Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:40 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:40 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.
Construct fireplaces and chimneys
Construct fireplaces and chimneys
Unit of competency
National Code
CPCCBL3012A
CPCCBL3012A
State Code
W9331
W9331
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/04/2014
Field of Education
040309 - Bricklaying And Stonemasonry
Original Release Date
02/04/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to construct brick fireplaces and chimneys in various types and styles of buildings. It includes planning, preparation, set out and construction requirements of the work.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for work.
- 1.1. Work instructions, including plans, specifications, quality requirements and operational details, are obtained, confirmed and applied from relevant information to determine the required bricklaying and blocklaying tasks.
- 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. Plant, tools and equipment selected to carry out tasks are consistent with job requirements, checked for serviceability, and any faults are rectified or reported prior to commencement.
- 1.5. Material quantity requirements are calculated in accordance with plans, 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 obligations, and are applied.
2. Set out and prepare base.
- 2.1. Set out area is correctly located and footing is checked for conformity to dimensions and location as per job drawings and specifications for fireplaces and chimneys.
- 2.2. Fireplace base is set out to correct measurements and location to job drawings.
3. Construct base.
- 3.1. Mortar mix is prepared and checked for conformity to specifications and standards.
- 3.2. Bricks, blocks and stone are laid to set out for base in accordance with specifications and standards.
- 3.3. Bricks and stone laid to line and level and constructed in accordance with specifications and standards.
4. Construct hearth and firebox.
- 4.1. Damp proof courses are installed to specifications and in accordance with standards.
- 4.2. Bricks, blocks and stone are laid to form hearth to designed shape, pattern, job drawings and specifications.
5. Construct firebox and face brickwork.
- 5.1. Specified materials for firebox and face brickwork are selected to specifications.
- 5.2. Firebox is constructed to form shape for rear and side walls to specifications.
- 5.3. Face brickwork is laid to form shape of openings to designed dimensions and finish of drawings and specifications.
- 5.4. Lintel is installed to specifications.
- 5.5. Facework is laid to bond, pattern and colour finish to wall and aligned to specification.
- 5.6. Protrusions and mantelpiece are formed and finished to designed shape and specifications.
- 5.7. Plumb and level are maintained for straight work.
6. Form throat and chimney shaft.
- 6.1. Work platform is erected in accordance with regulatory authorities' and workplace requirements.
- 6.2. Throat is formed, parged and shaped for firebox and chimney design and specifications, and constructed in accordance with specifications and standards.
- 6.3. Parging to flue is completed to specifications.
- 6.4. Brick and stone are laid to build outer skin and form chimney shaft to specifications and are constructed in accordance with specifications and standards.
- 6.5. Baffles are built in, where designed, to location and specifications.
7. Complete chimney.
- 7.1. Chimney tray is built in to chimney design and installed to specification in accordance with standards.
- 7.2. Chimney is constructed in accordance with specifications and standards.
- 7.3. Head of chimney is completed to designed finish in accordance with drawings and specifications.
8. Finish joints.
- 8.1. Joints to laid brickwork, blockwork and stonework are raked or ruled to designed depth in accordance with the job specifications.
- 8.2. Joints to laid brickwork, blockwork and stonework are raked out for provision of apron and stepped flashing at roof line.
- 8.3. Brickwork, blockwork and stonework are brushed down prior to drying, using appropriate brushing tool.
9. Clean up.
- 9.1. Work area is cleared and materials disposed of, reused or recycled in accordance with legislation, regulations, codes of practice and job specification.
- 9.2. 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
memos
MSDS
organisation work specifications and requirements
plans and specifications
regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to constructing fireplaces and chimneys
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures related to constructing fireplaces and chimneys
signage
verbal or written and graphical instructions
work bulletins
work schedules.
