Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1

Prepare for fencing work

1.1

Tools and materials appropriate to meet job requirements are selected and checked against the work plan.

1.2

Faulty or unsafe tools are identified and segregated for repair or replacement according to enterprise requirements.

1.3

Hazards in the workplace are assessed and minimised according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

1.4

Transport of fencing materials and equipment (including safety equipment) is arranged and placed according to work plan.

2

Carry out fence installation, repair and maintenance

2.1

Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to OHS and workplace procedures.

2.2

Fence is installed, maintained or repaired according to manufacturers guidelines, OHS and enterprise requirements.

2.3

Gates are attached and appropriately positioned for correct operation and function according to work plan.

2.4

Dismantling operations are carried out as required with a focus on minimising unnecessary damage and recovering all re-useable materials.

2.5

Repair requirements are identified and carried out according to work plan procedures.

2.6

Replacement posts are installed to appropriate level and secured through soil replacement and ramming.

2.7

Wire is strung, mounted and fixed according to requirements of work plan or supervisor's instructions.

2.8

All work is carried out safely according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

3

Complete fencing work

3.1

Post holes are firmly filled to remove potential hazards and minimise environmental impact.

3.2

Work site is cleared and tidied and all non-reusable materials are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

3.3

Tools and re-usable materials are transported safely from the work site, cleaned and stored according to enterprise and manufacturers recommendations.

3.4

Further identified work or repair requirements are reported according to enterprise requirements.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in this standard requires evidence of the ability to select the correct tools and equipment and apply appropriate methods to carry out routine maintenance to conventional fences. It also requires the ability to apply task instruction, complete work requirements in an efficient and timely manner, identify re-usable materials, and minimise impacts to the environment. The skills and knowledge required must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different fencing types, environments and industry settings.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

Uses and structures of a range of conventional fence types.

Uses and types of fencing tools and materials.

Fencing wire, knots, tensions, capabilities and limitations.

Strainer assembly, gate types and construction.

Common fencing hazards and safety precautions.

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice including hazard and risk assessment relevant to the work function.

Relevant Codes of Practice with regard to protection of the environment.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

Demonstrate safe working practices.

Minimise environmental impact.

Interpret and apply task instruction.

Complete work efficiently within timeframes.

Maintain physical fitness.

Read and interpret work plans.

Communicate with work team and supervisor.

Calculate and measure fencing wire requirements.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Information with regard to the operation of tools and application methods may be discussed with the supervisor.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

Information with regard to the performance of tools and any identified faults may be reported to the supervisor for repair and organised by records.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

Activities involving filling in post holes may be planned and coordinated with repair activities to minimise potential hazards and environmental impact.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

In the application of methods and procedures to complete scheduled fencing tasks within timeframes.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Basic mathematical techniques may be applied in the calculation and measurement of fencing wire and other materials to complete tasks.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

Faulty tools or malfunctions may be reported for repair, and arrangements made for replacement in order to minimise disruption to repair and maintenance schedules.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Technology may be used to communicate and calculate information with regard to fencing requirements.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available

What tools and materials might be used?

Tools may include post driver, posthole borer, crowbar, wire strainers and fencing pliers. Materials may include fencing wire which may vary - plain, barbed, ringlock and netting.

What information may be included in a work plan?

This may include designated work tasks, tools and materials for use, procedures for pre-start and safety checks of tools, timeframe for work completion, supervisor's instructions and reporting requirements.

What may be involved in routine pre-operational checks of tools?

This may include routine safety and pre-start checks, and preparatory procedures including cleaning, lubricating, hand sharpening, tightening, basic repairs and adjustments.

What enterprise requirements may be applicable to this standard?

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), industry standards, production schedules, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), work notes and plans, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators' manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), and supervisors oral or written instructions.

What hazards may be relevant to this standard?

This may include exposure to hazardous noise, treated timbers, wire breaking, manual handling, trip points, dust solar radiation and adverse weather conditions. It may also include electricity associated with powered tools.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?

Safe systems and procedures for:

the use of fencing tools and materials

the operation of vehicles

hazard and risk control

lifting, carrying and handling techniques

manual handling especially when handling posts, coils of wire and using tools

the use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment

outdoor work including protection from solar radiation

protection from dusts

administering first aid.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, overalls, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and sun protection.

What re-useable materials may be recovered?

This may include wire, hinges, supports, gates, netting and posts.

What repairs may be carried out?

This may include replacing posts, rejoining and restraining wires, gate hinges, gate chains and gates, other repairs to gates.

What requirements may be considered when replacing posts?

Replacements posts need to be consistent with existing fence, height and type.

What may be involved in clearing and tidying a work site?

This may involve replacing soil, and clearing, removal and safe disposal of non-reusable materials.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.