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.

Which industry sectors may be included?
Local government, urban, civil construction, forestry, extractive industry, rural, natural resource management.

What are the nine industry standard planning principles for erosion and sediment control?
Measures taken to ensure compatibility of land capability and proposed development.
Erosion and sediment control plans prepared.
Land exposure is the smallest area for the shortest possible time.
Topsoil is saved for re-use.
Runoff controlled onto, through and from the site.
Erosion control measures utilised to prevent on-site damage.
Sediment control measures utilised to prevent off-site damage.
Disturbed area rehabilitated quickly.
Erosion and sediment control measures maintained.

Which industry sector people who access development sites may be included?
Contractors, designers, planners, site engineers, project managers, advisers and consultants that plan erosion and sediment, control works and practices, foresters.

Which components of erosion and sediment control strategy may be included?
Control of run-on water above the site, existing and formed drainage patterns, preventing on-site damage, rapid revegetation and mulching.

Which site data relating to suitability may be included?
Site physical features, soil particle size and erodibility, existing drainage patterns.

Which types of projects may be included?
Control of land degradation, dune reclamation, mine rehabilitation, water conservation, drainage systems, ponding schemes, (rural) road and track construction and maintenance.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in planning erosion and sediment control measures requires evidence that erosion and sediment control measures have been planned and documented according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to plan erosion and sediment control measures must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different soils, situation 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:

Relevant environmental, planning and groundwater legislation.
Planning process for erosion and sediment control.
Erosion control and design principles.
Soils and soil formation.
Levels and levelling.
Earthmoving principles.
Total catchment issues.
Legal requirements - permits.
Environmental issues.
Country code.
Managing peak water flows.
Subsurface and surface drainage principles and systems.
Awareness of the limitations of design aids provided for industry.

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:

Establish suitability of development proposal.
Collaborate with designers.
Prepare reports on erosion and sediment control plans.
Effectively communicate.
Develop erosion and sediment control strategy.
Prepare an erosion and sediment control plan.

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 erosion and sediment control measures at meetings, or formally in writing with clients and stakeholders. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Planning erosion and sediment control measures will require detailed information to be collected, analysed and organised by research and consultation. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Planning erosion and sediment control measures requires extensive planning and organising of resources and others. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Planning erosion and sediment control measures will require the development and management of work teams to achieve outcomes. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Complex mathematical techniques relating to erosion control design could be applied. (3)

Solving problems
While Planning erosion and sediment control measures, technical, organisational and cultural problems may arise requiring complex solutions. (3)

Using technology
Analysis, design and presentation technology may be required. (3)