Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:00 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:00 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.
Apply waterproofing process to external wet areas
Apply waterproofing process to external wet areas
Unit of competency
National Code
CPCCWP3003A
CPCCWP3003A
State Code
W9624
W9624
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
040313 - Ceiling, Wall And Floor Fixing
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply waterproofing practices and principles to external wet areas.It includes identification of the waterproofing system to be used, its preparation and its application.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare.
- 1.1. Work instructions and operational details are obtained using relevant information, confirmed and applied for planning and preparation purposes.
- 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. Tools and equipment selected to carry out tasks are consistent with the requirements of the job, checked for serviceability and any faults are rectified or reported prior to commencement.
- 1.5. Material quantity requirements are calculated in accordance with plans and 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 regulatory obligations and applied.
2. Identify waterproofing system.
- 2.1. Area to be waterproofed is identified from job drawings and specifications or diagnosed for damp fault area.
- 2.2. Area is inspected for structural and surface defects in accordance with job and manufacturer specifications.
- 2.3. Appropriate waterproofing systems and products are identified, analysed and selected for water exclusion in accordance with job and manufacturer specifications and with material safety data sheet (MSDS) directions.
- 2.4. Range of waterproofing materials is checked for product suitability, conformity to specifications and compatibility with surface material, preparation and waterproofing installation technique.
- 2.5. Type of waterproofing material is identified in accordance with job specification, state of structure and job safety requirements with MSDS directions.
3. Prepare for waterproofing installation.
- 3.1. Wet area site set-out, building alignment and finished levels are checked to conform with specified location, structure and dimensions in accordance with drawings and specifications.
- 3.2. Moisture content in substrate is identified.
- 3.3. Appropriateness of the system of waterproofing selected for the structure or work is confirmed.
- 3.4. Wet area site levels are checked for conformity to drawings and specifications.
- 3.5. Access to installation area is assessed for adequacy and safety to allow for installation over the full surface of the work area.
- 3.6. Provision for drainage is identified and confirmed with supervisor or hydraulic consultant as being appropriate for the installation.
- 3.7. Existing flashings, new flashings and termination seals are prepared to job requirements and made ready for placement and fixing to job and manufacturer specifications.
- 3.8. Waterproofing material, quantity and product type are confirmed as conforming to job specification, state of structure and job safety requirements, and MSDS directions.
- 3.9. Substrate is prepared to a smooth and uniform finish with fillets and falls fitted in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and good building practices.
- 3.10. Surface of structure to be waterproofed is prepared and primed ready for waterproofing application in accordance with job specification and to manufacturers' specification and recommendations.
4. Apply waterproofing.
- 4.1. Waterproofing system is applied to primed surface of structure to correct thickness and in accordance with manufacturers' job specification.
- 4.2. Bond breaker/fillets are installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- 4.3. Waterproofing material and system are installed using methods and materials consistent with manufacturer specifications.
- 4.4. Termination seals are installed using methods and materials consistent with manufacturer specifications.
- 4.5. Completed waterproofing installation is checked for conformity to manufacturer specifications.
- 4.6. Waterproofing system is water tested to confirm its fitness for purpose.
- 4.7. Waterproofing materials and system are protected and drained using methods and materials consistent with manufacturers' specification and good building practice.
- 4.8. Final inspection of site is undertaken and sign-off and handover of work are carried out in accordance with workplace requirements.
5. Clean up.
- 5.1. Work area is cleared and materials disposed of, reused or recycled in accordance with legislation, regulations, codes of practice and job specification.
- 5.2. 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
MSDS
memos
regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to waterproofing external wet areas
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures relating to waterproofing external wet areas
signage
verbal, written and graphical instructions
work bulletins
work schedules, plans and specifications.
Planning and preparation include:
assessment of conditions and hazards
determination of work requirements and safety plans and policies
equipment defect identification
work site inspection.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with state and territory legislation and regulations and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling activities that may require the assistance of others or the use of manual or mechanical lifting devices where size, weight or other issues, such as a disability are a factor
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances, including cement and curing agents
organisational first aid
PPE prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
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
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in confined spaces
working in proximity to others
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environmental requirements and safety.
