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.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications for handling and storing plumbing materials

applying safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including electrical safety requirements and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

completing the following in respect of handling and storing plumbing materials:

identify categories of hazardous and non-hazardous waste and indicate specific handling and disposal requirements

indicate the requirement for handling and storing hazardous materials

indicate the requirement for transporting hazardous materials, such as oxy-acetylene cylinders

plan the layout of a facility for the storing and stacking of pipes, fittings, components, non-hazardous liquids and flammable liquids, and materials in a workshop or work site

plan the layout of a work vehicle for the carriage of plumbing materials

carrying out the above work, ensuring:

application of sustainability principles and concepts

correct identification of handling, storing and disposal procedures

correctly addressing WHS and environmental concerns

correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment

completion of all work to specification

compliance with regulations, standards and organisational quality procedures and processes

communication and working effectively and safely with others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

communication skills to:

complete written workplace documentation

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

report hazards and follow instructions

use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

initiative and enterprise skills to identify and report to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials

literacy skills to read and interpret plans, specifications and documentation from a variety of sources

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

planning and organising skills to plan and set out work

teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

technical skills to identify handling and storage requirements for materials used in a plumbing work environment, including identifying, handling and disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste

technology skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use mobile communication technology

Required knowledge

categories of materials and their safe handling, storage and transport requirements

environmental plans, air and water contamination, erosion and sedimentation

job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

MSDS

WHS and environmental legislation and requirements

types of waste and their disposal, including an awareness only of the requirements for asbestos handling and disposal

workplace hazard reporting and hazard handling procedures

workplace processes and procedures

workplace safety requirements

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.

Work health and safety is to be according to commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations and may include:

handling of materials

hazard control

hazardous materials and substances

hazards, such as:

airborne contamination

electrical

faulty or damaged components or fittings

fires

gas leaks

hazardous waste, such as asbestos

unsafe storage of materials

unsafe work practices

water contamination

water egress

personal protective clothing and equipment prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices

use of firefighting equipment

use of first aid equipment

use of tools and equipment

workplace environment and safety.

Environmental requirements are to address:

air pollution precautions

clean-up protection

waste management

water course protection.

Quality assurance requirements may include:

Australian standards

Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

environmental policy

internal company quality assurance policy and risk management strategy

International Standards Organisation

site safety plan

workplace operations and procedures.

Information may include:

charts and hand drawings

instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel

job drawings

manufacturer specifications and instructions

MSDS

memos

organisational work specifications and requirements

plans and sketches

regulatory and legislative requirements, particularly those pertaining to:

building codes

WHS and environmental requirements

plumbing and gasfitting authority regulations

relevant Australian standards

safe work procedures relating to handling and storing plumbing materials, including the disposal of waste

signage

verbal, written and graphical instructions

work bulletins

work schedules, plans and specifications.

Materials may include:

gaseous

liquid

solid.

Statutory and regulatory authorities include:

commonwealth, state or territory, and local authorities administering applicable Acts, regulations and codes of practice.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the social, economic and environmental use of resources to meet current and future needs

may include:

efficient use and recycling of materials and resources

disposing of waste material.

Tools and equipment may include manual handling equipment, such as:

barriers

chain blocks

forklifts

hand trolleys

hoists and jacks

rollers

signage.