Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manually dig and re-open graves in a safe manner and assess gravesites to minimise the risk of grave collapse. It applies to cemetery staff involved in burial works working under supervision as part of a team and according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Conduct manual grave excavation and shoring. | 1.1 Determine gravedigging requirement according to work requirements and risk assessment. 1.2 Locate gravesite according to cemetery map or plan and physical location. 1.3 Select and prepare personal protective equipment. 1.4 Assess grave shoring requirements. 1.5 Manually dig grave according to dimensions of coffin or casket using appropriate tools and equipment. 1.6 Identify and apply workplace procedures for safe storage of displaced earth or removal from site. 1.7 Undertake progressive grave shoring requirements according to work requirement using safe and appropriate shoring method. 1.8 Maintain above and below ground communication with other team members. |
2. Minimise risk of grave collapse. | 2.1 Maintain safe surface loadings according to soil type and condition. 2.2 Constantly monitor excavation for grave collapse warning signs. 2.3 Take appropriate corrective or emergency action. |
3. Clean up and make safe open gravesite. | 3.1 Cover surface area from edge of excavation to ensure soil integrity and stability and to provide safe work area for funeral. 3.2 Place grave supports and lowering devices in readiness for coffin or casket according to work requirements. 3.3 Clean area adjacent to grave and remove earth to ensure safety of funeral work area. 3.4 Place protective restraints to ensure access by authorised personnel only. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
select, prepare, use, maintain and clean the required tools and equipment
identify gravesite locations and assess safe excavation and shoring requirements for re-opening and manual gravedigging
apply shoring method according to work requirements
apply constant monitoring of excavation for grave collapse and take immediate corrective actions during manual gravedigging.
Evidence of performance of digging graves manually on two or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge of:
federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety and gravedigging
workplace policies and procedures to maintain safety requirements
personal protective clothing and equipment used for gravedigging
use and safe operation of tools and equipment used for gravedigging
graver shoring methods and requirements, including:
required depth of grave
required depth of excavation for re-opening
techniques to deal with soil types and conditions:
sand
clay
rock
length of time soil exposed
breakdown of cohesive strength of soil
soil fretting
soil compaction
tension cracks
soil types and conditions relevant to shoring requirements
use of protective barriers
grave collapse warning signs, including:
fretting from top edge
slump in surface near excavation
tension cracks
support timbers bowing or creaking.
corrective or emergency actions in relation to grave collapse
risk assessment procedures
environmental impacts in relation to gravedigging and minimal impact practices to reduce these, especially those that relate to resource, water and energy use
environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substance.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:
using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
an environment that allows for the digging of graves to accommodate required dimensions of coffins or caskets and application of appropriate shoring methods
gravedigging tools and personal protective equipment, grave supports, lowering devices and protective restraints
documentation, including cemetery map or plan
under industry conditions where there is:
integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role
speed and timing requirements that reflect commercial operating conditions
interaction with team members
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Sectors
Cemetery and Crematoria
Competency Field
Burial and Cremation Operations