22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
Accreditation Submission
January 2015
Version 4
For office use only
Accredited
by
From
To
Course
Code
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
1 July 2009
31 December 2015
22005VIC
Modification history
January 2015
The units VU20781 and VU20790 were updated
to reflect changes to government policy, new
technologies and typographical/grammatical
errors.
December 2011
Amendment replacing unit
CPCCOHS1001AWork safely in the construction
industry with code/ Minimise health and safety
risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water
efficiency
Refer Appendix 1 for details of changes.
July 2010
Amendment removing unit VPAU382 Install
ceiling insulation from the course.
1 July 2009
Initial accreditation
© State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training) 2015.
Copyright of this material is reserved to the Crown in the right of the State of Victoria. This work is licensed
under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia licence
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/au/). You are free to use, copy and distribute to anyone in
its original form as long as you attribute the Department of Education and Training as the author, and you
license any derivative work you make available under the same licence.
Disclaimer
In compiling the information contained in and accessed through this resource, the Department of
Education and Training (DET) has used its best endeavours to ensure that the information is correct and
current at the time of publication but takes no responsibility for any error, omission or defect therein.
To the extent permitted by law DET, its employees, agents and consultants exclude all liability for any loss
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Acknowledgements
Course development Steering Committee
Chair:
Katrina Woolfe
Manager, Consumer Information and Support,
Sustainability Victoria
Committee members:
Jenny Morrison
Project Officer, Green Living Team, Sustainability Victoria
Denise Perry
Acting Employment Services Manager, Brotherhood of
St Lawrence
Stuart McGougan
Operations Manager, Social Enterprise Mission Australia
Amber Chamberlain
Project Manager, EcoVantage
Gabrielle Breen
Training and Capacity Building Coordinator, Moreland
Energy Foundation Ltd
Blair Freeman
Technical Services Manager, Fletcher Insulation
Malcolm Dawson
Carpentry Teacher/Project Officer, Holmesglen
Assessment Panel
Chair:
David Trembath
David Trembath & Associates
Committee members:
Judith Walker
Judith Walker & Associates
Amber Chamberlain
EcoVantage
In attendance:
Judy Roberts
Holmesglen
Diane Nichols
Sustainability Victoria
Joanne Hansen
Sustainability Victoria
Project manager
David Scannell
Curriculum Maintenance Manager
Building & Construction, Furnishing and Water
Holmesglen
PO Box 42
HOLMESGLEN VIC 3148
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
Acknowledgements
Telephone: (03) 9564 1987
Facsimile: (03) 9564 1538
Email:
david.scannell@holmesglen.edu.au
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
Acknowledgements
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
Contents
Contents
Section A: Copyright and course classification information ......................................................1
1.
Copyright owner of the course ................................................................................................... 3
2.
Address ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3.
Type of submission ..................................................................................................................... 3
4.
Copyright acknowledgement ...................................................................................................... 3
5.
Licensing and franchise .............................................................................................................. 3
6.
Course accrediting body ............................................................................................................. 4
7.
AVETMISS information ............................................................................................................ 4
8.
Period of accreditation ................................................................................................................ 4
Section B: Course information ....................................................................................................6
1.
Nomenclature.............................................................................................................................. 7
1.1
1.2
Name of the qualification ................................................................................................................. 7
Nominal duration of the course ....................................................................................................... 7
2.
Vocational or educational outcomes of the course ..................................................................... 7
3.
Development of the course ......................................................................................................... 7
3.1
3.2
4.
Course outcomes......................................................................................................................... 9
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5.
Course structure .............................................................................................................................. 9
Entry requirements ........................................................................................................................ 11
Assessment ............................................................................................................................... 12
6.1
6.2
7.
Qualification level............................................................................................................................ 9
Employability skills .......................................................................................................................... 9
Recognition given to the course (if applicable) ............................................................................... 9
Licensing/regulatory requirements (if applicable) ......................................................................... 9
Course rules ................................................................................................................................ 9
5.1
5.2
6.
Industry/enterprise/ community needs ............................................................................................. 7
Review for re-accreditation ............................................................................................................. 9
Assessment strategy ....................................................................................................................... 12
Assessor competencies ................................................................................................................... 12
Delivery .................................................................................................................................... 13
7.1
7.2
Delivery modes .............................................................................................................................. 13
Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 13
8.
Pathways and articulation ......................................................................................................... 13
9.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation ......................................................................................... 14
Section C: Units of competency................................................................................................15
Appendix 1 ................................................................................................................................30
Appendix 2 ………………………………………………………………………………….. 38
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
i
Contents
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
ii
Section A: Copyright and course classification information
Section A: Copyright and course classification information
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
1
Section A: Copyright and course classification information
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
2
Section A: Copyright and course classification information
Section A: Copyright and course classification information
1.
Copyright owner of the
course
Copyright of this document is held by Department of Education and
Training (DET) Victoria
© State of Victoria 2014
2.
Address
Department of Education and Training (DET)
Higher Education and Skills Group
Executive Director
Training Participation and Facilitation Division
PO Box 4367
Victoria, 3001
Day to day contact:
General Manufacturing Curriculum Maintenance Manager
Chisholm Institute
2 New Holland Drive Cranbourne VIC 3977
PO Box 684 Dandenong VIC 3175
T +61 3 9238 8448
M 0408 823 373
E paul.saunders@chisholm.edu.au
3.
Type of submission
This submission is for accreditation of the course in Retrofitting
Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency.
4.
Copyright
acknowledgement
Copyright of this material is reserved to the Crown in the right of
the State of Victoria.
© State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training) 2015.
5.
Licensing and franchise
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution –
NoDerivs 3.0 Australia licence:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/au/. You are free to
use, copy and distribute to anyone in its original form as long as
you attribute the, Department of Education and Training as the
author, and you license any derivative work you make available
under the same licence.
Copies of this publication may be downloaded, free of charge, from
the DET’s website:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/training/providers/rto/Pages/cours
es.aspx
Request for other use should be addressed to:
Department of Education and Training
Higher Education and Skills Group
Executive Director
Training Participation and Facilitation Division
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
3
Section A: Copyright and course classification information
GPO Box 4367 Melbourne VIC 3001
6.
Course accrediting body
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)
Level 6, 35 Spring Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Telephone: (03) 9637 2806
7.
AVETMISS information
ANZSCO code
(Australian and New Zealand
Standard Classification of
Occupations)
312 Building and Engineering
Technicians
ANZSIC code
(Australia and New Zealand
Standard Industrial
Classification – Industry type)
422 Building Structure Services
ASCED code
(Field of Education)
0403 Building
National course code
22005VIC
8.
Period of accreditation
1 July 2009 to 30 June 2014
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
4
Section A: Copyright and course classification information
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
5
Section B: Course information
Section B: Course information
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
6
Section B: Course information
Section B: Course information
1.
Nomenclature
1.1 Name of the
qualification
1.2 Nominal duration of
the course
Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
2.
Vocational or educational
outcomes of the course
This course will provide a background in sustainability and
practical advice on the types of retrofitting that can be undertaken in
residential properties with the primary intention of assisting
households in reducing their daily impact on the environment.
Retrofitting tasks in this context will include:

replacing light bulbs with energy efficient blubs

sealing of draught and leakage points

installation of windows coverings and treatments

basic plumbing tasks.
Retrofitters who complete this course will not be engaged in
building and construction work, and will not undertake tasks
normally completed by a qualified tradesperson.
Possible employment options include local councils, private
companies, utility and maintenance companies.
3.
Development of the course
3.1 Industry/enterprise/
community needs
30 hours
Victoria’s carbon emissions increased by 13.7% between 1990 and
2004 to 123 million tonnes a year – meaning Australia’s emissions
are now greater than many industrialised nations such as, Austria
and Switzerland. Just over one third of Victoria’s energy is used in
the home. Over the period 1990 to 2004, energy consumption in the
residential sector increased, with energy-related greenhouse
emissions growing by 32.6%.
In response to this, the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy is helping to
cut greenhouse gases through a number of successful programs, and
it supports community initiatives such as, increasing household
recycling and installing water efficient showerheads.
One example of this is the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target
(VEET) scheme, administered by the Essential Services
Commission. This will play a role in achieving the Victorian
government’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from
households by 10% by 2010 and Victoria’s overall emissions to
60% below its 2000 level, by 2050. The VEET scheme’s objectives
are to:



reduce greenhouse gas emissions
encourage the efficient use of electricity and gas, and
encourage investment, employment and technology
development in industries that supply goods and services
which reduce the use of electricity and gas by consumers.
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
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Section B: Course information
Sustainability Victoria have partnered with the Department of
Human Services and a number of community sectors in
running the Energy and Water Task Force program. To date,
4700 low-income households in 25 Victorian towns and
suburbs have received a free energy and water retrofit. The
program will continue into 2011, with an additional 8000
homes being retrofitted.
In addition to the service to the householder, the Energy and
Water Task Force program has also provided training for over
150 unemployed Victorians with over 60% of program
participants obtaining paid work, or going onto further
training. There is also an increase in the private sector of
companies offering retrofitting services to householders. Public
and Government awareness of the need to minimise energy and
water usage has also resulted in a heightened demand for
training in the area of home retrofitting.
With the introduction of State Government initiatives in
reducing carbon emissions in the residential sector, there will
be an increased demand for people with the skills and
knowledge required to assist householders in making their
homes more energy and water efficient. This demand could be
met by trained retrofitters from both community based
programs or trained or qualified tradespeople, employed in
home maintenance or similar industries.
Recent changes to the plumbing regulations now allow people
other than licensed plumbers to change showerheads and fit tap
washers, increasing the work potential of home retrofitters.
Currently a small number of private companies offer home
sustainability audit and retrofitting services, however the
majority of these services are provided through Government
funded programs such as those mentioned above. There is no
accredited training presently available covering the skills and
knowledge required to retrofit homes. This course is designed
to meet the growing demand for this service.
The main target group for the course is long-term unemployed
or disadvantaged people, however, it would be open to other
applicants, including those already employed or engaged in
home sustainability auditing.
The skills and knowledge required by the participants were
initially discussed at a workshop held with Sustainability
Victoria and informed the content of a survey. The survey was
completed by other stakeholders including, the Brotherhood of
St Lawrence, Mission Australia and representatives from
EcoVantage, who provide specialist sustainability services and
cost effective energy and water efficient products.
The outcomes of this course are not covered by an existing
qualification within a Training Package.
The Steering Committee assembled for the accreditation of this
course met on two occasions and consisted of:
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
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Section B: Course information







