Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:20 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:20 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Prepare subgrade, base and bedding course for segmental paving
Prepare subgrade, base and bedding course for segmental paving
Unit of competency
National Code
CPCCPA3001A
CPCCPA3001A
State Code
W9436
W9436
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
040399 - Building, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
16
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to prepare the subgrade, base and bedding courses in preparation for laying pavers.It includes identifying soil type, drainage and materials for the base; calculating quantities of base material; compacting base; and screeding to determined levels.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare.
- 1.1. Work instructions and operational details are obtained using relevant information, confirmed and applied for planning and preparation purposes.
- 1.2. Safety (OHS) requirements are followed in accordance with safety plans and policies.
- 1.3. Signage and barricade requirements are identified and implemented.
- 1.4. Tools and equipment selected to carry out tasks are consistent with the requirements of the job, checked for serviceability and any faults are rectified or reported prior to commencement.
- 1.5. Materials quantity requirements are calculated in accordance with plans and specifications and quality requirements.
- 1.6. Materials appropriate to the work application are identified, obtained, prepared, safely handled and located ready for use.
- 1.7. Environmental requirements are identified for the project in accordance with environmental plans and statutory and regulatory authority requirements and applied.
- 1.8. Importance of the design and installation of the base, bedding and surface layers in the performance of the paving project are identified.
2. Identify soil type.
- 2.1. Class of soil is identified using soil class charts.
- 2.2. Soil is assessed to determine its properties.
- 2.3. Results of penetration tests are used to determine subgrade requirements.
3. Prepare subgrade.
- 3.1. Drainage and other features are identified within the area to be paved.
- 3.2. Remedial actions are used where required.
- 3.3. Drainage needs are identified and drains put in place where required.
- 3.4. Services are identified in work area.
- 3.5. Termite barriers are identified and not breached, or remedial action is taken if needed to ensure barrier integrity is maintained.
- 3.6. Damp proof courses are identified and paving is constructed so that it does not compromise them.
- 3.7. Components are cleaned, stacked and stored for reuse or bundled for removal.
4. Excavate the site.
- 4.1. Site is excavated in preparation for paving to remove top soil, weeds and their root systems.
- 4.2. Factors that determine amount of excavation are identified.
- 4.3. Bulking factor for different soil types is calculated.
5. Install base course materials.
- 5.1. Quantity of base course materials is calculated based upon the subgrade type and purpose of the paved area.
- 5.2. Material is distributed over area, allowing for compaction.
- 5.3. Area is compacted, taking care not to over-compact base materials.
- 5.4. Compacting machinery is handled correctly.
6. Install bedding course materials.
- 6.1. Bedding course material is selected, ensuring that it is suitable for the purpose.
- 6.2. Need for geotextile materials as drainage or separation layers is determined.
- 6.3. Quantity of layer course materials is calculated.
- 6.4. Bedding course is stabilised for paths with slopes of greater than 1:15.
- 6.5. Transverse concrete supports are installed for driveways with a sloping pavement of greater than 5 metres.
- 6.6. Material is distributed over the area to be paved within tolerances stipulated by relevant standards.
- 6.7. If using bedding sand, area is compacted to Australian standards taking care not to over-compact base materials, and allowance is made for compaction.
- 6.8. Compacting machinery is handled correctly.
- 6.9. If using concrete, area to be paved is framed and concrete is mixed to manufacturer's directions and spread to required depth.
7. Screed base materials.
- 7.1. Base materials are screeded to levels as determined, and set out by stringlines or other mechanisms.
- 7.2. Excess base materials are screeded to a specified area.
8. Clean up.
- 8.1. Work area is cleared and materials disposed of, reused or recycled in accordance with legislation, regulations, codes of practice and job specification.
- 8.2. Plant, tools and equipment are cleaned, checked, maintained and stored in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and standard work practices.
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Information includes:
diagrams or sketches
instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel
manufacturer specifications and instructions, where specified
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
memos
regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to paving and concreting materials
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures relating to handling concreting materials
signage
verbal, written and graphical instructions
work bulletins
work schedules, plans and specifications.
