SIFBCR021A
Consolidate collapsed graves

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the cause of a grave collapse, to make safe the ground surrounding the grave and to consolidate a collapsed grave safely.

Application

This unit applies to experienced cemetery gravedigging staff and involves working under supervision as part of a team with some responsibility. It requires the development and application of work requirements to consolidate the grave collapse safely.



Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Prepare to consolidate collapsed grave.

1.1

Identify visible signs of grave collapse and report to relevant staff according to workplace policies and procedures.

1.2

Identify and explore visible and underlying causes of grave collapse according to workplace policies and procedures.

1.3

Assess and confirm work requirements with relevant staff according to workplace policies and procedures.

1.4

Prepare and check personal protective equipment for serviceability according to workplace policies and procedures.

1.5

Assemble tools, equipment and machinery according to work requirements and workplace policies and procedures.

1.6

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

2

Make ground safe.

2.1

Assemble and brief work team according to work requirements and workplace policies and procedures.

2.2

Make ground safe using identified shoring system according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

3

Conduct grave collapse consolidation.

3.1

Carry out grave collapse consolidation according to work requirements, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

3.2

Maintain above and below ground communication with team members as required.

3.3

Take appropriate corrective or emergency action as required.

3.4

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

Required Skills

Required skills

safe operation and maintenance of relevant tools, equipment and machinery

safe use of personal protective clothing and equipment

problem-solving skills to identify and address safety hazards

communication skills, including clear and direct communication and active listening and questioning techniques to liaise with team members and relevant personnel to identify work requirements and maintain safety

literacy and numeracy skills to interpret legislation and workplace policies and procedures

planning skills to assemble required personnel and appropriate tools, equipment and machinery.

Required knowledge

hazard identification and application of appropriate corrective actions

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 maintain safety requirements

shoring methods

soil types and conditions relevant to shoring requirements.

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 select, prepare, use, maintain and clean the required tools and equipment according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer's instructions

ability to identify and assess the causes and methods for treating grave collapses, to make safe the ground surrounding the grave and to consolidate a collapsed grave safely

performs grave collapse consolidation according to work requirements, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills within a cemetery environment where a grave collapse has occurred, which allows for application of shoring skills

access to relevant tools, equipment and machinery

access to personal protective equipment

consolidating collapsed graves on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

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 identifying, assessing and developing work requirements for a range of grave collapses in a cemetery or other burial environment

observation of candidate applying appropriate shoring methods

observation of candidate performing a range of grave collapse consolidations according to safety requirements

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.

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.

Visible signs of grave collapse may include:

fretting from top edge

slump in surface near excavation

tension cracks

support timbers bowing or creaking.

Relevant staff may include:

manager

supervisor

leading hand.

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

care, maintenance and use of tools, equipment and machinery.

Causes of grave collapse may include:

air

vibration

water

ground pressure, such as:

machinery

people

soil

soil types or conditions.

Work requirements may include:

method of grave collapse consolidation

authorisation to enter confined space

required personnel

personal protective equipment

tools and equipment

machinery

safety hazards

protective restraints, such as:

sheeting

barricades

temporary fencing and reinforced covers

appropriate shoring system, such as:

box set

closed timbering for wet sand or refilled ground

soldier set or box sets for firm, hard clay

shields where suitable for rock.

Personal protective equipment may include:

overalls

steel-capped boots

jacket

long sleeves

gloves

safety glasses or goggles

hat or cap

hard hat

gumboots

ear plugs or muffs

sun protection

two-way radio.

Tools and equipment may include:

spreaders

boards

hydraulic braces

stabilisers

spades

shovels

picks

crowbars

auger

timber tom

sledgehammer

timber mallet

power saw

handsaw

timber of correct or recommended grade, size and type

ladder that complies with requirements of current Australian standard

explosive power tool

emergency equipment

sludge pump.

Machinery may include:

backhoe

front-end loader

skidsteer loader

excavator

tractor

truck.

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.

Corrective action may include:

alternative shoring methods

use of a sludge pump.

Relevant legislation and regulations may include:

OHS

cemetery Acts and by-laws

local government regulations

Lands Act

Public Health Act

Environment Protection Act

Australian standards

Worksafe Australia certification and standards.

Corrective or emergency action may include:

alternative shoring methods

use of a sludge pump

reduced soil loadings

evacuation of gravesite.


Sectors

Sector

Funeral Services


Competency Field

Burials and Cremations


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.