Katrina Woolfe (Chair) Manager, Consumer Information
and Support, Sustainability Victoria
Denise Perry, Acting Employment Services Manager,
Brotherhood of St Lawrence
Stuart McGougan, Operations Manager, Social Enterprise
Mission Australia
Amber Chamberlain, Project Manager, EcoVantage
Gabrielle Breen, Training and Capacity Building
Coordinator, Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd
Blair Freeman, Technical Services Manager, Fletcher
Insulation
Malcolm Dawson, Carpentry Teacher/Project Officer,
Holmesglen.
Appendices contain:

Details of the skills and knowledge outcomes and how
they are reflected in the course – Appendix 1

Minutes of Steering Committee meetings – Appendix 2

Letters of support from industry stakeholders – Appendix
3

Signed Course Contents Endorsement forms from
Steering Committee members – Appendix 4.
3.2 Review for
re-accreditation
4.
5.
N/A
Course outcomes
4.1 Qualification level
N/A
4.2 Employability skills
N/A
4.3 Recognition given to
the course (if
applicable)
N/A
4.4 Licensing/regulatory
requirements
(if applicable)
There are no other licensing requirements for this course.
Course rules
5.1 Course structure
To be awarded the Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy
and Water Efficiency learners must successfully complete two
units of competency. Participants who exit the program
without completing both units will be issued with a Statement
of Attainment for any unit satisfactorily completed.
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
9
Unit of
competency/
module code
Field of
Education Unit of competency/module
Precode
title
requisite
(6-digit)
Credit
Matrix
Level
Credit
Matrix
Points
Section B: Course information
Nominal
hours
Core units/modules
VU20781
040300
Minimise health and safety
risk when retrofitting homes
for energy and water
efficiency
VU20790
040300
Undertake retrofitting to
improve energy and water
efficiency
N.A.
N.A.
6
3
2
24
Total nominal hours
30
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
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Section B: Course information
5.2 Entry requirements
The entry requirement for this course is Australian Core Skills
Framework (ACSF) Level 2. Details can be found on the
DEEWR website at www.acsf.deewr.gov.au.
An individual who is competent at Level 2 of the ACSF will be
able to demonstrate the following achievement indicators:
Learning

Demonstrates some awareness of learning strengths and
areas of need in terms of their retrofitting training needs,
and are able to plan and manage the learning process, eg
setting short-term training goals

The application of a limited range of learning strategies in
structured and familiar contexts, eg checklists,
identification of information sources
Reading

Identifies and interprets relevant information and ideas
within the retrofitting environment, eg plans and
specifications

Uses a number of reading strategies to identify and
interpret relevant information within familiar text types,
which might include supervisors instructions, or notations
on a plan
Writing

Conveys intended meaning to clients and colleagues, eg
emails, requests for clarification of instructions

Produces familiar text types using simple vocabulary,
grammatical structures and conventions, eg job
specifications
Oral communication

Uses everyday language to provide information or
maintain a conversation with clients or colleagues

Listens for relevant information in oral texts across
familiar contexts eg interpretation of verbal instructions of
a client
Numeracy

Identifies and comprehends relevant mathematical
information in job specifications

Selects and uses appropriate familiar mathematical
problem solving strategies in retrofitting plans and cost
estimation

Uses information and some formal oral and written
mathematical language and representation to
communicate mathematically, eg in the preparation of job
specifications
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
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Section B: Course information
6.
Assessment
6.1 Assessment strategy
Assessment strategies developed by RTOs must be consistent
with the requirements of Standard 1 of the Australian Quality
Training Framework (AQTF) 2007 Essential Standards for
Registration.
It is recommended that the assessment strategy for this course
be designed to:

cover a range of skills and knowledge required to
demonstrate the achievement of the course aims

collect evidence on a number of occasions and in a variety
of contexts and situations

be appropriate to the skills, knowledge, methods of
delivery and needs/characteristics of the learners

assist assessors to interpret evidence consistently

recognise prior learning

be equitable to all groups of learners.
Where possible, an integrated approach to assessment is
suggested in relation to the competency outcomes of the
course. Integration can refer to:

elements and performance criteria from the same unit
being linked together for assessment
or

