Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1

Identify purpose for site assessment

1.1

Client brief is prepared and agreed.

1.2

Project objectives are outlined.

2

Collect and collate base information

2.1

Existing resources are identified and acquired.

2.2

Local or site maps and plans are sourced.

2.3

Base plan is prepared of the site.

3

Prepare for site visit

3.1

OHS hazards associated with undertaking a site visit are assessed for potential risks and controls implemented accordingly.

3.2

Location, ownership and site boundaries are verified.

3.3

Covenants that could affect the project design are identified and recorded.

3.4

Climate and weather conditions are ascertained from historical data.

3.5

Where required, formal approval is sought to visit site.

4

Undertake site inspection

4.1

Site orientation is undertaken.

4.2

Existing on-site and adjacent site features that may impact upon the project objectives are identified and recorded.

4.3

Site grades are visually identified and recorded.

4.4

Soil characteristics are identified from soil identification reference chart guidelines and soil maps, and recorded on site inventory report.

4.5

The species, health and location of vegetation is recorded on site inventory report.

4.6

The presence, location and/or extent of other site features are recorded on site inventory report.

4.7

Where required, soil samples for testing by others are gathered and forwarded for analysis according to enterprise guidelines.

5

Document information

5.1

Site information is documented in accordance with enterprise procedures.

5.2

Documents are completed and forwarded to supervisor/manager according to enterprise procedures.

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

Competence in undertaking a site assessment requires evidence that information on site features, soil type and vegetation is collected, analysed and accurately recorded on a base plan. The skills and knowledge required to undertake a site assessment must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different sites, environments and reasons for assessing the site.

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:

Plant recognition.

Map reading.

Soil pH, texture and type.

Current land use and environrmental threats and problems to site.

OHS hazards associated with undertaking a site assessment.

Protocols of accessing and visiting the site.

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:

Identify purpose for site assessment.

Collect and collate base information.

Prepare for site visit.

Undertake site inspection.

Document information.

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 (2) be applied?

Ideas and information may need to be communicated to the client via a site inventory report and other site plans.

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

Information on existing site features may need to be collected, analysed and organised from visual inspections and/or inspections of existing plans and maps.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

A logical sequence of events may need to be implemented in the form of a checklist when undertaking a site assessment, and all details of that assessment need to be recorded.

4. How can team work (2) be applied?

Team work may be required when visiting a site and recording information.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?

Mathematical ideas and techniques such as the reading of measurements and site levels may be required.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

Problems may arise when assessing site boundaries and caveats

7. How can the use of technology (2) be applied?

Technology may be applied when using levelling equipment and when using computers to generate plans and record information.

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

What are the existing features likely to be found on site?

Features may include topography, vegetation, hydrology, services above and below ground, amenities, buildings and structures, access points, site modifications, fauna, location of boundaries, aspect, watercourses and paths.

What covenants are likely to be taken into consideration?

Covenants may include easements, right of ways, altered boundaries, council regulations or restrictions.

What is covered by site orientation?

Compass bearings and magnetic north, points of access, utility service locations, physical constraints of site, safety threats and hazards, environmental problems.

What OHS hazards may apply to undertaking a site assessment?

Hazards may include solar radiation, uneven surfaces, tapes, strings and levelling equipment that may be tripped over, and existing on-site obstacles.

What may be included under other site features?

Other site features may include structures, buildings, cultural elements, historical features, fauna and animal habitats, services, access to and across site, environmental problems, safety hazards and risks.

What soil testing is likely to be undertaken?

Soil tests may include tests for PH, salinity, texture and soil type. Samples for testing may include plugs and core samples.

How will information be documented?

Through plans, maps, reports, schedules and field notes.

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