RIICRC306A
CONDUCT EARTHWORKS
LEARNER GUIDE
Module One – Plan And Prepare For Work
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Module One – Plan And Prepare For Work
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Review Log ..................................................................................................................................... 4!
Module Basis .................................................................................................................................. 4!
1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5!
1.2 Compliance Documentation ................................................................................................... 6!
1.2.1 Types Of Compliance Documentation ................................................................................................... 7!
1.2.1.1 Project Quality Requirements ........................................................................................................ 8!
1.2.2 Interpreting And Applying Information ................................................................................................. 10!
1.2.3 Workplace Communication ................................................................................................................. 11!
1.2.3.1 Civil Construction Terminology .................................................................................................... 13!
1.2.4 Organising Work Tasks ....................................................................................................................... 14!
1.2.4.1 Work recording techniques .......................................................................................................... 15!
1.3 Safety Requirements ............................................................................................................. 16!
1.3.1 Occupational Health & Safety/Work Health & Safety (OHS/WHS) Legislation ................................... 17!
1.3.1.1 Harmonisation Of Work Health & Safety Legislation ................................................................... 17!
1.3.1.2 Duty Of Care ................................................................................................................................ 19!
1.3.1.3 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) And Safe Handling Methods ............................................ 19!
1.3.2 Site And Equipment Safety Requirements .......................................................................................... 20!
1.3.2.1 Personal Protective Equipment ................................................................................................... 21!
1.3.2.2 Tools And Equipment .................................................................................................................. 22!
1.3.2.3 Safety Documentation ................................................................................................................. 23!
1.3.2.4 Safe Operating Procedures ......................................................................................................... 25!
1.3.2.5 Emergency Procedures ............................................................................................................... 26!
1.3.3 Risk Management ............................................................................................................................... 29!
1.3.3.1 Consultation And Communicating With Others ........................................................................... 30!
1.3.3.2 Risk/Hazard Identification ............................................................................................................ 30!
1.3.3.3 Risk/Hazard Assessment ............................................................................................................ 32!
1.3.3.4 Risk/Hazard Treatment ................................................................................................................ 33!
1.3.3.5 Monitoring And Review ................................................................................................................ 33!
1.3.3.6 Reporting And Record Keeping ................................................................................................... 34!
1.4 Traffic Signage Requirements .............................................................................................. 35!
1.4.1 Traffic/Vehicle Management And Site Isolation ................................................................................... 35!
1.4.1.1 Traffic Management Plan ............................................................................................................ 36!
1.4.1.2 Vehicle Management Plan ........................................................................................................... 37!
1.4.1.3 Site Isolation Plan ........................................................................................................................ 37!
1.4.2 Signs And Barricades .......................................................................................................................... 38!
1.4.3 Approval Of Traffic Management Plans .............................................................................................. 40!
1.4.4 Traffic Management Training .............................................................................................................. 41!
1.5 Environmental Protection Requirements ............................................................................ 42!
1.5.1 Environmental Management Plan ....................................................................................................... 43!
1.5.1.1 Waste/Clean-Up Management Plan ............................................................................................ 45!
1.5.1.2 Water Quality Protection Plan ..................................................................................................... 45!
Appendix 1A – Work Health & Safety Common Terms And Definitions ................................. 46!
Appendix 1B – Safe Work Method Statement ........................................................................... 47!
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Module One – Plan And Prepare For Work
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REVIEW LOG
Version Number
Date Updated
Details of Updates
Version 4H
Released
July, 2013
MODULE BASIS
This module is based on the unit of competency RIICRC306A Conduct Earthworks:
Element 1 – Plan and prepare
work.
1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity.
1.2. Obtain and confirm safety requirements from the site safety plan and organisational
policies and procedures, and apply to the allotted task.
1.3. Identify, obtain and implement signage requirements from the project traffic
management plan.
1.6. Identify environmental protection requirements from the project environmental
management plan, and confirm and apply to the allotted task.
