Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct benching operations as typically used to produce special-purpose concrete, clay or refractory components.
This unit applies to operators who are required to take responsibility for own outputs and follow established procedures to assemble and prepare moulds; place reinforcement and fittings (such as plugs, blinds and inserts) and cast and finish the work piece. Operators are also required to work autonomously and apply their own judgement to interpret information; monitor processes; identify and address routine and non-routine problems and control hazards.
This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and in liaison with other shift team members, team leader and supervisor.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine the shape of the work piece | 1.1 Check the specification, drawing or client instructions 1.2 Calculate the angle of decline to be applied to the work piece 1.3 Determine the number of access and egress points to facilitate movement of liquids through the work piece 1.4 Identify and obtain components, reinforcing and/or other fitments as required by the specification |
2. Assemble and prepare the work piece | 2.1 Establish and maintain a safe working environment which meets work health and safety (WHS) and enterprise requirements 2.2 Identify and prepare the appropriate liner or cover 2.3 Secure and level in accordance with procedures and work instructions 2.4 Check that the base is stabilised and correctly mounted as required to facilitate lifting or moving 2.5 Position components, reinforcing and/or other fitments as required by the specification |
3. Rough cast the work piece | 3.1 Prepare the concrete mix or obtain the material from the batch preparation unit 3.2 Ensure an adequate supply of material is available to meet production requirements 3.3 Free form the concrete inside the work piece to meet the rough dimensions required by the specification 3.4 Ensure that components, reinforcing and/or other fitments do not move during rough casting |
4. Finish the work piece | 4.1 Prepare a finishing mixture for application to the work piece 4.2 Apply the finishing coating, trowelling and sleeking the surface to specification 4.3 Check the work piece cures 4.4 Remove any separators, non-permanent inserts, plugs or blinds 4.5 Release work piece safely 4.6 Return mould segments for reuse or storage |
5. Inspect and store products | 5.1 Inspect work piece for defects 5.2 Make allowable repairs 5.3 Identify and mark work piece with appropriate brand or identification number 5.4 Apply appropriate surface coatings or coverings as required by the specification 5.5 Move work piece and store |
6. Rectify routine problems | 6.1 Identify and rectify faults and equipment failure 6.2 Maintain records and log books of equipment operations 6.3 Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person |
7. Control hazards | 7.1 Identify benching hazards 7.2 Assess the risks arising from those hazards 7.3 Implement measures to control those risks |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Operations