What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in maintaining properties and structures requires evidence of the ability to conduct simple repairs, erect structures, apply task instruction, and maintain a clean and safe worksite. It also requires an awareness of daily work routines including the need to keenly observe and report the need for maintenance and repair. Evidence must be demonstrated in the employment of safe workplace and environmentally responsible practices. The skills and knowledge required to maintain properties and structures must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different properties and structures, maintenance activities and industry settings.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

Characteristics, capabilities and limitations of materials, equipment and tools.

Operation of water taps and reticulation systems.

Types of building cladding and finishes, purpose and use.

Identification of defects and apppropriate repair methods.

Appropriate selection of repair materials.

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice.

Relevant Codes of Practice with regard to protection of the environment.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

Interpret and apply task instructions.

Operate a broad range of tools and equipment.

Ability to work in team environment.

Observe and report on the condition of structures and equipment.

Demonstrate safe working practices.

Communicate with work team and supervisor.

Estimate and calculate volumes and usage.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Ideas and information with regard to equipment operation, safety procedures and their application may be discussed with work colleagues or the supervisor.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

Information with regard to the performance of equipment and completed repair and maintenance, may be detailed and organised by reports for analysis.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

Activities involving the maintenance, cleaning and storing of machinery and equipment may be planned and coordinated around work schedules or sequenced as required.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

In the application of methods and procedures to effectively complete scheduled maintenance projects within timeframes.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Basic mathematical techniques may be applied in the estimation and calculation of materials requirements.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

Equipment faults or malfunctions will need to be arranged for repair or replacement to minimise disruption to work schedules.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Technology may be used to communicate, measure and record information.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available

What structures and facilities might be relevant to this standard?

This may include buildings, greenhouses, igloos, potting houses, shade houses, sheds, cool rooms, glass houses, staff rooms, water tanks, yards, stock handling structures, silage pits, fodder and grain storages, pergolas, poly-tunnels, park furniture, car parks, roads, pathways, work sheds, information boards, benches, landscape features and site furniture. Fences may include weld mesh, picket, post and wire, brick, and hedges.

What property infrastructure and resources might be relevant to this standard?

This may include drains and drainage systems, waterways and water supply systems, dams, roads, tracks, soil conservation works, car parks, vegetation, windbreaks, paths, silage pits and loading bays. Drains may include agricultural drains, spoon or swale drains and culverts. Water supply may include irrigation systems, dams and troughs.

What information may be included in a maintenance plan?

This may include specific intervals and procedures for maintenance procedures, designated work tasks, routine servicing procedures, instructions for pre-start and safety checks, repair requirements, current operational details, tools, parts and supplies allocated for use, instructions for cleaning and disposal of waste and contaminants, supervisors instructions, timeframe for work completion, and reporting requirements.

What enterprise requirements may apply to this standard?

This may include local building codes, Australian Quality Standards, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), industry standards, work notes, product labels, manufacturers specifications, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), operator and emergency procedures manuals, technical information, enterprise policies and procedures (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), supervisors oral or written instructions and reporting requirements.

What tools, equipment and materials may be used?

This may include hand or small power tools, cutting tools, and measuring equipment. Structural finishes may require paint or stains. Cladding maintenance may require corrugated iron, weatherboards, glass, shade cloth, plastic or cement sheeting. Concrete tools and equipment may also be required.

What hazards may be associated with maintenance activities?

Workplace hazards may include exposure to loud noise and fumes, solar radiation, dust and hazardous substances. It may also include oil and grease spills and electricity while using powered tools.

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

Systems and procedures for:

the safe operation of tools and equipment

maintenance and repair methods

identifying and reporting hazards

safe lifting, carrying and manual handling

the safe handling and storage of hazardous substances

the appropriate use of personal protective equipment

outdoor work including protection from solar radiation

working at heights, e.g., from a ladder

working in confined spaces

protection from hazardous noise, organic and other dusts.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, hat/hard hat, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, safety harness, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection.

What may be involved in carrying out routine maintenance?

Routine maintenance may include assisting in the erection of simple property structures, identifying and repairing damage or applying treatments to building cladding and structural finishes, checking fences and repairing holes or other damage, checking paths, tracks and roadways for potholes, weeding and undertaking effective drainage and minor repairs. It may also include checking water supplies for correct operation and pollution, and carrying out repairs and maintenance as required.

What positive environmental procedures may be applied?

The safe and environmentally responsible disposal of maintenance debris and waste.

What relevant information may be documented?

This may include the use and performance of tools and equipment, operational faults or malfunctions, completed maintenance, repair tasks and outcomes, and hazard and incident reports.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.