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1.1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to this course, based on the unit of competency RIICRC306A: Conduct Earthworks.
The materials in this course cover conducting earthworks
in the civil construction industry. They include:
Planning and preparing your work.
Setting out sub-grades.
Forming earthworks.
Placing and compacting sub-grade replacement
materials.
Cleaning up the work area.
Civil construction earthworks could include:
Cutting and filling with existing material.
Forming of existing materials.
Replacement of unsuitable materials.
Stabilising of unsuitable materials.
Using geo-synthetic materials.
Work areas where earthworks are conducted may include:
Haul roads.
Formed/prepared roads.
Access roads.
Pads.
Dam walls.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between
states, territories and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the
unit.
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1.2 COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION
Documentation is essential to all aspects of every
worksite.
From safety plans and environmental protection
requirements through to workplace procedures and
policies, documentation exists that outlines what to do,
when to do it and how it is to be done.
Compliance documentation is the name given to the documents
that require you to undertake tasks in a particular way or to meet
a given standard.
Every worksite will have specific requirements, which will be
outlined during your initial induction.
Staff should be notified of any changes to compliance
documentation during toolbox meetings, staff newsletters or other
established forms of communication used on the site.
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1.2.1 TYPES OF COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION
Compliance documentation will detail every step in the
process of conducting earthworks. Some examples of
compliance documentation include:
Legislative and regulatory requirements, e.g.
Occupational Health & Safety/Work Health & Safety
(OHS/WHS) requirements, equal employment
opportunity, disability discrimination. These
requirements are standard across every industry
within all Australian states or territories.
Organisational policies and procedures, e.g.
Workplace relations, sick leave requirements. An
organisational policy or procedure is standard across
the entire organisation regardless of where you are
working.
Site-specific policies and procedures e.g.
emergency procedures, evacuation
procedures. These policies and procedures
have been developed to meet the specific
hazards, risks or environmental
considerations of the site you are working on.
Australian guidelines and specifications, e.g.
codes of practice such as WorkCover
document 2000 – Excavation work, or
WorkCover document Electrical Practices:
Construction and Demolition sites.
Australian Standards, e.g. AS3798-2007
Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and
residential developments.
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Manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications, e.g. prestart checklists, service requirements, plant and
equipment operation manuals.
Vehicle specifications, e.g. operating limitations and
capabilities, safe working limits.
Training records, e.g. your own training record or
licensing requirements.
Work instructions, such as work plans, procedures or job
specifications. Operational details and quality
requirements will also include work instructions and
directions.
1.2.1.1 PROJECT QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
All civil construction tasks and activities must meet project
quality requirements.
These are based on project plans and specifications as well
as client expectations.
Project quality requirements will detail exactly what you are
expected to achieve and the standards you are expected to
reach. They may include factors such as:
Dimensions and tolerances of tasks.
Material standards.
Work standards.
Documentation requirements.
Project specifications and drawings.
Client standards and expectations.
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Every task or activity relating to earthworks will also have
quality requirements relating to:
Drainage.
Compaction.
Levels.
Slope.
Shape.
It is essential that these quality requirements are known,
understood and adhered to in all activities and tasks, including
conducting earthworks.
To apply the requirements, you need to follow instructions and
procedures exactly.
If any adjustments need to be made to the stated requirements,
you must discuss them with both your supervisor and the project
design engineer.
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1.2.2 INTERPRETING AND APPLYING INFORMATION
Being able to access, interpret and apply the
requirements of the documents is part of any job on a
civil construction worksite.
During your site induction you will be told how to
access the documentation relevant to your site and
duties.
It is essential that you are able to read and accurately
interpret your workplace policies and procedures so
that you can work efficiently and safely, meeting
organisational and client expectations.
Take the time to read through all the relevant
documentation.
Make notes about any points you aren’t clear about and
then clarify them later.
