This unit applies to cemetery and crematorium staff involved in burial works, and involves working with some level of autonomy or under limited supervision and guidance from others.

SIFOHS004A Work in confined spaces

SIFOHS007A Identifyhazardsandassess risks in a cemetery or crematorium

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Prepare to close vault or crypt.

1.1

Liaise with appropriate staff to identify and confirm work requirements.

1.2

Identify and confirm correct vault or crypt to close.

1.3

Identify, prepare and use personal protective equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

1.4

Select and assemble tools and equipment according to job requirements.

1.5

Check tools and equipment for serviceability and report faults according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

1.6

Identify safety hazards and take corrective action according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

1.7

Place lifting device orequipment for safe access to vault or crypt according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

1.8

Remove flowers from top of coffin or casket according to client requirements.

1.9

Fill vaults or move coffin or casket to rear of crypt according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

1.10

Enter and exit vaults or crypts according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

2

Close and seal vault or crypt.

2.1

Release internal drainage and ventilation seals between rear and front crypt as required.

2.2

Place vault or crypt lid for sealing and seal lid according to workplace policies and procedures and future access requirements.

2.3

Reinstate face plate according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

2.4

Use tools and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures and manufacturer guidelines.

3

Clean up vault or crypt.

3.1

Clean exterior of vault or crypt according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

3.2

Remove, clean and store tools and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures.

3.3

Present vault or crypt according to client requirements and workplace policies and procedures.

Required skills

safe manual handling techniques

communication skills, including clear and direct communication and active listening and questioning techniques to work with other staff and report faults or hazards

literacy and numeracy skills to identify and interpret work requirements and follow manufacturer guidelines

organisational and self-management skills to complete required tasks according to client requirements and workplace policies and procedures.

Required knowledge

concrete reinstatement

use, care and maintenance of hand tools and equipment

site presentation

drain and air vent clearance requirements

broad working knowledge of relevant federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to OHS and reinstatement of vaults or crypts

workplace policies and procedures regarding preparation and reinstatement of vaults or crypts

operating and maintenance requirements of relevant hand tools and equipment.

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to select, prepare and safely use, the required equipment and lifting devices according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer's instructions

the safe and efficient reinstatement and good presentation of vaults and crypts post burial according to work specifications and client's requirements

use of safe manual handling techniques

reinstating vaults or crypts on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills in a cemetery environment containing vaults or crypts that can be closed and sealed after burials

access to personal protective equipment and tools and equipment required to reinstate vaults or crypts

access to lifting devices or equipment.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of candidate completing appropriate planning and preparation for work, identifying vault or crypt for closure, closing and sealing vault or crypt and cleaning up work site

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures with regard to reinstating vaults or crypts

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SIFBCR007A Prepare vaults or crypts for burials.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.

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.

Appropriate staff may include:

manager

supervisor

co-workers.

Personal protective equipment may include:

overalls

steel-capped boots

jacket

long sleeves

gloves

safety glasses or goggles

hat or cap

gumboots

ear plugs or muffs

sun protection

two-way radio.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

standard operating policies and procedures

standards and certification requirements

quality assurance procedures

OHS procedures, such as:

workplace environment and safety

use of personal protective equipment

manual handling procedures

use of tools and equipment

material handling procedures, including hazardous materials

working in confined spaces

emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures.

Relevant legislation and regulations may include:

OHS

workplace environment and safety

material handling, including hazardous materials

cemetery Acts and by-laws

local government regulations

Lands Act

Public Health Act

Environment Protection Act

Australian standards

Worksafe Australia certification and standards.

Tools and equipment may include:

spade

shovel

crowbar

auger

sledgehammer

drill

ladder that complies with requirements of current Australian standard

pump

small plant.

Safety hazards may include:

slippery surfaces

water

overhead obstacles

ground pressure, such as:

machinery

people

soil

previously dug graves

monument collapse

drains

cables

sprinklers

pipes.

Corrective action may include:

reporting hazards

evacuating area.

Lifting device or equipment may include:

scissor lift

ladder.

Client requirements may include:

social, cultural and religious requirements, such as:

cultural rituals to assist grieving

burial procedures.

Sector

Funeral Services

Burials and Cremations

This unit contains employability skills.