Operate excavators at ground level to demolish building elements

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:39 PM 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
CPCCDE3026

State Code
OCQ46

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
3.00

Current Release Date
24/12/2024

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

01/06/2021

Field of Education

030717 - Plant And Machine Operations

Original Release Date

01/06/2021

Nominal Hours

180

Description

This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to operate an excavator at ground level in the demolition industry. The unit covers planning and preparing; conducting machine pre-operational checks; preparing a site for the demolition process; following demolition procedures for different building elements; selecting, removing and fitting attachments; removing demolition materials and waste; relocating excavators; and carrying out machine operator maintenance.Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCWHS1001Prepare to work safely in the construction industrymeets this requirement.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to demolition work in different states and territories. Candidates are advised to consult with the relevant regulatory authorities.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1 Plan and prepare for work.

1.1 Interpret and apply compliance requirements to excavator operation.
1.2 Complete tasks according to manufacturer specifications and regulatory, legislative and workplace policies and requirements.
1.3 Obtain work instructions from required information, confirm with team members and other relevant personnel, and apply to planning and preparation.
1.4 Identify and apply work health and safety (WHS) requirements to task planning.
1.5 Identify environmental requirements for the project according to environmental plans.
1.6 Identify, select and fit personal protective equipment (PPE).
1.7 Check tools and equipment, complete pre-start checks and operator maintenance tasks for serviceability and rectify and report faults.
1.8 Conduct excavator pre-start, start-up, park and shutdown operational checks.
1.9 Check excavator controls and for serviceability and rectify and report faults.

2 Select, check and fit attachments.

2.1 Select excavator attachments to carry out tasks consistent with job requirements.
2.2 Check attachments and connections for excessive wear and replace and report actions as required.
2.3 Fit attachments securely according to safe work method, and use an applicable safety retaining device.
2.4 Check hydraulic components and rectify or replace components and report actions as necessary.
2.5 Test operation of hydraulic system before applying load.
2.6 Test attachment operation by raising and lowering attachment and lock attachment securely in position for travel.
2.7 Remove, maintain and store attachments.

3 Prepare demolition site.

3.1 Determine requirements of site demolition plan and discuss these with team members.
3.2 Conduct site inspection of property or dilapidation survey to determine condition of worksite and surrounds before work begins and amend and seek approval of safe work method statement (SWMS) as required.
3.3 Confirm with supervisor or regulatory authorities that specified services, above and below ground, have been disconnected and identify and protect any remaining live services.
3.4 Identify hazardous material for separate handling.
3.5 Position mechanical equipment and plant in operating locations and arrange appropriate exclusion zone and traffic control and overhead service line protection.

4 Operate excavator for demolition process.

4.1 Identify and apply excavator general operating techniques to achieve safe, effective and efficient output according to manufacturer’s design specifications while achieving specified tolerances.
4.2 Identify site hazards associated with excavator demolition operations and follow safe operating techniques to minimise risks.
4.3 Move excavator safely between work locations.
4.4 Implement control measures to manage hazards arising from demolition process according to the demolition plan, safe work methods and regulatory requirements.
4.5 Assess demolition tasks immediately prior to starting, and review SWMS to incorporate management of undiscovered hazards.
4.6 Operates excavator at ground level to demolish building elements using suitable attachments according to approved demolition plan and current safe work method.
4.7 Maintain communication with team members during the demolition process.
4.8 Monitor worksite conditions and progress in consultation with team members and stop work or adjust techniques as required.

5 Carry out machine operator inspection and maintenance tasks.

5.1 Park and shut down excavator safely and remove and store attachments.
5.2 Inspect excavator for faults and remove and replace defective parts.
5.3 Conduct regular programmed operator maintenance tasks and complete log sheets.

6 Clean up work area.

6.1 Clear work area and sort materials and waste and position for removal, as required, according to site demolition project environmental management plan.
6.2 Clean, check, maintain and store maintenance tools and equipment.

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
WI752	CPCCDE3026A	Operate excavators at ground level to demolish building elements	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BTU0	CPC30426	Certificate III in Demolition	Qualification
BGC3	CPC30420	Certificate III in Demolition	Qualification