Read or listen to all instructions and follow them
carefully. Check the wording of any labels, codes or
markings.
When interpreting documents it is vital that you understand the difference between words such as should,
consider and must.
If you have any difficulties interpreting and/or applying requirements or you don’t understand something,
speak to your supervisor or team leader. It is always better to ask than to go ahead and possibly disrupt
operations and/or cause a safety issue.
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1.2.3 WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
On all worksites, good communication is essential to ensure the safety
of personnel/workers and site visitors.
Effective communication means that everyone knows what they are
required to do, where and when they need to do it and how to do it
correctly and safely.
It also ensures that all personnel/workers are aware of any problems
or risks that may arise on the site and the control measures that apply.
Workplace communication may involve procedures such as:
Site meetings.
Toolbox meetings.
Team briefings.
Notice boards.
Policies, procedures and manuals.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).
The communications equipment you might need to
use could include:
Two-way radios.
Mobile phones.
Landline phones.
Computers (e.g. for email, internet,
intranet).
Fax machines.
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Signage, hand signals and other non-verbal
methods may also be used in some situations,
particularly noisy environments.
Always use all communications equipment
appropriately, following the required procedures and
protocols. These requirements will be found in the
site documentation and the operator’s manual for
each item.
Remember that for effective communication to take place,
both the speaker and listener need to be properly
engaged.
You need to make sure that the listener understands what
you mean and can make the appropriate response (e.g.
answer your question) or take the required action (follow
an instruction or direction).
Sometimes talking alone may not be enough to communicate your message clearly and you might come
across communication barriers in your workplace. These barriers could include:
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1.2.3.1 CIVIL CONSTRUCTION TERMINOLOGY
The civil construction industry has language standards
or terminology that can vary between states, locations
or worksites.
Individual tasks and activities on a worksite may have
a set of terms or phrases with specific meanings.
Tools and equipment may be known by various names
and jargon or local slang words could also be used
occasionally.
It is essential that you are familiar with the
terminology used on your site and for specific tasks.
If you aren’t sure about the meaning of a particular
term, phrase or word you should seek further
clarification at team meetings or speak directly with
your supervisor.
This is important when you are getting your work
instructions, carrying out tasks or operating in any
situation where communication is taking place.
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1.2.4 ORGANISING WORK TASKS
A crucial part of planning and preparing for your activities on the
site is to organise your work tasks.
You need to take responsibility for your own activities to make
sure that your assigned activities will be completed to the
required standard, in the documented manner and within
appropriate timeframes.
Your supervisor might provide you with a schedule for
you to follow. You may be required to organise your own
work tasks and schedule your daily and weekly activities.
If so you need to work out a logical sequence to ensure a
smooth transition between tasks.
You could try using a handwritten checklist or a
computerised diary entry to make sure your work is
carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with the
requirements of the worksite.
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1.2.4.1 WORK RECORDING TECHNIQUES
All work activities will need to be recorded in
accordance with site and organisational
requirements.
Most recording will be done using checklists,
drawings, specifications or short reports.
Checklists will be filled out as you complete your
tasks, to ensure compliance with the relevant quality
and safety requirements.
A short report could be paper-based or electronic and will be
similar to a checklist. Spaces will be available for you to add
your own information about your tasks and activities, if
necessary.
Task instructions may be recorded using a flowchart or
drawing to show the sequence.
Specifications are the documents that underpin all activities
you will carry out during earthworks.
The specifications will detail what, how and when tasks are to
be done and the training or certification that is required.
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1.3 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Every worksite must meet safety requirements for the
state or territory where the site is located. A worksite
could include any vertical or horizontal structure
intended for construction.
Some safety requirements are site-specific, i.e. they
may relate to factors specific to the worksite such as
weather, ground and environmental conditions. You
will be advised of these before you start work.
The requirements you need to obtain and confirm will
be outlined in the site safety plan and organisational
policies and procedures.
