Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:51 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:51 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.
Install trench support
Install trench support
Unit of competency
National Code
RIICCM210A
RIICCM210A
State Code
WB570
WB570
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
040301 - Building Science And Technology
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
8
Description
This unit covers the installation of trench support in the civil construction industry. It includes planning and preparing, installing trench shoring, removing trench shoring, and cleaning up. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan and prepare
- 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
- 1.2. Obtain and confirm safety requirements from the site safety plan and organisational policies and procedures, and apply to the allotted task
- 1.3. Identify, obtain and implement traffic control signage requirements from the project traffic management plan
- 1.4. Select plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks consistent with the requirements of the job, check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults
- 1.5. Identify environmental protection requirements from the project environmental management plan, and confirm and apply to the allotted task
2. Install trench shoring
- 2.1. Communicate with plant operator to ensure the excavation of trenches complies with site plan, line and depth
- 2.2. Determine and prepare shoring method
- 2.3. Set out positioning of shoring
- 2.4. Position or erect shoring within the trench
- 2.5. Secure shoring in position and check to ensure structural conformity with regulations
- 2.6. Clean out excavation out by hand to job requirements
- 2.7. Provide ladders for access and egress to site safety plan requirements
3. Remove trench shoring
- 3.1. Release jacking mechanisms and remove ladders
- 3.2. Check shoring and prepare it for lifting from the trench
- 3.3. Remove shoring from trench and store it on site
4. Clean up
- 4.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan
- 4.2. Clean, check, maintain and store tools and equipment
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.
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Safety requirements may include:
OHS requirements in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan including: protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with high voltage power lines, uneven/unstable terrain, trees, overhead service lines, bridges, surrounding buildings, obstructions, structures, facilities, dangerous materials, recently filled trenches, other machines, personnel, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public
safe parking practices including ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement
recognising hazards and risks including uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials
emergency procedures related to equipment operation including emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing equipment fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation
Traffic control signage may include:
site safety signage
temporary signage for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians
barricades
traffic conditions signage
Tools and equipment may include:
shoring systems
levelling equipment
hand and power tools
measuring equipment
shovels
picks
scaffolding
elevated work platforms
slings
chains
Environmental protection requirements may include:
organisational/project environmental management plan
waste management
water quality protection
noise
vibration
dust
clean-up management
Excavations may include:
trenches
wells
pits
Trench may include:
trenches of at least 1.5 metres in depth
trenches less than 1.5 metres deep
Shoring method may include:
fixed and/or adjustable trench boxes
drag boxes
hydraulic vertical shoring
close timber shoring
aluminium shoring shields
powerbrace
lite box aluminium panels
slide rails
Erect shoring may include:
using trench shoring mechanisms including:
closed timber sheeting
soldier sets
segmental sections
trench shields
using shoring securing mechanisms including:
footings
needles
anchors
sole plates
struts
brackets
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Safety requirements may include:
OHS requirements in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan including: protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with high voltage power lines, uneven/unstable terrain, trees, overhead service lines, bridges, surrounding buildings, obstructions, structures, facilities, dangerous materials, recently filled trenches, other machines, personnel, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public
safe parking practices including ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement
recognising hazards and risks including uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials
emergency procedures related to equipment operation including emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing equipment fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation
Traffic control signage may include:
site safety signage
temporary signage for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians
barricades
traffic conditions signage
Tools and equipment may include:
shoring systems
levelling equipment
hand and power tools
measuring equipment
shovels
picks
scaffolding
elevated work platforms
slings
chains
Environmental protection requirements may include:
organisational/project environmental management plan
waste management
water quality protection
noise
vibration
dust
clean-up management
Excavations may include:
trenches
wells
pits
Trench may include:
trenches of at least 1.5 metres in depth
trenches less than 1.5 metres deep
Shoring method may include:
fixed and/or adjustable trench boxes
drag boxes
hydraulic vertical shoring
close timber shoring
aluminium shoring shields
powerbrace
lite box aluminium panels
slide rails
Erect shoring may include:
using trench shoring mechanisms including:
closed timber sheeting
soldier sets
segmental sections
trench shields
using shoring securing mechanisms including:
footings
needles
anchors
sole plates
struts
brackets
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for installing trench support
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of trench support installation
working with others to undertake and complete the installation of trench support in a way that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of trench support installation that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
installation of trench support on two projects in trenches deeper than 1.5 metres requiring the trench support to be installed, moved along or within the trench and removed from the trench
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistent achievement of required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the trench support installation
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for installing trench support
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of trench support installation
working with others to undertake and complete the installation of trench support in a way that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of trench support installation that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
installation of trench support on two projects in trenches deeper than 1.5 metres requiring the trench support to be installed, moved along or within the trench and removed from the trench
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistent achievement of required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the trench support installation
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W2073 | BCCCM2010B | Install trench support | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH086 | RIICCM210D | Install trench support | Unit of competency |