Bricklaying and blocklaying tasks:
include all clay brick (wire cut/pressed) and concrete block (hollow and solid) masonry work
may be performed on a new construction site, an existing structure being renovated or extended or an existing structure subject to service restoration or maintenance.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with legislation, regulations, codes of practice, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling of materials
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances
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
underground services, including water, gas, electricity and communications
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in confined spaces
working in proximity to others
working with dangerous materials
organisational first aid
personal protective clothing and equipment prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environment and safety.
Tools and equipment:
include:
bolsters
brick grabs
brooms
buckets
builders' lines
cement mixers
elevators
hammers (brickies, club and scutch)
hoses
jig saws
line blocks
line pins
masonry saws
measuring tapes and rules
mortar boards
margin or raking tools
profiles
shovels
spirit levels
straight edges
trowels
wheelbarrows
may include:
elevators
scaffolds
materials hoists
forklifts
pallet trolleys
brick buggies
small petrol or diesel engines or compressors.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications
where specified
workplace operations and procedures.
Materials:
are to include:
aggregates
cement
clay bricks (wire cut or pressed)
fire-rated masonry blocks
lime
refractory bricks
may be stone.
Environmental requirements include:
clean-up protection
noise and dust
vibration
waste management.
Statutory and regulatory authorities include:
federal, state and local authorities administering applicable Acts, regulations and codes of practice.
Fireplaces and chimneys include:
brick and block veneer
solid brick, block and stone wall structured buildings.
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
memos
MSDS
organisation work specifications and requirements
plans and specifications
regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to constructing fireplaces and chimneys
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures related to constructing fireplaces and chimneys
signage
verbal or written and graphical instructions
work bulletins
work schedules.
Bricklaying and blocklaying tasks:
include all clay brick (wire cut/pressed) and concrete block (hollow and solid) masonry work
may be performed on a new construction site, an existing structure being renovated or extended or an existing structure subject to service restoration or maintenance.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with legislation, regulations, codes of practice, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling of materials
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances
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
underground services, including water, gas, electricity and communications
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in confined spaces
working in proximity to others
working with dangerous materials
organisational first aid
personal protective clothing and equipment prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environment and safety.
Tools and equipment:
include:
bolsters
brick grabs
brooms
buckets
builders' lines
cement mixers
elevators
hammers (brickies, club and scutch)
hoses
jig saws
line blocks
line pins
masonry saws
measuring tapes and rules
mortar boards
margin or raking tools
profiles
shovels
spirit levels
straight edges
trowels
wheelbarrows
may include:
elevators
scaffolds
materials hoists
forklifts
pallet trolleys
brick buggies
small petrol or diesel engines or compressors.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications
where specified
workplace operations and procedures.
Materials:
are to include:
aggregates
cement
clay bricks (wire cut or pressed)
fire-rated masonry blocks
lime
refractory bricks
may be stone.
Environmental requirements include:
clean-up protection
noise and dust
vibration
waste management.
Statutory and regulatory authorities include:
federal, state and local authorities administering applicable Acts, regulations and codes of practice.
Fireplaces and chimneys include:
brick and block veneer
solid brick, block and stone wall structured buildings.
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 use tools, plant and equipment
communicate and work effectively and safely with others
as a minimum, given the plans and specifications, calculate the materials required and construct a brick fireplace and chimney, ensuring:
correct identification of requirement and finishing of the tasks
correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment
completing all work to specification.
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.
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 use tools, plant and equipment
communicate and work effectively and safely with others
as a minimum, given the plans and specifications, calculate the materials required and construct a brick fireplace and chimney, ensuring:
correct identification of requirement and finishing of the tasks
correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment
completing all work to specification.
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.
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1777 | BCGBL3012B | Construct fireplaces and chimneys | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCN45 | CPCCBL3012 | Construct fireplaces and chimneys | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3718 | 52660WA | Certificate III in Bricklaying (Housing) | Accredited course |
| 1473 | 52209 | Certificate III in Bricklaying (Housing) | Accredited course |
| W577 | CPC30108 | Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying | Qualification |
| D390 | CPC30111 | Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying | Qualification |