Some of these requirements could include:
Legislation and regulations, e.g. OHS/WHS,
environmental protection, material safety data
sheets.
Organisational requirements, e.g. policies and
procedures, SWMS/job safety analyses.
Site requirements, e.g. project plans, safety
plans, environmental management plans.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Tools, plant and equipment.
Safe Operating Procedures (SOP).
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1.3.1 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY/WORK HEALTH &
SAFETY (OHS/WHS) LEGISLATION
State or territory legislation and regulations include
OHS/WHS requirements that will affect the way all operations
are conducted on a worksite.
All requirements for site and equipment safety, including
confined space entry, excavation/trench work, materials
handling and all other work activities, are based on
OHS/WHS legislation.
The aim of the legislation is to ensure the safety of everyone
working on or visiting the site.
1.3.1.1 HARMONISATION OF WORK HEALTH & SAFETY LEGISLATION
In response to industry calls for greater national consistency, the
Commonwealth, states and territories have agreed to implement
nationally harmonised Work Health & Safety (WHS) legislation to
commence on 1 January 2012.
While not all states and territories have actually implemented the
model WHS legislation as of the start of 2012, it is important to
be aware of these changes, as all states and territories will
eventually implement them.
Harmonisation aims to develop consistent, reasonable and effective safety standards and protections for
all Australian workers through uniform WHS laws, regulations and codes of practice.
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Key Elements Of The Work Health & Safety Legislation
The following key elements of the WHS legislation will impact the way you do your job, and the
responsibilities of your workplace:
The legislation also outlines requirements for:
The reporting requirements for notifiable incidents.
Licences, permits and registrations (e.g. for
persons engaged in high risk work or users of
certain plant or substances).
Provision for worker consultation, participation and
representation at the workplace.
Provision for the resolution of health and safety
issues.
Protection against discrimination.
Many specific details relating to WHS will be negotiated within the
workplace in accordance with the legislation.
It is important that you speak with your Health and Safety
Representative or supervisor for more information on how these
elements will effect your day-to-day operations, or if you have any
concerns relating to health and safety.
A list of common WHS terms and their definitions can be found in
Appendix 1A.
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1.3.1.2 DUTY OF CARE
Everyone on a worksite has a legal responsibility under Duty of
Care to do everything reasonably practicable to protect others
from harm.
This is done by complying with safe work practices, including
activities that require licences, tickets or certificates of
competency or any other relevant state and territory OHS/WHS
requirements.
1.3.1.3 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) AND SAFE HANDLING METHODS
You will find further information that may relate to your work by checking Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) and applying materials handling methods. These will detail:
Any risks and hazards associated with handling
chemicals or other materials.
Any special procedures and safe handling
methods required.
Risk controls.
Emergency procedures.
Hazardous material containers will usually have a
placard or label attached showing the category of
material, codes for handling issues and a contact
number for expert advice.
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Safe material handling could also include lifting and
manual handling techniques such as:
Using team lifts of heavy objects.
Avoiding over-bending your back.
Using approved manual handling equipment
such as trolleys where they are available.
Bending with your knees not your back.
Safety plans and site-specific documentation may include all or some of the above information, but
normally you will find it in the project and work instructions.
1.3.2 SITE AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
All workers and visitors on a construction site must observe site and equipment safety requirements and
procedures. These are outlined in the site safety plan and generally follow OHS/WHS guidelines.
Site and equipment safety requirements and procedures cover such things as:
Anything that is faulty or looks like it could create a hazard must be reported at once to your supervisor,
team leader or OHS/WHS officer.
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1.3.2.1 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the equipment
you must wear or use to protect yourself. Every worksite
will have PPE requirements.
For construction worksites these pieces of equipment will
need to be worn from the time you enter the site, for
example, high-visibility clothing and steel-capped boots.
Other pieces of PPE may need to be worn only when
specific activities are undertaken. For example, hearing
protection need only be worn when conducting high noise
activities.
