Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What workplace information might be required for this standard?
Workplace information may include survey and site plans, contract documents, specifications, procedures for disposing of waste materials, statutory obligations, work instructions or verbal instructions from the supervisor.

What OHS hazards may be associated with path installation?
Hazards may include, heavy materials and equipment, slippery or uneven surfaces, moving machinery and vehicles, solar radiation, dust, noise, unprotected site debris, tools, equipment, trap and other hazards left unattended, excavated and unprotected holes, and ground level changes.

What are the personal protective clothing and equipment requirements associated with the installation of paths?
Personal protective clothing and equipment may include steel capped boots/shoes, overalls, gloves, sun hat, sunscreen lotion, safety goggles, face mask and ear protectors.

What types of site plan and contract documents may be referred to?
Job drawings, a landscape design, a computer generated plan, a concept plan or any other plan of the site drawn to scale, material specifications, performance outcomes and other responsibilities.

What are the OHS requirements in relation to the work site?
The OHS requirements may include the erection of signage, barriers, witches hats and safety lights and includes the specific industrial conditions associated with safe work practices (e.g., noise, manual handling and use of chemicals).

What may be used as a survey benchmark?
A survey benchmark may include a boundary line, a building or structure, a temporary benchmark, a datum point or a stringline or offset line.

What environmental impacts may result from installation of aggregate paths?
Disturbance/trampling of vegetation and animal habitats, soil, introduction of foreign materials into bush sites, compaction from vehicles, materials storage, damage or severing of tree roots, and erosion through changes in water run-off.

What site problems may occur during construction?
Soft spots, critical drainage issues and design problems.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in installing aggregate paths requires evidence that work can be planned and prepared, that the area can be set out, the ground can be prepared, materials can be properly installed and compacted. The skills and knowledge required to install aggregate paths must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different locations, aggregate materials and existing soil conditions.
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:

OHS responsibilities of employees.
OHS regulations regarding the erection of signs and barriers around the work area and responsibilities to the public.
The environmental impact of soil disturbance when preparing the site and the environmental effects of altering water flow when installing paths.
Setting out site for path construction.
Reading of plans and contract documents.
Different base and aggregate materials and their performance.
Tools and equipment used for installing paths.
Methods of disposing of soil and waste materials in order to minimise damage to the environment.
Machinery used in path construction.
Ordering and estimating materials.

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:

Plan and prepare for installation and site safety.
Set out the site for path construction.
Undertake ground preparation.
Lay surface aggregate materials.
Make good the site.

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.

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

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.
Communicating ideas and information
Through the use of site plans and instructions. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Instructions for the work should be interpreted and clarification sought as necessary. (1)

Planning and organising activities
The work tasks are applied in a logical sequence. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Teamwork may be required to complete specified work tasks on time and within budget. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques should be used to measure and calculate materials required for establishing aggregate paths. (1)

Solving problems
Problems may arise when interpreting the site plan and setting out the pathway. (1)

Using technology
Technology may be used in the compacting of aggregate. (1)