, including those relating to:
work health and safety procedures
environmental issues
emergency procedures
compliance with safety data sheets and required records
equipment types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations, including:
hand tools, including:
cutting tools
tightening tools
impact tools
digging tools
measuring tools
clamping tools
portable power tools, including:
hammers
saws
drills
screwdrivers
grinders
wrenches
planers
sanders
scalers
associated materials with hand and power tool use
energy and power sources
use of industry and worksite terminology.
Assessment Conditions
Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:
include access to:
personal and protective equipment
equipment required to use hand and power tools
relevant documentation
be conducted in a safe environment; and,
be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,
be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.
Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:
vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed
current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided
current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment
formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment
having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes
possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge
having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces
demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and
the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.
It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:
Industry sector | AQF indicator level*** | Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure | 1 | 1 year |
2 | 2 years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure | 3-6 | 3 years |
Other sectors | Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. | |
*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.
**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.
*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.
Foundation Skills
Numeracy | Calculates resource requirements, including use of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division |
Self-management | Monitors and minimises own exposure to worksite risks and hazards during activities |