Conduct vacuum excavations

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:34 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
RIICCM303

State Code
OBN14

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
31/01/2020

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

25/09/2020

Field of Education

030901 - Construction Engineering

Original Release Date

25/09/2020

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct vacuum excavations.It applies to those working in operational roles in civil construction. They generally work under supervision and hold some responsibility for conducting vacuum excavations. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for work

1.1 Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
1.2 Access, interpret and apply vacuum excavation documentation and confirm work activity is compliant
1.3 Identify hazards, environmental issues, assess the risks and implement control measures in line with workplace policies
1.4 Identify and adhere to traffic management signage requirements
1.5 Select equipment and tools required for work activities and check for faults and report or rectify within scope of own role
1.6 Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activities
1.7 Complete induction procedures as required by workplace policies and procedures and job role requirements
1.8 Identify and apply safety and environmental protection requirements

2. Complete on-site preparation and set up job

2.1 Check job scope, location and requirements with job owner and contact person as required
2.2 Obtain required permits and approval and check potential for ground contamination and nature of materials with landowner or job contact as required
2.3 Confirm waste management, disposal and tracking procedures required for material types are in place
2.4 Define work area, check exclusion zone, confirm trench shoring requirements and prepare worksite to comply with job and safety requirements
2.5 Implement protective screening or other methods as required of containing excavation debris
2.6 Inspect, assemble and check vacuum excavation equipment according to organisational requirements
2.7 Complete pre-operational procedures, pre-start and check emergency stop
2.8 Establish communication processes between operators and confirm correct positioning of personnel

3. Undertake vacuum excavation job

3.1 Start-up vacuum excavation system according to operating procedures
3.2 Operate equipment to meet job requirements and minimise direct contact of high pressure water on assets
3.3 Monitor hazards and activate emergency stop as required
3.4 Monitor job, conditions and equipment
3.5 Recognise and diagnose problems and report or rectify within scope of own role

4. Complete job

4.1 Shut down equipment according to operating procedures
4.2 Determine and implement disposal, recycling and waste removal documentation procedures required by material type and clear work area
4.3 Advise job owner and contact person of job completion and report any issues and incidents as required
4.4 Clean and maintain condition of equipment, confirm stability for use, and report issues as required or address within scope of own role
4.5 Check vehicle is clean and fit for transit
4.6 Refuel vehicle, refill with digging water as required and return to base
4.7 Complete required paperwork and process written records

No information

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BFA4	RII31619	Certificate III in Trenchless Technology	Qualification