SIFBCR017A
Prepare for gravedigging

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess a gravesite for the appropriate gravedigging method and prepare the site for digging or re-opening according to work requirements.

Application

This unit applies to cemetery and crematorium staff involved in burial works. It requires consistent application of safe work practices according to legislative and workplace requirements and communication, literacy and numeracy skills under supervision as part of a team with some responsibility.


Prerequisites

SIFOHS007A Identifyhazardsandassess risks in a cemetery or crematorium


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Determine gravedigging requirements.

1.1

Determine gravedigging requirements according to relevant legislation and work requirements.

1.2

Identify appropriate gravesite and physical location according to cemetery map or plan.

1.3

Assess site and surrounding area to determine soil type, safety hazards, access and egress and any other relevant issues.

1.4

Determine viability of gravesite according to safety requirements and refer to appropriate personnel for further instruction.

1.5

Select appropriate gravedigging method.

2

Conduct grave probe as required.

2.1

Select and prepare personal protective equipment according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

2.2

Select and prepare tools and equipment and machinery according to job requirements, workplace policies and procedures and manufacturer instructions.

2.3

Undertake slab removal as required.

2.4

Measure plot to determine correct location of initial probe position.

2.5

Probe gravesite according to measurements, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

2.6

Record measurements from probe to determine vacancy status.

2.7

Report viability of gravesite to appropriate personnel according to workplace policies and procedures.

3

Prepare for digging.

3.1

Assemble and brief gravedigging work team as required.

3.2

Identify and advise gravedigging work team of above and below ground lines of communication to be used in case of emergency.

3.3

Select and prepare personal protective equipment according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

3.4

Select and prepare tools and equipment according to job requirements and workplace policies and procedures.

3.5

Mark site according to grave dimensions and supervisor instructions.

3.6

Inspect and remove monuments, masonry or headstones that impact stability or access according to supervisor instructions.

3.7

Apply protective strategies to preserve adjacent graves according to supervisor instructions or work requirements.

3.8

Place protective restraints to ensure access by authorised personnel only, according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

safe use of tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment

communication skills, including clear and direct communication to brief relevant personnel and to communicate safety hazards

literacy and numeracy skills to identify and interpret relevant documentation, plans and drawings and to take measurements, make calculations and interpret manufacturer instructions for using tools and operating machinery

manual handling skills and techniques to ensure safe performance of relevant tasks.

Required knowledge

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

workplace policies and procedures to protect personnel, gravesites and masonry

application and safe operation of relevant tools and equipment

safe shoring procedures and structures

risk assessment procedures.

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.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to identify and assesses gravesites to select appropriate gravedigging or re-opening method, tools, equipment and safety requirements according to work specifications

ability to take accurate measurements, make accurate calculations and conduct accurate probes

preparing for gravedigging 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 that allows for identification of vacant gravesites and protection of adjacent gravesites

access to relevant tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment

access to protective restraints

access to above and below ground emergency communication.

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 accessing, probing and preparing range of gravesites for re-opening and digging

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation

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:

SIFBCR020A Dig a grave manually

SIFBCR023A Dig a grave using machinery.

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.


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.

Gravedigging requirements may include:

new grave

existing grave

re-opening a grave.

Relevant legislation and regulations may include:

OHS

grave re-opening

cemetery Acts and by-laws

Cemeteries Act

local government regulations

Lands Act

Public Health Act

Environment Protection Act

Australian standards

Worksafe Australia certification and standards.

Gravesite may include:

lined

unlined.

Soil type may include:

sand

rock

clay.

Safety hazards may relate to:

air

water

vibration

heat

slippery surfaces

overhead obstacles

ground pressure, such as:

machinery

people

soil

structures

previously dug graves

monument collapse

foreign objects

drains

cables

sprinklers

pipes

trees and roots.

Relevant issues may include:

requirement to conduct grave probe

need for soil removal

effect on presentation of nearby graves.

Safety requirements may include:

additional equipment to deal with presence of such things as excessive or uncontrolled water.

Appropriate personnel may include:

leading hand

supervisor

manager.

Gravedigging method may include:

manual

machine.

Personal protective equipment may include:

overalls

steel-capped boots

jacket

long sleeves

gloves

safety glasses or goggles

hard hat

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

emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures.

Tools and equipment may include:

spreaders

boards

hydraulic braces

sludge pump

stabilisers

spades

shovels

picks

crowbars

auger

timber tom

sledgehammer

timber mallet

explosive power tool

power saw

handsaw

timber of correct or recommended grade, size and type

ladder that complies with requirements of current Australian standard.

Machinery may include:

backhoe

front-end loader

skidsteer loader

excavator

tractor

truck.

Protective restraints may include:

sheeting

barricades

temporary fencing

reinforced covers.


Sectors

Sector

Funeral Services


Competency Field

Burials and Cremations


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.