Signs are usually placed in the workplace to indicate
which specific item of PPE is needed.
Common PPE includes:
Clothing – high-visibility, protective, full body clothing,
safety vests.
Head– hard hats, sun hats.
Hearing– ear muffs, ear plugs.
Face– face shield, respiratory protection, dust mask.
Hands and eyes – gloves and goggles.
Safety harnesses, seat belts.
PPE must be maintained in good condition and replaced if
it becomes damaged or defective.
PPE is the last line of defence for protecting you from
workplace hazards and risks but will only be effective if it
is worn correctly and is adjusted to fit the individual.
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1.3.2.2 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
When working on a site, you will be using a variety of
equipment and tools. Knowing how to use these safely
is essential to keep you and those around you from
harm.
Read all documentation that applies to the tools and
equipment you are using.
Also make sure you are familiar with the common
problems associated with the equipment or tools and
the management of these problems.
Speaking with team members or team leaders who have used the equipment before will help you identify
any potential issues or problems. Use your PPE and the safety procedures for the site.
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1.3.2.3 SAFETY DOCUMENTATION
Common tasks and activities that relate to conducting earthworks will have predetermined safety
documents.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
SWMS, also known as a Safe Work Procedure (SWP) or
Job Safety Analysis (JSA), details how specific hazards
and risks, involved with conducting earthworks, will be
managed.
It is developed by the employer/PCBU for their
employees/workers or by a sub-contractor.
SWMS fulfil a number of objectives:
They outline a safe method of work for a specific job.
They provide an induction document that workers must
read and understand before starting the job.
They assist in meeting legal responsibilities for the risk
management process, hazard identification, risk
assessment and risk control.
They assist in effectively coordinating the work, the
materials required, the time required and the people
involved to achieve a safe and efficient outcome.
They are a quality assurance tool.
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To complete a SWMS:
It must also be available for inspection at any given time, and be reviewed each year and amended if
necessary. An example of an SWMS form can be found in Appendix 1B.
Reporting
Any safety issue that you identify will need to be reported in
accordance with the worksite plans and procedures.
This could include a written, computer-generated or verbal
report and may be given to a safety officer, your supervisor
or a member of the management team. Other reports may
include hazard identification logs and records.
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1.3.2.4 SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) sometimes also
known as standard operating procedures are written
documents that are used to prevent incidents occurring
when using machinery or equipment that has a risk or
hazard associated with it.
Safe Operating Procedures for some of the following potential hazards may include:
Hazards may include:
Site Traffic And Other Machine
Movement
Licensing, familiarisation, inductions, right of way rules.
Overhead Or Underground
Services
Dial before you dig’ or ‘Look up and live’.
Traffic Control And Restricted
Access Barriers
Stay within the bounds of the traffic and vehicle movement plans.
Working At Heights, In
Excavations/Trenches, Confined
Spaces, Or In Proximity To Others
Training, obtaining and abiding by permits, communication.
Damaged Or Defective Equipment
Tagging out, locking out, isolating equipment.
Worksite Personnel/Workers,
Visitors And The Public
Mandatory worksite inductions, barriers to isolation areas.
Environmental And Structural
Hazards
Environmental protection training, environmental isolations,
fencing, barriers.
Chemicals And Hazardous
Materials
Specialised training, keep away and keep others away, notify
environmental officer.
Weather Conditions
Not working in conditions above or below a set temperature,
shorter work periods, more work breaks.
Restricted Access Areas
Training required to enter the zone, PPE requirements, work
instructions, emergency procedures.
Often SOPs will contain a JSA, SWMS or MSDS as well.
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Safe Parking Practices
Part of the safety requirements and procedures that are
common on any worksite working with machinery is good
parking procedures. Commonly these procedures include:
Parking well clear of overhangs.
Keeping all access ways clear.
Parking well clear of refuelling locations and sites.