elements and performance criteria from a range of units
being grouped together for assessment.
It should be noted that the principles of competency-based
training allow for assessment at the element level as the work
outcome, and that the performance criteria indicate the
standards by which the element should be assessed.
The individual needs of the learner and/or characteristics of the
enterprise should be reflected in assessment methods that are
chosen in relation to each unit of competency and that
assessment need not be undertaken at the end of each element.
Assessment methods may include more than one of the
following:

practical application and demonstration of skills

oral or written questioning

work-based projects including the maintenance of log
books.
Assessment must be consistent with the conditions and method
of assessment specified in each unit and where possible, be
assessed in a real workplace.
6.2 Assessor competencies
The requirements for the competence of assessors are listed in
Standard 1, Element 1.4 of the AQTF 2007 Essential Standards
for Registration.
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
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Section B: Course information
7.
Delivery
7.1 Delivery modes
There are no restrictions on offering the program on either a
full-time or part-time basis.
Strategies should be selected to reflect the nature of the
elements and performance criteria and the needs of the
participants. Some areas of content may be common to more
than one element or more than one unit and therefore
integration may be appropriate.
The course aims to develop practical competencies within an
industry setting. Practical demonstrations and opportunity for
application are considered to provide the most suitable strategy
to reflect the objectives of the course.
An emphasis on OHS and environmental considerations must
be integrated and reinforced at all times.
7.2 Resources
Access is required to current industry materials, equipment and
facilities used in home retrofitting. In particular, access is
required to the following:

realistic or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task
requirements

relevant organisational documentation

relevant Australian Standards and the Building Code of
Australia (BCA)

OHS documentation

materials, tools and equipment to undertake retrofitting
tasks

equipment modified for people with disabilities

appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Refer to individual units for specific resource requirements.
The requirements for competence of trainers are identified in
Standard 1, Element 1.4 of the AQTF 2007 Essential Standards
for Registration.
8.
Pathways and articulation
There are no formal articulation arrangements in place.
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
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Section B: Course information
9.
Ongoing monitoring and
evaluation
The Curriculum Maintenance Manager (CMM), General
Manufacturing has responsibility for the ongoing monitoring and
evaluation of the course.
A full review of the course will take place at the mid point of the
accreditation period.
This review will involve:

consultation with key stakeholders including RTOs, industry
and graduates of the course

revisiting the industry need to ensure that the course structure
is still appropriate

a consideration of units of competency to check for currency

a reflection on the outcomes of evaluations conducted up to
that date.
Outcomes of the review will be documented, and necessary changes
incorporated into the course document. The VRQA will be advised
of any significant changes to the course resulting from this
monitoring and evaluation process.
Changes that will be reported to the VRQA may include changes to:

the course structure, by adding or deleting core units to reflect
local industry needs or, to reflect changes to Training Packages

the nominal duration of the course and of the units

copyright ownership

articulation and/or credit transfer arrangements

legislation such as OHS/licensing.
Course maintenance and review procedures may indicate that the
course in total should be expired if a suitable national qualification
becomes available through the development of a Training Package.
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
14
Section C: Units of competency
Section C: Units of competency
•
VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency
•
VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
15
Section C: Units of competency
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
16
VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency
VU20790
Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water
efficiency
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the outcomes required for people undertaking retrofitting
in homes to reduce energy and water consumption and to create a more
comfortable living environment.
This unit does not include any work that falls under the provision of qualified,
registered and/or licensed tradespeople.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this
unit at the time of publication.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to people who undertake the retrofitting of homes under the
provision of charitable organisations' programs, or as private contractors.
Element
Performance criteria
Elements describe the
essential outcomes of a
unit of competency.
Elements describe actions
or outcomes that are
demonstrable and
assessable.
Performance criteria indicate the standard of performance required to demonstrate
achievement of the element. Terms requiring explanation or further definition should
be bolded and italicised and detail provided in the range statement.
1. Plan and prepare for
retrofitting
1.1 Recommendations made in the environmental assessment, where
applicable, are reviewed to identify the work to be undertaken.
Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.
1.2 Government initiatives applicable to the retrofitting are explained to the
householder.
1.3 Energy and water efficiency issues and requirements are identified and
discussed with the householder, as required
1.4 Permission to proceed with retrofitting is obtained from the householder
or house owner and relevant documentation is completed.
1.5 Limits of own expertise are recognised and work requiring a qualified,
registered and/or licensed tradesperson or installer is identified.
1.6 Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk
assessments are determined and safe work practices and emergency
procedures are followed, in accordance with legislative, regulatory and
organisational requirements.
1.7 Tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability and to
ensure electrical tools are used with a residual current device.
1.8 Materials appropriate to each work task are identified and obtained.
2. Undertake retrofitting
2.1 Tools and equipment are used safely and in accordance with
manufacturers’ instructions.
2.2 Energy-efficient products and services are installed in accordance with
suppliers' or manufacturers' instructions.
2.3 Benefits of the retrofitting and the materials used are discussed with the
client, as required.
3. Clean up
3.1 Work area is cleaned and all waste materials are disposed of or recycled,
as applicable.
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
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VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency
3.2 Tools and equipment are cleaned, checked and maintained according to
manufacturers’ instructions and standard work practices.
3.3 Workplace documentation recording the retrofitting undertaken is
completed, as required.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.
Required skills
Communication skills to:

