Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to cast concrete into pre-assembled moulds, and to finish precast concrete prior to curing to meet quality requirements. It requires a sound knowledge of the properties of concrete and how it reacts in different stages of the manufacturing process.
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 in relation to concrete quality.
The manufacture of 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:
• cast, finish and cure concrete in accordance with work instructions on two occasions.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• key features of work instructions in relation to casting, finishing and curing, including:
• types of information included and how the information is used during the process
• main requirements of relevant Australian Standards
• implications of not following instructions
• properties of concrete and how it behaves during each stage of the manufacturing process, including:
• differences in behaviour in plastic and hardened state
• effects of temperature, humidity and wind
• types of checks used to ensure correct concrete mix, consistency and pouring speed
• importance of vibration on compaction and potential impacts
• factors that impact concrete quality, their probable causes and corrective actions, including those related to:
• raw material and mix variations
• mould anomalies
• placement of reinforcement and accessories
• casting and operating conditions
• process errors
• common finishing methods for green precast concrete products, including:
• trowelling
• floating (fine, rough, hand and helicopter steel)
• raking
• spraying
• common surface defects and remedial techniques
• the risks posed by the presence of crystalline silica in concrete and required workplace risk controls
• types of concrete curing processes and their application
• other hazards associated with the casting, finishing and curing of 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 casting, finishing and curing products
• 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 involving measurement in workplace instructions and procedures\n • calculate material and resource requirements.\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 work processes.\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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