Tools and equipment:
include:
angle grinders
brooms
brushes
buckets
caulking gun
chisels, including cold chisels
cutting blades
electric drills and screwdrivers
electric hammers
extension leads
gas burners and torches
hammers
laser and water levels
measuring tapes and rules
mixer and mixing apparatus
moisture meter
rollers
scissors
spirit level
straight edge
torches
trowels
vacuum cleaner
wood float
may include:
automatic levels
excavating equipment
high pressure water equipment
pumps.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications
workplace operations and procedures.
Materials for below ground application may be:
liquid applied, including:
acrylic
cementitious-based
injection
polyurethane
sheet, including:
bentonite composites
butanol
ethylene cop bitumen (ECB)
ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)
polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
waterproofing materials, including:
adhesives
drainage cell
geotech fabric
protection board
substrate primer.
Environmental requirements include:
clean-up management
dust and noise
vibration
waste management.
Identification includes:
preparation of the substrate and the waterproofing material
application to an external wet area
process, including testing, drainage and protection of the membrane system and flashings.
Waterproofing systems include:
cement-based waterproofing systems.
hot mix bituminous felt material membranes
liquid sealants or sealant devices
sheet and sprayed material membranes.
Considerations in water exclusion include:
capillary action
causes of water penetration, including:
leakage through wall and floor finishes
penetration at joints and junctions
movement from shrinkage
accumulated drainage
failure of or damage to waterproofing system
damp proof courses and flashings
corners and terminations
curing times of compounds and their applications
direction of fall of substrate or decorative finish
hydrostatic pressure
impact of environmental conditions
joining
perimeter treatment, including:
pressure seals
cross cavity
over flashing
thermal shrinkage (expansion and contraction)
shelf life of waterproofing products
surface applications and protection requirements
use of bond-breakers
use of sealants
waste allowances.
External wet area applications include:
awnings
balconies
external vertical walls
planter boxes
roofs.
Substrates include:
aerated autoclaved concrete materials:
Hebel
Thermolite
blockwork
brickwork
cement render
ferrous and non-ferrous piping
fibrous cement sheeting
pre-cast concrete
PVC
reinforced in situ concrete
timber and timber-based products
wet area plasterboard.
Structural considerations include:
design principles
drainage requirements
hydrostatic pressures
structural movement
substrate type and condition
environmental factors, including:
allowing water flow
slope, fall and grade of surfaces
water run-off and impact on adjoining property
waterproofing protection.
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
MSDS
memos
regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to waterproofing external wet areas
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures relating to waterproofing external wet areas
signage
verbal, written and graphical instructions
work bulletins
work schedules, plans and specifications.
Planning and preparation include:
assessment of conditions and hazards
determination of work requirements and safety plans and policies
equipment defect identification
work site inspection.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with state and territory legislation and regulations and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling activities that may require the assistance of others or the use of manual or mechanical lifting devices where size, weight or other issues, such as a disability are a factor
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances, including cement and curing agents
organisational first aid
PPE prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
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
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in confined spaces
working in proximity to others
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environmental requirements and safety.
Tools and equipment:
include:
angle grinders
brooms
brushes
buckets
caulking gun
chisels, including cold chisels
cutting blades
electric drills and screwdrivers
electric hammers
extension leads
gas burners and torches
hammers
laser and water levels
measuring tapes and rules
mixer and mixing apparatus
moisture meter
rollers
scissors
spirit level
straight edge
torches
trowels
vacuum cleaner
wood float
may include:
automatic levels
excavating equipment
high pressure water equipment
pumps.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications
workplace operations and procedures.
Materials for below ground application may be:
liquid applied, including:
acrylic
cementitious-based
injection
polyurethane
sheet, including:
bentonite composites
butanol
ethylene cop bitumen (ECB)
ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)
polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
waterproofing materials, including:
adhesives
drainage cell
geotech fabric
protection board
substrate primer.