Parking away from excavations or other possible
environmental hazards.
Ensuring vehicles are parked and secured from
unauthorised access or movement.
1.3.2.5 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Emergency procedures relate to all activities on a worksite
and may include:
Emergency shutdown and stopping.
Extinguishing fires.
Organisational First Aid requirements.
Evacuation.
Emergency Shutdown Of Site Or Equipment
Use of emergency shutdown equipment on machinery
and site emergency shutdown must be done in
accordance with worksite requirements.
This could need to be done in the case of fire,
investigation, accident and incident.
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Use Of Fire Extinguishers
Fire-fighting equipment on site could range from small
hand held extinguishers through to large water
cannons.
While water cannons are commonly used for dust
suppression, they can be turned into a fire-fighting unit
if necessary.
If a fire starts on site it is essential for the correct type
of extinguisher to be used for the type of fire.
Steps before using a fire extinguisher:
Call emergency services or other designated on-site
procedure.
Evacuate the area.
Isolate the area.
If it is safe to use an extinguisher to attempt to
control the fire, use the PASS system:
Pull the pin.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the trigger.
Sweep the base of the fire.
Notify your site emergency management team as
soon as possible after a fire has been identified
and call the fire brigade on 000.
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First Aid
First Aid is the initial care given to an injured or ill person. Every site will have a first aid officer but you
need to be ready to undertake basic first aid treatment until help arrives.
Depending on the situation you may need to:
Suppress bleeding – press on the bleeding area with a
cloth and apply pressure.
Monitor an unconscious person – keep them safe, watch
for breathing, move them onto their side if you know
how to.
Treat heat stress – move person into the shade and give
small sips of fluid.
Assist a person with a broken bone – keep the person
calm until help arrives.
First aid is an important life skill. Undertaking a full first aid course
is highly recommended.
Evacuation
This involves the removal of at risk personnel/workers
from a dangerous area. Things to remember:
Keep calm.
Move away from the danger to a designated
evacuation point.
Do not allow bystanders entry to the area.
Call for emergency services.
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1.3.3 RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management is the process of reducing or managing the risks when working with a hazard or in a
hazardous situation and should take into consideration the context of the organisation and worksite.
Risk management must be conducted in accordance with:
Legislative, organisation and site
requirements/procedures.
Australian Standards (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009).
Codes of Practice.
Employment and workplace relations legislation.
Equal employment opportunity and disability
legislation.
Risk management is made up of the following stages:
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1.3.3.1 CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATING WITH OTHERS
This should be planned for and carried out at every stage of the
risk management process.
Identifying risks and hazards and coming up with ways of
controlling them includes talking to the people with knowledge of
the situation, or who are directly affected by any action you may
take.
Controlling a hazard can be a team effort and it’s important that
everybody knows what they need to do and how/if they need to
change their work process to suit.
1.3.3.2 RISK/HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Hazards create risk. Check for hazards. A RISK is the
chance of a hazard hurting you or somebody else or
causing some damage.
A HAZARD is the thing or situation that causes injury,
harm or damage.
If you can remove or at least control a HAZARD you can
reduce the RISK involved.
Each worksite has its own specific risks and hazards. A site
induction needs to inform you of any hazards which exist on
site.
Some of these hazards can be removed through staff training,
better equipment and safe work methods. Talk to the
OHS/WHS officer for more information.
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Hazards that could be found on a worksite may include:
Worksite hazards include:
Overhead structures and services.
Installed services – underground or above-ground power lines, telephone lines, gas pipes, cables.
People – site personnel/workers, non-inducted personnel/workers, site visitors, others authorised or
unauthorised.
Structural hazards – fences, facilities, buildings, other structures or obstructions, poles, traffic areas, work
zones, out of area zones, access points bridges, through traffic bridges, buildings.
Weather conditions – storms, heat, floods, fires, gas leaks, humidity.
Hazardous materials and substances.
Working at heights or in confined spaces.