Planning and preparation include:
assessment of conditions and hazards
determination of work requirements and safety plans and policies
equipment defect identification
work site inspection.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with state and territory legislation and regulations and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling activities that may require the assistance of others or the use of manual or mechanical lifting devices where size, weight or other issues, such as a disability are a factor
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances, including cement and curing agents
organisational first aid
PPE prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
safe operating procedures, including the conduct of operational risk assessment and treatments associated with:
earth leakage boxes
lighting
power cables, including overhead service trays, cables and conduits
restricted access barriers
surrounding structures
traffic control
trip hazards
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in confined spaces
working in proximity to others
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environmental requirements and safety.
Tools and equipment include:
compactors
concrete mixer
levelling devices
rakes
screed
shovels
stringlines
wheelbarrows.
Materials include:
aggregates
bedding sand
cement
concrete
crushed rock
road base
sand.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications
workplace operations and procedures.
Safely handled includes:
correct calculation of quantities
manual handling, including:
using pallets
carrying materials using correct lifting techniques
control of waste
MSDS
protection of materials
stacking and storing of materials.
Environmental requirements include:
clean-up management
dust and noise
dust suppression, which includes keeping dust in the air to a minimum and may include spraying with water
vibration
waste management.
Remedial actions include:
soil stabilisation
installing a capping layer
making drainage improvements.
Factors determining amount of excavation include:
compaction measurements
achieving a consistent subgrade
cost factors.
Quantity of layer course materials is based upon:
purpose of the paved area (pedestrian or vehicle access)
subgrade type
type of paver.
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.
Information includes:
diagrams or sketches
instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel
manufacturer specifications and instructions, where specified
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
memos
regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to paving and concreting materials
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures relating to handling concreting materials
signage
verbal, written and graphical instructions
work bulletins
work schedules, plans and specifications.
Planning and preparation include:
assessment of conditions and hazards
determination of work requirements and safety plans and policies
equipment defect identification
work site inspection.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with state and territory legislation and regulations and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling activities that may require the assistance of others or the use of manual or mechanical lifting devices where size, weight or other issues, such as a disability are a factor
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances, including cement and curing agents
organisational first aid
PPE prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
safe operating procedures, including the conduct of operational risk assessment and treatments associated with:
earth leakage boxes
lighting
power cables, including overhead service trays, cables and conduits
restricted access barriers
surrounding structures
traffic control
trip hazards
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in confined spaces
working in proximity to others
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environmental requirements and safety.
Tools and equipment include:
compactors
concrete mixer
levelling devices
rakes
screed
shovels
stringlines
wheelbarrows.
Materials include:
aggregates
bedding sand
cement
concrete
crushed rock
road base
sand.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications
workplace operations and procedures.
Safely handled includes:
correct calculation of quantities
manual handling, including:
using pallets
carrying materials using correct lifting techniques
control of waste
MSDS
protection of materials
stacking and storing of materials.
Environmental requirements include:
clean-up management
dust and noise
dust suppression, which includes keeping dust in the air to a minimum and may include spraying with water
vibration
waste management.
Remedial actions include:
soil stabilisation
installing a capping layer
making drainage improvements.
Factors determining amount of excavation include:
compaction measurements
achieving a consistent subgrade
cost factors.
Quantity of layer course materials is based upon:
purpose of the paved area (pedestrian or vehicle access)
subgrade type
type of paver.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction 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 the ability to:
locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications
comply with site safety plan and OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to workplace operations
comply with organisational policies and procedures including quality requirements
safely and effectively operate and use tools, plant and equipment
communicate and work 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 mandatory 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.
Assessment of this unit of competency may be in conjunction with assessment of other units commonly performed at the same time in normal job roles.
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.
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, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction 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 the ability to:
locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications
comply with site safety plan and OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to workplace operations
comply with organisational policies and procedures including quality requirements
safely and effectively operate and use tools, plant and equipment
communicate and work 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 mandatory 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.
Assessment of this unit of competency may be in conjunction with assessment of other units commonly performed at the same time in normal job roles.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCM98 | CPCCPA3001 | Prepare subgrade, base and bedding course for segmental paving | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D405 | CPC31611 | Certificate III in Paving | Qualification |
| J786 | CPC32313 | Certificate III in Stonemasonry (Monumental/Installation) | Qualification |