Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:20 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:20 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.
Lay masonry walls and corners
Lay masonry walls and corners
Unit of competency
National Code
CPCCBL3005A
CPCCBL3005A
State Code
W9324
W9324
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
40
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to construct masonry walls and corners to different types and styles of buildings. It includes planning, preparation, set out and installation of the masonry.
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 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. Prepare materials and work site.
- 2.1. Work platform is erected in accordance with regulatory and workplace requirements.
- 2.2. Bricks/blocks are selected according to quality requirements and specifications.
- 2.3. Materials for mortar are selected to requirements of specification, standards and codes.
- 2.4. Location of blockwork/brickwork is set out on reinforced concrete footing slab in accordance with dimensions and details from job drawings.
- 2.5. Mortar is mixed in accordance with job specifications, standards and codes.
- 2.6. Brickwork/blockwork gauge is determined and set out rod is prepared.
3. Lay bricks/blocks.
- 3.1. Mortar mix is prepared and checked for conformity and applied evenly to job and set out location.
- 3.2. Bricks/blocks are located to job set out according to specifications, standards and codes.
- 3.3. Bricks/blocks walls are to be straight and true in plumb, line and level within standard tolerances and codes.
- 3.4. Bricks/blocks are laid maintaining stretcher bond throughout construction to specifications, standards and codes and using appropriate joints in brick and block walls and corners.
- 3.5. Bricks are cut.
- 3.6. Corners are formed maintaining bond and perpendicular intersection of both surfaces.
- 3.7. Horizontal reinforcement is placed and laid to bed joints to specifications, where applicable.
- 3.8. Brickwork/blockwork is laid and completed to job drawings, specifications, standards and codes.
4. Finish joints.
- 4.1. Excess mortar is removed from brick/blockwork surfaces and cavities are cleaned free of mortar and debris in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, job specifications, standards and codes.
- 4.2. Joints of laid brickwork/blockwork are raked, struck or ruled to correct profile and depth to job specifications.
- 4.3. Brickwork/blockwork is brushed down prior to drying to remove unwanted mortar.
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
memos
MSDS
organisation work specifications and requirements
plans and specifications
regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to laying masonry walls and corners
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures related to laying masonry walls and corners
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
buckets
builder's squares
builders' lines
concrete mixers
dumpy levels
elevators
hammers (brickies, club and scutch)
hoses
jointing tools
line blocks
line pins
mason's squares
masonry saws
measuring tapes and rules
mortar boards
plumb rules
margin or raking tools
profiles
shovels
spirit levels
straight edges
string lines
trowels
wheelbarrows
may include:
brick buggies
forklifts
materials hoists
pallet trolleys
scaffolds
small petrol or diesel engines, compressors or mixers.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications, where specified
workplace operations and procedures.
Materials include:
aggregates
cement
clay bricks
lime
masonry blocks
reinforcing materials
waterproofing materials.
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.
Joints in brick and block walls and corners include:
flush
raked
round iron/rule
struck
V joint
weather struck.
Horizontal reinforcement includes:
steel bar
welded wire fabric
wire strands.
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 laying masonry walls and corners
relevant Australian standards
safe work procedures related to laying masonry walls and corners
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
buckets
builder's squares
builders' lines
concrete mixers
dumpy levels
elevators
hammers (brickies, club and scutch)
hoses
jointing tools
line blocks
line pins
mason's squares
masonry saws
measuring tapes and rules
mortar boards
plumb rules
margin or raking tools
profiles
shovels
spirit levels
straight edges
string lines
trowels
wheelbarrows
may include:
brick buggies
forklifts
materials hoists
pallet trolleys
scaffolds
small petrol or diesel engines, compressors or mixers.
Quality requirements include relevant regulations, including:
Australian standards
internal company quality policy and standards
manufacturer specifications, where specified
workplace operations and procedures.
Materials include:
aggregates
cement
clay bricks
lime
masonry blocks
reinforcing materials
waterproofing materials.
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.
Joints in brick and block walls and corners include:
flush
raked
round iron/rule
struck
V joint
weather struck.
Horizontal reinforcement includes:
steel bar
welded wire fabric
wire strands.
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, in brick and in block, construct a wall between profiles to a line, including an internal corner, an external corner, and a stopped end to a minimum height of 1200mm (without toothing), 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, in brick and in block, construct a wall between profiles to a line, including an internal corner, an external corner, and a stopped end to a minimum height of 1200mm (without toothing), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1770 | BCGBL3005B | Lay masonry walls and corners | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCO59 | CPCCBL3005 | Lay masonry walls and corners | 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 |
| 1599 | 52443WA | Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades) | Accredited course |