Traffic conditions.
Damaged or defective equipment – could include pressurised hoses and fastenings, non-pressurised
hoses, ancillary machinery equipment, vandalised equipment.
Equipment in use or unattended – vehicles, conveyors, fixed plant, overhead structures and services,
abandoned equipment.
Chemical hazards – fuel, chemicals, contaminants, gases, dusts, hazardous substances or materials.
Environmental hazards – adjoining walls, structures, unstable or uneven terrain, holes and pot holes,
excavations, trenches both open and recently filled, cuttings, embankments, over-hanging rocks, trees,
dust and noise, unstable faces or areas.
Manual handling issues.
Material hazards – dangerous materials or other material hazards could include the danger from the
hazard but also the manual handling issues around materials.
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1.3.3.3 RISK/HAZARD ASSESSMENT
A risk assessment involves completing a risk analysis and a risk evaluation. By assessing the likelihood
and consequence of the risk, you are able to understand the situation better and respond in an appropriate
way.
Assessing the risk/hazard involves two stages:
(i) Risk/Hazard Analysis
Risk analysis is used to determine the seriousness of a
hazard based on how likely it is to happen and the
consequences if it does happen. The risk level of each
identified hazard should be worked out.
(ii) Risk/Hazard Evaluation
Risk evaluation is based upon the outcomes and results
of the risk analysis.
Risk evaluation involves making decisions about which risks
need to be treated and the order in which they should be treated.
Your evaluation should be used to determine how soon you
should act to remove or control the hazard to achieve an
acceptable level of risk.
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1.3.3.4 RISK/HAZARD TREATMENT
Once risks have been identified, analysed and evaluated, risk treatment options need to be considered and
applied.
Risk treatment involves selecting one or more options to modify a risk and then implementing the selected
option/s.
1.3.3.5 MONITORING AND REVIEW
Monitoring and review are an important part of the risk
management process and should be planned for at every
stage.
Monitoring and review involves regular surveillance and
checking and responsibilities concerning it should be clearly
defined.
It is important that monitoring and review results are
recorded and reported according to organisational policies
and procedures.
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1.3.3.6 REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING
Make sure you record any action you’ve taken and talk to your
supervisor and OHS officer about the control strategies in place.
Reports and records could include:
Risk Assessment Reports.
Incident Reports.
Job Safety Analysis.
SWMS.
Keeping records is important as they can help ensure that
any risk management activities are traceable. Records also
provide a basis for improving methods and tools in the risk
management process, as well as improving the overall
process.
It is very important that you obtain and confirm all safety
requirements before starting to conduct earthworks or any
other activity.
To confirm the requirements you will need to ask any
questions you may have and listen to the answers. Applying
them means undertaking all tasks in the required manner.
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1.4 TRAFFIC SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS
On worksites it is often necessary to control the movement of traffic and people around and through the
site.
1.4.1 TRAFFIC/VEHICLE MANAGEMENT AND SITE ISOLATION
To control traffic, vehicles and pedestrians, there are
3 different types of traffic management plans:
Traffic management plans.
Vehicle management plans.
Site Isolation plans.
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1.4.1.1 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN
The traffic management plan deals with traffic moving through the site, including traffic on public roads and
members of the public.
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1.4.1.2 VEHICLE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The vehicle management plan deals with on-site vehicle
movements, haul circuits and dump runs, and material routes.
Under this plan, larger vehicles will have right of way unless site
plans say otherwise.
Road rules still apply and directional signs need to be obeyed.
1.4.1.3 SITE ISOLATION PLAN
The site isolation plan outlines are how the site will
be isolated from the general public.
It could detail barricades and fences but also how
specific areas of the site will be isolated to keep the
construction crews safe from traffic such as moving
machinery (generally through the use of concrete
barriers) and other hazards, e.g. excavations and
trenches.
