Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret reinforcement specifications for precast concrete products, fabricate and assemble reinforcement, and place the reinforcement in a mould. Fabrication and assembly may take place either inside or outside the mould. This unit includes cutting, bending, fixing and tying. It does not include welding of reinforcement, which is covered in separate welding units.
The unit applies to individuals who work in accordance with pre-determined instructions and established standard operating procedures (SOPs). They work in a team, but take responsibility for their own work using discretion and judgement to monitor work processes and solve both routine and non-routine problems.
The reinforcement in precast concrete products is subject to various statutory and industry requirements, and the relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied. Requirements may vary across states and territories.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and demonstrated the ability to:
• fabricate, assemble and place reinforcement in precast concrete in accordance with work instructions on two occasions.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• key features of reinforcement schedules, including:
• types of information included and how the information is used when fabricating and placing reinforcement
• main requirements of the Australian Standards that apply to reinforcement
• implications of not following schedules
• common types of reinforcement in different precast concrete products and their application
• key variables for reinforcement and how these impact the fabrication and assembly process, including:
• bar type
• lap length
• shape
• dimension and dimensional tolerance
• steel coverage
• fabrication and assembly methods
• requirements to ensure safe cutting of materials
• commonly used equipment for cutting, bending, tying and fixing, including features and operating principles
• requirements for placement of reinforcement, including:
• importance of exact placement and implications of incorrect placement
• handling
• safe lifting of prefabricated cages
• fixing methods and when specialist skills are needed
• importance of adequate cover
• typical reinforcement process and product problems, including:
• early warning signs
• possible causes
• corrective actions
• storage requirements for different types of reinforcement and implications of inappropriate storage
• hazards associated with fabrication, assembly and placement of reinforcement in precast concrete products, including:
• their possible causes
• potential consequences
• workplace risk controls.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
• use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
• operational concrete manufacturing facility equipped with tools, machinery and materials for concrete reinforcement
• safety and personal protective equipment
• work instructions
• standard operating procedures.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.\n• Numeracy skills to:\n • locate and interpret explicit information about dimension\n • estimate material quantities.\n• Reading skills to locate and interpret explicit information in visual and text-based workplace instructions and procedures\n• Writing skills to complete familiar workplace documentation.\n• Oral communication skills to share information with team members during reinforcement process.\n• Teamwork skills to work cooperatively with others during processes involving multiple people.\nOther foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

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