discuss retrofitting requirements and the benefits of conserving energy and water

follow written or verbal work instructions

read and interpret safety data sheets (SDSs) and organisational safe work method statements (SWMSs)

use and interpret non-verbal communications, such as hand signals

report OHS hazards according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements.
Writing skills to complete required documentation.
Organisational skills to:

prepare tools, materials and equipment for retrofitting tasks

plan a work schedule and manage time effectively.
Problem solving skills to:

identify and report OHS hazards according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative
requirements

implement emergency procedures as required

identify retrofitting requirements.
The ability to:

recognise the limits of one's own expertise, especially tasks that must be performed by a qualified,
registered and/or licensed tradesperson or installer

use hand and power tools safely and according to manufacturers’ instructions

identify and report any faults in tools or equipment

undertake a range of retrofitting tasks.
Teamwork skills to:

work with others

work and communicate with people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Required knowledge
 the basic principles of sustainability and energy

the benefits of retrofitting homes to increase energy and water efficiency

responsibilities under OHS legislation

potential legal responsibilities about providing advice and retrofitting

common OHS hazards and risks, and reporting requirements
22005VIC Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency
© State of Victoria 2015
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VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency

the energy efficiency benefits of insulation

requirements for a systematic approach to planning work activities

the range and use of energy and water efficient products

basic ways to save energy in the household

star ratings for appliances

the tools and equipment required for retrofitting

the types, purposes and uses of personal protective equipment and clothing

safety data sheets for materials and products

legislative, regulatory and organisational requirements

required personal presentation standards.
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.
Environmental assessment includes documentation or a verbal report resulting from a sustainability
assessment or audit of a home, and in which recommendations for retrofitting tasks to improve sustainability
have been made to the client.
Householder is the person occupying the home as the tenant or lessee. In this instance, permission to
undertake retrofitting work needs to be obtained from the house owner.
House owner is the person who owns the home but may not necessarily be living there. They may need to
give permission for retrofitting to be undertaken at their property.
Relevant documentation includes:

an agreed quotation for work and materials

written permission to proceed with retrofitting work

a property owner's consent, in writing

documentation for relevant energy efficiency initiative(s).
Limits of own expertise includes:

providing information or giving advice outside of the skills and knowledge of the retrofitter

undertaking retrofitting tasks that must be performed by qualified, registered or licensed tradespeople

undertaking retrofitting tasks that the retrofitter is not sufficiently skilled to perform.
Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards include:

asbestos products

dangerous or exposed electrical wiring

deteriorated pipework

hand and power tools

ladder use

lead-based paints

manual handling

sharps
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VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency

working in confined spaces

plant

motor vehicles.
Legislative, regulatory and employer requirements relates to:

OHS Act, Regulations and codes of practice

organisation's codes of conduct and safety, including duty of care considerations and organisational safe
work method statements

relevant Australian Standards

telemarketing and door-to-door sales

installation and explanation requirements under relevant government initiative.
Tools include:

adjustable spanners

electric drill

hacksaw/saw

hammers

multigrip pliers

screwdrivers

tape measure

glasspaper.
Equipment includes:

tarpaulins

ladder

extension cord and lamp

personal protective equipment, including ear protection, eye protection, face mask, gloves, work boots
and work overalls

residual current device.
Materials include:

casings for ceiling extraction fans

caulking

CFL lamps

curtain pelmets

expanding filling foam

exterior acrylic sealant

exterior excluders, fitted with rubber seal

heat-shrink membrane for windows

interior excluders, fitted with bristles

quick-drying acrylic primer

self-adhesive draught-proofing products

tap washers
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VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency

water-efficient shower roses

internal window coverings

external window blinds

chimney balloons

in-home (electricity use) displays

standby power controllers.
Energy-efficient products and services include, depending on the scope of the particular retrofitting
initiative and legislative and regulatory requirements:

lighting:
o compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
o light-emitting diode (LED) lamps
o low-voltage halogen lamps
o other energy-saving lamps

sealing draught and air leakage points using:
o caulking
o covers for fans, evaporative air conditioners, wall vents and downlights
o draught seals and weather seals on doors and windows

chimney balloons

window coverings and treatments:
o curtain pelmets
o heat-shrink membrane
o outside awnings
o window blinds

basic plumbing tasks:
o changing tap washers
o identifying toilet leaks
o installing flush controllers and volume displacers
o minor tap repairs
o replacing shower roses

power:
o standby power controllers
o energy or power meters
o remote control power boards
o master slave power boards
o in-home displays.
The actual plumbing and electrical work a retrofitter can undertake is also determined by state and territory
legislation and regulations.
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VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Elements,
Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment section in
Section B of the accreditation submission.
Critical aspects for
assessment and evidence
required to demonstrate
competency in this unit
Context of and specific
resources for assessment
Method of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide
evidence of the ability to:

explain benefits of retrofitting to the householder

interpret and apply relevant information, standards and manufacturers’
instructions

comply with organisational legislative requirements for OHS

undertake a range of retrofitting tasks to improve energy and water
efficiency

complete required workplace documentation.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory and/or Australian standards
requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:

realistic or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task requirements

relevant organisational documentation

relevant Australian standards

materials, tools and equipment to undertake retrofitting tasks.
Evidence should be gained through a range of methods to ensure valid and
reliable assessment and consistency in performance.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process, where
appropriate, and could be from assessment of the unit alone, through an
integrated assessment activity or a combination of both. Evidence should
relate to several performances assessed on different occasions, reflecting the
scope of the job role.
Assessment methods may include more than one of the following:
 practical assessment

oral questioning

written test

work-based activities.
It is recommended that where possible, assessment should take place in a real
or simulated workplace.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant
authenticated documentation from third parties, such as supervisors, team
leaders or specialist training staff.
Assessment processes and techniques should, as far as is practical, take into
account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the participant in
relation to the competency being assessed.
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VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency
VU20781
Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes
for energy and water efficiency
Unit descriptor
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to minimise health
and safety risks to self, other people, property and the environment while
retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this
unit at the time of publication.
Employability skills
The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain
applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary
of the qualification in which this unit is included will assist in identifying
employability skill requirements.
Application of the unit
This unit of competency supports the attainment of the basic OHS knowledge
required prior to undertaking tasks related to the retrofitting of homes for
energy and water efficiency.
Element
Performance criteria
Elements describe the
essential outcomes of a
unit of competency.
Elements describe
actions or outcomes that
are demonstrable and
assessable.
Performance criteria indicate the standard of performance required to
demonstrate achievement of the element. Terms requiring explanation or
further definition should be bolded and italicised and detail provided in the
range statement.
1. Establish scope of
safety risks relevant to
required work tasks
1.1 OHS legislative requirements relevant to own work, role and
responsibilities are identified.
Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.
1.2 Duty of care requirements are identified with respect to safe completion
of the retrofitting.
1.3 Safety data sheets and organisational safe work method statements
relevant to the retrofitting are identified and referenced with respect to safe
completion of the retrofitting.
2. Plan for safe
retrofitting of homes for
energy and water
efficiency
2.1 Planned activity and any issues are discussed and confirmed with the
customer/resident/occupier.
2.2 Health and safety hazards associated with the retrofitting are identified
and assessed.
2.3 Hazardous materials are identified and the toxicity risk to the retrofitter
and residents assessed.
2.4 Tasks that must be undertaken by a qualified, registered and/or licensed
tradesperson or installer are identified.
3. Perform safe
retrofitting of homes for
energy and water
efficiency
3.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment is used when removing or
handling materials identified as hazardous.
3.2 Equipment used to complete the retrofitting is fit for purpose.
3.3 Tools, ladders and equipment are handled with respect to safe completion
of the retrofitting.
3.4 Tasks are terminated at any point that observed circumstances arise that
endanger the retrofitter and/or resident, and the resident is advised.
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VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency
4. Dispose of waste
materials in
environmentally safe
manner
4.1 Recyclable waste materials are identified and conveyed to a suitable site,
according to workplace requirements.
5. Evaluate the safe
operation of the retrofit
5.1 Safe completion of the retrofit is determined by testing replaced items and
recording the results of the test in the workplace documentation.
4.2 Replaced materials and technology are disposed of in accordance with
established environment and safety guidelines, and organisational
requirements.
5.2 Unexpected OHS hazards and events experienced during the retrofit are
identified, responded to and recorded in the workplace documentation.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
This describes the required level of essential skills and knowledge for this unit.
Required skills
Communication skills to:

report OHS hazards and events, according to organisational policies and procedures

ask questions to gain relevant information

relay information to other relevant people

discuss OHS issues and recommend a course of action

work and communicate with people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Interpersonal skills to:

promote effective communication and interaction with the householder

show the householder how the new equipment works (as appropriate).
Comprehension skills to:

read, interpret and understand safety data sheets (SDSs) and organisational safe work method statements
(SWMSs)

identify and explain hazards common to retrofitting

discuss the basic principles of controlling risks and identifying hazards

identify and explain safety signs and symbols.
Required knowledge

applicable Commonwealth, state or territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice,
industry standards, guidance notes, organisational requirements and energy efficiency scheme
requirements relevant to one's own work, role and responsibilities

the basic principles of risk management and risk assessment for retrofitting work

relevant safety data sheets (SDSs) for materials and products used in retrofitting and organisational safe
work method statements (SWMSs)

types, purposes and uses of personal protective equipment and clothing

safety information about using tools and equipment

procedures for responding to and reporting OHS hazards and events (including accidents, incidents,
emergencies, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences, as well as any other type of event that
requires a first aid response).
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VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency
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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any
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.
OHS legislative requirements include:

national safety standards and regulations

relevant OHS standards and guidelines

licences, tickets or certificates of competency.
Duty of care requirements relate to:

the legal responsibility under duty of care to do everything reasonably practical to protect others from
harm

one's own responsibilities to comply with safe work practices, including activities that require licences,
tickets, certificates of competency or other qualifications

relevant state OHS requirements, including those of employers, self-employed people, people in control
of a work site, construction supervisors, construction workers, subcontractors, inspectors designers,
manufacturers and suppliers.
Safety data sheets are documents that describe the chemical and physical properties of a material and
provide advice about safely storing, handling and using it. Suppliers of relevant products usually provide
safety data sheets.
Safe work method statements are documents that:

list the type of high-risk work being done

state the health and safety hazards and risks arising from that work

describe how the risks will be controlled

describe how the risk-control measures will be put in place.
Health and safety hazards may include:

the potential for conflict with the householder

any previous installation or damage that the retrofitter must address or work around

cramped spaces

electrical safety issues

falling objects

hazardous substances and dangerous goods

biological products

broken metal

glass

leaking containers

heat that could burn or scald

objects (such as knives, sharps and syringes) that could penetrate the skin

hot and cold working environments, and extremes of temperature

manual handling (including carrying, lifting, pulling and pushing)

noise
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VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency

plant and equipment

unplanned collapse

ultraviolet (UV) radiation

animals and pets

dust

uneven and/or slippery interior and exterior surfaces

removal of old technologies and working parts related to energy and water efficiency

two-meter height maximum for ladder work

infectious diseases

fumes and gases.
Hazardous materials may include:

electrical cabling

glass lamps and fluorescent tubes

corroded tap and shower rose fittings

roof, wall and floor insulation

degraded sealants

gas and/or toxic vapours emission.
Qualified, registered and/or licensed tradesperson or installer may include:

plumber

electrician

glazier

builder

carpenter

insulation installer.
Personal protective equipment may include:

eye protection

gloves

foot/shoe/boot covers

hearing protection

protective, well-fitting clothing

respiratory protection

safety footwear

UV-protective clothing and sunscreen.
Observed circumstances may include:

accidents resulting in personal injury or damage to property

electric shock

collapse of the floor, wall or ceiling of a residence being worked in

electrical short circuit, malfunction or explosion
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VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency

uncontrolled fire or escape of gas, toxic vapour, hazardous substance or steam

near misses or dangerous occurrences which do not cause injury but may pose an immediate and
significant risk to the retrofitter and/or residents

uncontrolled and dangerous family pets.
Recyclable waste materials may include:

glass

metal plumbing fittings

packaging for low-power lamps, shower roses and other retrofitting items

heat-shrink membrane

standard incandescent lamps.
Replaced materials and technology may include:

other environmentally hazardous substances

corroded and unusable plumbing parts

old draught and weather shields

sharps

broken compact fluorescent lamps

fluorescent tubes

metal lighting fittings, ballasts and transformers.
Workplace documentation may relate to:

the proposed scope of the retrofitting work

permission to proceed with the retrofitting work

the property owner’s consent

an OHS issues report

a retrofitting test operation checklist

a waste material disposal report

energy efficiency certification.
OHS hazards and events may include:

tool failure or breakage

electrical wiring damage

cramped space danger

ladder failure

two-meter height maximum for ladder work

hidden sharps

deteriorated pipe work

passive cigarette smoke inhalation

asbestos insulation products

hazardous substances and dangerous goods

unplanned collapse of the worksite
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VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency

anything or any situation with the potential to cause injury or harm (including as a consequence of the
behaviour of people or animals)

unavailability of appropriate tools and equipment

moving heavy objects

accidents, incidents, emergencies, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria,
Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment section in Section B of the accreditation
submission.
Critical aspects for
assessment and evidence
required to demonstrate
competency in this unit
Context of and specific
resources for assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must provide
evidence of personal awareness of and work responses to:
 applicable OHS legislative safety requirements for retrofitting
work, including duty of care

the approved scope of retrofitting work, with reference to tasks that
are specifically excluded

the range of common hazards and procedures for the assessment of
risk in retrofitting work

OHS communication processes, information and documentation
including the meaning of common safety signs and symbols, and
procedures for reporting hazards, incidents and injuries

general procedures for responding to incidents and emergencies
including evacuation, first aid, emergency personnel contact
numbers and personal protective equipment
Resources implications for assessment include:
 applicable Commonwealth, state or territory OHS legislation,
regulations, standards, codes of practice, industry standards,
guidance notes, organisational requirements and energy efficiency
scheme requirements relevant to the assessment

the range of tools and equipment relevant to retrofitting

safety data sheets for materials used in retrofitting

organisational safe work method statements where applicable.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment
modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment will include more than one of the following:
 practical assessment

oral questioning

written test

work-based activities

role play
It is recommended that, where possible, assessment should take place in
a real or simulated workplace.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant
authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing
supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
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VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy and water efficiency
Guidance information for
assessment (optional)
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector,
workplace and job role is recommended.
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Appendix 1: Course Modification
December 2011
Appendix 1
Details of course modification, December 2011
Rationale
Scheduled course monitoring and evaluation by the course owner, Sustainability Victoria, indicated that the
imported competency designed to address OHS issues in the retrofit of homes for water and energy
efficiency did not sufficiently address the context of the course.
Process
After consultation with VRQA course accreditation staff, Sustainability Victoria convened a steering
committee to guide and confirm the development of a new unit of competency specifically focusing on OHS
in the retrofit job role covered by the course.
The Industry Steering Committee met on two occasions:
Meeting 1:

