Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What equipment may be used?
Hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, crawler dozers, crawler loaders, motor graders and scrapers, dump trucks, backhoes, log skidders.

Which earthworks may be included?
Land clearing, seismic lines, access track construction and maintenance and fire breaks.

Which site indicators may be included?
Survey pegs, surveyor marks, cut and fill tapes and paper.

Which contractor policies may be included?
Safety code of practice, safety equipment, personal safety equipment, machine condition, relevant loading and working legislation, licensing, Workcover, specific site regulations, machine records, job log.

Which construction schedules may be included?
Job and plan specification, sequence of works, materials specifications, materials placements, stage budgets, topsoil placement consistent with efficient re-topsoiling, retained site features, revegetation, identified environmental and erosion sensitive areas.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in constructing access tracks requires evidence that access tracks have been appropriately constructed according to enterprise guidelines, relevant legislation and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to construct conservation earthworks must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different machinery, soil types and topography.
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 unit are listed below:

Erosion and sediment control standards and principles.
Provisions of the relevant wild life, environmental, planning, ground water legislation.
Safety.
Erosion control and design principles.
Soils and soil formation.
Levels and levelling.
Earthmoving principles.
Principles for machine operation.
Total catchment issues.
Legal issues.
Environmental issues.
Country code.
Managing peak water flows.
Subsurface and surface drainage principles and systems.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Prepare for access track construction.
Form access track.
Apply final finish techniques to surfaces.

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
For 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
By discussing verbally access track construction with supervisors and others in work team. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Constructing access tracks will require basic site and construction information to be gathered and organised accordingly. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Constructing access tracks requires some planning and organising. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Constructing access tracks will require participation with others in a team. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Basic mathematical techniques relating to planning and record keeping could be applied. (1)

Solving problems
During the construction of access tracks, technical and organisational problems may arise requiring simple solutions. (2)

Using technology
Construction technology will be required to construct access tracks. (1)