Environmental requirements include:
clean-up management
dust and noise
vibration
waste management.
Identification includes:
preparation of the substrate and the waterproofing material
application to an external wet area
process, including testing, drainage and protection of the membrane system and flashings.
Waterproofing systems include:
cement-based waterproofing systems.
hot mix bituminous felt material membranes
liquid sealants or sealant devices
sheet and sprayed material membranes.
Considerations in water exclusion include:
capillary action
causes of water penetration, including:
leakage through wall and floor finishes
penetration at joints and junctions
movement from shrinkage
accumulated drainage
failure of or damage to waterproofing system
damp proof courses and flashings
corners and terminations
curing times of compounds and their applications
direction of fall of substrate or decorative finish
hydrostatic pressure
impact of environmental conditions
joining
perimeter treatment, including:
pressure seals
cross cavity
over flashing
thermal shrinkage (expansion and contraction)
shelf life of waterproofing products
surface applications and protection requirements
use of bond-breakers
use of sealants
waste allowances.
External wet area applications include:
awnings
balconies
external vertical walls
planter boxes
roofs.
Substrates include:
aerated autoclaved concrete materials:
Hebel
Thermolite
blockwork
brickwork
cement render
ferrous and non-ferrous piping
fibrous cement sheeting
pre-cast concrete
PVC
reinforced in situ concrete
timber and timber-based products
wet area plasterboard.
Structural considerations include:
design principles
drainage requirements
hydrostatic pressures
structural movement
substrate type and condition
environmental factors, including:
allowing water flow
slope, fall and grade of surfaces
water run-off and impact on adjoining property
waterproofing protection.
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 operate and use tools, plant and equipment
communicate and work effectively and safely with others
as a minimum:
waterproof a concrete slab balcony in a cavity brick building with an integrated rendered brick planter box
waterproof a fibrous cement balcony in a cavity brick building where the structural floor levels have a step down of no less than 100mm from internal to external; the balcony is to cross fall to a gutter or drainage and detailing is to be provided through threshold cross-section, indicating how waterproofing would terminate at handrail posts (which are through bolted to the floor frame under the deck)
both tasks are to be undertaken ensuring:
correct identification of requirement and installation of the waterproofing
correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment
completing all work to specification
correct termination and flashing detailing
appropriate membrane testing and application of protection techniques.
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:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials relevant to waterproofing external wet areas
hand and power tools, plant and equipment appropriate to waterproofing external wet areas
realistic activities covering the mandatory task requirements
specifications and work instructions.
Assessment of this unit of competency may be in conjunction with assessment of other units commonly performed at the same time in normal job roles.
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 operate and use tools, plant and equipment
communicate and work effectively and safely with others
as a minimum:
waterproof a concrete slab balcony in a cavity brick building with an integrated rendered brick planter box
waterproof a fibrous cement balcony in a cavity brick building where the structural floor levels have a step down of no less than 100mm from internal to external; the balcony is to cross fall to a gutter or drainage and detailing is to be provided through threshold cross-section, indicating how waterproofing would terminate at handrail posts (which are through bolted to the floor frame under the deck)
both tasks are to be undertaken ensuring:
correct identification of requirement and installation of the waterproofing
correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment
completing all work to specification
correct termination and flashing detailing
appropriate membrane testing and application of protection techniques.
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:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials relevant to waterproofing external wet areas
hand and power tools, plant and equipment appropriate to waterproofing external wet areas
realistic activities covering the mandatory task requirements
specifications and work instructions.
Assessment of this unit of competency may be in conjunction with assessment of other units commonly performed at the same time in normal job roles.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1935 | BCGWP3003B | Apply waterproofing process to external wet areas | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCO98 | CPCCWP3003 | Apply waterproofing process to external above-ground wet areas | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D403 | CPC31411 | Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing | Qualification |