Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the cause of a grave collapse, make safe the ground surrounding the grave and consolidate a collapsed grave safely. It applies to experienced cemetery gravedigging staff and involves working under supervision 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. Prepare to consolidate collapsed grave. | 1.1 Identify visible signs of grave collapse and report to manager. 1.2 Establish visible and underlying causes of grave collapse. 1.3 Assess and confirm work requirements with relevant staff. 1.4 Prepare and check personal protective equipment for serviceability. 1.5 Assemble tools, equipment and machinery according to work requirements. 1.6 Determine safety hazards and take corrective action by using alternative shoring methods or a sludge pump. |
2. Make ground safe. | 2.1 Assemble and brief work team according to work requirements. 2.2 Make ground safe using identified shoring system. |
3. Conduct grave collapse consolidation. | 3.1 Carry out grave collapse consolidation according to work requirements. 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. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
select, prepare, use, maintain and clean the required tools and equipment according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer guidelines
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.
Evidence of performance of consolidating collapsed graves 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:
causes of collapsed graves, including:
air
vibration
water
ground pressure:
machinery
people
soil
soil types or conditions
visible signs of collapsed graves, including but not restricted to:
fretting from top edge
slump in surface near excavation
tension cracks
support timbers bowing or creaking
tools equipment and machinery used in relation to consolidating collapsed graves, and their associated uses
use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
use of protective restraints
hazards related to collapsed graves
appropriate corrective and emergency actions to collapsed graves, including:
alternative shoring methods
use of a sludge pump
reduced soil loadings
evacuation of gravesite
shoring methods, including soil types and conditions relevant to shoring requirements
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
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 substances.
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:
a cemetery environment where a grave collapse has occurred, which allows for application of shoring skills
gravedigging tools, equipment and machinery and personal protective equipment
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