Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to open mausoleum crypts or below ground burial vaults, check their condition and prepare for burials. It applies to cemetery and crematorium staff involved in burial works, 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. Open vault or crypt. | 1.1 Liaise with supervisor and team members to identify and confirm work requirements. 1.2 Confirm vault or crypt for opening. 1.3 Identify, prepare and use personal protective equipment. 1.4 Select, assemble and use tools and equipment according to work requirements. 1.5 Check tools and equipment for serviceability and report faults. 1.6 Detect and report safety hazards and take corrective action. 1.7 Remove face plate if appropriate. 1.8 Break sealant strip sealing the vault or crypt and remove lid. |
2. Check condition of vault or crypt. | 2.1 Inspect vault or crypt to determine condition and identify fluid seepage. 2.2 Remove fluid using appropriate equipment. 2.3 Enter and exit vaults or crypts according to an agreed procedure for confined spaces. 2.4 Create ridges where appropriate. 2.5 Place lifting or lowering devices and equipment in preparation for burial. 2.6 Prepare burial service area according to special requirements. |
3. Clean work area. | 3.1 Clean vault or crypt and surrounds to cemetery’s presentation standards. 3.2 Remove, clean and store tools and equipment. 3.3 Present vault or crypt according to client requirements. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
select, prepare and safely use, the required equipment and lifting devices according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer guidelines
inspect and prepare vaults and crypts for burial safely and efficiently and according to work requirements and client requirements
use safe manual handling techniques when preparing vaults or crypts.
Evidence of performance of preparing vaults and crypts for burials 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:
concrete removal techniques in relation to preparing vaults or crypts
site presentation standards
drain and air vent clearance requirements
tools and equipments used in preparing vaults or crypts for burials and their associated uses
operating and maintenance requirements of relevant tools and equipment
use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
operating requirements of relevant lifting devices and equipment:
lowering straps
mats
scissor lift
protective restraints
federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety and preparation of vaults or crypts for burials
workplace policies and procedures regarding preparation of vaults or crypts
relevant documentation used in relation to preparing vaults or crypts
social, religious and cultural practices and traditions that may impact on burial procedures
safety hazard in relation to preparing vaults or crypts, including:
slippery surfaces
water
overhead obstacles
ground pressure:
machinery
people
soil
previously dug graves
monument collapse
drains
cables
sprinklers
pipes
environmental impacts in relation to burial works 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 containing vaults or crypts which may be prepared for burials
personal protective equipment, tools and equipment required to prepare vaults or crypts and lifting and lowering 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 supervisors and 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