Elements and Performance Criteria

Range of Variables
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 tasks may be included under turf work?
Assisting with the maintenance of turf including mowing, edging, watering, fertilising, and lifting and laying sod.
Assisting with collecting rubbish and removing weeds and disposing as directed.
Assisting with maintaining turf facilities including assisting with repair, upkeep and moving of on-site structures and equipment, marking out, cleaning of water bodies and raking of sand traps.
What instructions may be relevant to this standard?
Instructions may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), enterprise policy and procedures, specifications, work notes, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturers instructions, or verbal directions from manager or supervisor.
What tools and equipment may be required for nursery work?
Mowers may include cylinder, rotary, flail, hand, hand-operated cylinder mowers and greens mowers. Other tools, equipment and machinery may include rollers, super soakers, line marking equipment, brush cutters, edge clippers, edge slicers and water pumps.
What workplace information might be required for this standard?
Workplace information may include procedures for disposing of waste materials, work instructions or verbal instructions from the supervisor.
What OHS hazards may be associated with turf work?
Hazards may include people and animals moving across the site during work, obstacles and debris on the site, disturbance or interruption of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, chemicals and hazardous substances, manual handling, moving machinery and machinery parts, uneven surfaces and flying objects.
What are the personal protective clothing and equipment requirements associated with turf support?
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 debris may apply to this standard?
Plant material (such as fallen tree limbs and small branches, leaves and grass clippings), animal faeces and litter may create debris on the turf surface, as well as equipment and materials debris resulting from work procedures.
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in supporting turf work requires evidence that turf activities have been carried out according to instructions and within the required timelines. The skills and knowledge that are required to support turf work must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different work tasks, enterprises and sporting surfaces.


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:
safe work practices required at turf work sites
mowing patterns and heights
turf machinery and equipment
turf and facility maintenance practices.


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:
prepare materials, tools and equipment for turf work
undertake turf work as directed
handle materials and equipment
clean up on completion of turf work.




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 about the job, tasks and problems should be discussed with other members in the work team and the supervisor.
2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?
Workplace and supervisors instructions should be located, interpreted and applied with further clarification sought as necessary.
3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?
Discussions with the supervisor and other team members may be required in order to complete tasks efficiently, in a logical sequence, and in a timely manner.
4. How can team work (1) be applied?
Good communication and co-operation with other staff in completing turf tasks.
5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
Skills in counting, tallying and estimation are required when handling materials, tools and equipment.
6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?
Problems will require corrective action or consultation with supervisor.
7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?
Technology may be applied in the use of turf equipment and communication systems.


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 the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.