Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess a gravesite for the appropriate gravedigging method and prepare the site for digging or re
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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 gravedigging requirements. | 1.1 Identify appropriate lined or unlined gravesite and physical location according to cemetery map or plan. 1.2 Assess site and surrounding area to determine soil type, safety hazards, access and egress, requirement to conduct grave probe, removal of soil and effect on presentation of nearby graves. 1.3 Determine viability of gravesite according to safety requirements and refer to manager or leading hand for further instruction. 1.4 Select manual or machinery gravedigging method. |
2. Conduct grave probe as required. | 2.1 Select and prepare personal protective equipment. 2.2 Select and prepare tools and equipment and machinery according to work requirements, and manufacturer guidelines. 2.3 Undertake slab removal as required. 2.4 Measure plot to determine correct location of initial probe position. 2.5 Probe gravesite according to measurements. 2.6 Record measurements from probe to determine vacancy status. 2.7 Report viability of gravesite to appropriate personnel. |
3. Prepare for digging. | 3.1 Assemble and brief gravedigging work team as required. 3.2 Advise gravedigging work team of above and below ground lines of communication to be used in case of emergency. 3.3 Select and prepare personal protective equipment. 3.4 Select and prepare tools and equipment according to work requirements. 3.5 Mark site according to grave dimensions and supervisor instructions. 3.6 Inspect and remove monuments, masonry or headstones that impact stability or access. 3.7 Apply protective strategies to preserve adjacent graves. 3.8 Place protective restraints to ensure access by authorised personnel only. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
identify and assess gravesites to select appropriate gravedigging or re-opening method, tools, equipment and safety requirements according to work requirements
take accurate measurements, make accurate calculations and conduct accurate probes.
Evidence of performance of preparing for grave digging on two or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge of:
soil types and their impact on gravedigging
tools equipment and machinery used in relation to gravedigging, and their associated uses
use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
safe operation of relevant tools and equipment
safe shoring structures and procedures
safety hazards in relation to gravedigging, including:
air
water
vibration
heat
slippery surfaces
overhead obstacles
ground pressure:
machinery
people
soil
structures
previously dug graves
monument collapse
foreign objects
drains
cables
sprinklers
pipes
trees and roots
risk assessment procedures
federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety and gravedigging
workplace policies and procedures to protect personnel and gravesites
environmental impacts in relation to gravedigging and minimal impact practices to reduce these, especially those that relate to resource, water and energy use
environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:
using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
a cemetery environment that allows for identification of vacant gravesites and protection of adjacent gravesites
gravedigging tools and equipment, protective restraints, above and below ground emergency communication and personal protective equipment
under industry conditions where there is:
integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role
speed and timing requirements that reflect commercial operating conditions
interaction with manager and team members
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
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.
Sectors
Cemetery and Crematoria
Competency Field
Burial and Cremation Operations