Consider the need for a change of competency addressing OHS training

When the need for a new competency was confirmed, scope the competency that would deliver the
knowledge and skills required in the job role within the retrofit industry.
Meeting 2:

Confirm the new competency

Confirm minor change to VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water efficiency

Confirm the appendix to be added to the accreditation document
Industry Steering Committee
Chair:
Diane Nichols
Green Skills Training Specialist, Sustainability Victoria
Committee members:
Jude Leigh
Manager Training Services, Brotherhood of St Laurence
Jason Cox
Training Coordinator, Moreland Energy Foundation
James Clinch
Project Analyst VEET, Essential Services Commission
Michael Gooch
Project Manager, Low Energy Supplies and Services
David Walker
Group Leader Construction and Utilities Program, Worksafe Victoria
Liam O'Hearn
CFMEU Apprenticeship Officer, CFMEU
John McNally
Executive Officer, BICCIAB (Building Industry Consultative Council
Industry Advisory Board)
Steve Kostoff
Principal, Green Business Audit and Training
Anna Henderson
Executive Director, Business Skills Victoria
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Appendix 1: Course Modification
December 2011
Katrina Wolfe
Project officers
Anne Deschepper
Alvin Rendell
Manager Low Income Household Support Team, Sustainability Victoria
Chisholm Institute
Chisholm Institute
Decision
Although the imported competency provided a pathway into further study and employment opportunities, the
industry steering committee considered that the safety issues raised in the course evaluation report warranted
the development and accreditation of a new competency that specifically addressed the OHS training needed
by course graduates.
At the meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2011, the Industry Steering Committee approved the course
modification including:

a new competency: VU20781 Minimise health and safety risk when retrofitting homes for energy
and water efficiency replacing training package unit CPCCOHS1001A

a minor modification to competency VU20790 Undertake retrofitting to improve energy and water
efficiency appendix to accreditation submission outlining the course modification

adjustments to the accreditation submission to reflect the course modification, course structure,
licensing requirements, assessment strategy, assessor competencies, delivery modes, resources,
pathways and articulation
The project team then completed the course accreditation documents and notified VRQA of the course
modification.
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Appendix 2: Course Modification
January 2015
Appendix 2
Details of course modification January 2015
Course modification and evaluation application to the VRQA
The Course in Retrofitting Homes for Energy and Water Efficiency (the ‘course’) is owned by Sustainability
Victoria (SV) and is accredited until 31 December 2015.
The course is predominately in existence to train and assess individuals who provide on behalf of accredited
persons (either as employees or contractors) retrofitting services in homes which are scheduled activities
under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target scheme. The course is also a non-mandatory training option for
people training to be retrofitters under home energy efficiency schemes in South Australia, New South
Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
As part of its commitment to keep the course current, SV have conducted a thorough review of the course
and its associated learner and teacher guides. This review was foreshadowed in the request to the Victorian
Registration and Qualifications Authority to extend the course by a further 12 months (which was granted on
11 November 2014).
Consultation process
Evaluating the course has involved:

a review of the current registered training organisation's provision of learning and assessment, and of
their contract compliance with SV (report not released)

establishment of a course review Advisory Committee

interviews with RTOs and the Essential Services Commission.
The outcomes of the consultation process have been recorded in the minutes of meetings, the development of
a skills and knowledge profile, updated learner and trainer guides and recommended changes to the units of
competency. Attachment 1 are the proposed revised units. Attachment 2 is the schedule of changes to the
units and guides arising from the consultation process.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee met on three occasions during November / December 2014. Members of the
committee were:

Bruce Easton / Mal Boyd (ECOVantage)

Robert Broggian (Ashton College)

Lisa Cantore (Aster College)

Jane Clancy (Consultant)

Steve Kostoff (Green Business Audit and Training)

Bruce Page (Energy Makeover)

Maria Ponce (Essential Services Commission)

Inge Sarunic (Sustainability Victoria)

Ron Thiele (Consultant)

Rod Woolley (Essential Services Commission).
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Appendix 2: Course Modification
January 2015
The committee was mindful of the VRQA's requirements for course amendments, described in its
Amendments to a VET accredited course - categories of change, and sought to comply with the requirements
of that document.
A full course reaccreditation may commence in the first half of 2015, if the VEET scheme is to continue
beyond 31 December 2015.
Upon the VRQA’s approval of the course modification, SV will advise all RTOs of the updated units.
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