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1.4.2 SIGNS AND BARRICADES
Signs and barricades are used in a variety of traffic conditions to ensure the safety of personnel/workers
who are working close by.
Traffic conditions could include:
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These plans are used to isolate construction traffic from pedestrians and other vehicles for safety reasons.
Some sites will have areas for heavy vehicles only, to keep other site vehicles from zones.
This can be done through the use of traffic management
signs and devices such as:
Escort vehicle or other vehicle-mounted signs,
signals and directions.
Traffic conditions signs.
Traffic and regulatory cones.
Highway traffic signs.
Hazard markers, flashing lights.
Guide and warning signs.
Arrow boards, message boards.
Changed traffic conditions signs.
Barricades, bollards and barrier boards.
Portable traffic lights and signals.
Site safety signage.
In the traffic or vehicle management plan, the type of
signs and the distances between them will be listed.
These distances must be maintained unless you
receive approval to vary the traffic management plan.
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1.4.3 APPROVAL OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLANS
Traffic management plans may need to be approved by the road
management authority (e.g. RTA) or local council in your state or
district.
Most large worksites will have a traffic management engineer
who you should speak with if you believe the traffic signage or
placements don’t suit the work or environmental conditions.
The engineer will then be able to assess the requirements in the
field and determine a course of action.
If the site is too small for a dedicated traffic engineer, you should consult with your supervisor, the project
manager/engineer or another authorised person about any issues or concerns with the traffic management
plans.
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1.4.4 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TRAINING
In most states of Australia traffic management, including
the erection of signs, is covered under specialised traffic
control training.
If you are undertaking traffic management activities such as
erecting signs, you need to have the appropriate training
and certification.
Certification can be obtained through a Roads and Traffic
Authority-approved training organisation.
Your WorkCover or RTA office will be able to advise if you
need this specialised training and who you can get the
training from.
Signage not related to traffic, such as safety signs, will
need to be applied as required by legislation and
regulations.
These requirements will be outlined in the task or site
specifications and documentation.
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1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
REQUIREMENTS
All organisations play an important role in environmental
practices, however the legislation that affects them directly
differs depending on the activities they undertake.
Federal, state and local governments jointly administer the
environmental protection legislation in Australia through bilateral
agreements.
At the federal level, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 covers the assessment and approval
processes of national environmental and cultural concerns.
The Act is administered by the Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities. The
Department also administers other Acts relating to the sea,
importing, heritage issues, hazardous wastes and fuels.
Environmental protection requirements are part of every
worksite. Under the environmental management plan your
responsibilities may include:
Identify the environmental management plans,
requirements and constraints.
Confirm any aspect of the environmental management
plan you are unsure of.
Apply the project environmental protection
requirements to all the tasks you do on the site.
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Environmental protection plans can include requirements for:
Waste/clean-up management.
An organisational or project environmental
management plan.
Noise and vibration management.
Dust management.
Water quality protection.
1.5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
This is the overarching plan that outlines the main
environmental achievement goals of the
organisation and how these goals will be
achieved. It may detail items such as:
Levels of acceptable noise, vibration
amounts and dust control measures.
Special protection areas.
Work footprint.
Boundaries of work activities.
Minimising chemical use near waterways.
Waste/clean-up management requirements.
Negating soil runoff through the use of
appropriate sediment control techniques.
Maintaining safe working distances from
waterways.
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Some common aspects within the overall plan may
include:
Dust monitoring and dust suppression
measures to be put in place, i.e. water carts.
Stability or structural reports on buildings in
the area to monitor vibration results.
Noise management requiring hearing
protection, or strict work times, e.g. no work
before 7am or after 6pm.
The site requirements and constraints will be clearly and completely outlined in this plan and must be
followed exactly.
Requirements are the things that must be done. Constraints are things that either must not be done or
must be done is a particular way.
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1.5.1.1 WASTE/CLEAN-UP MANAGEMENT PLAN
The waste/clean-up management plan outlines how
the waste materials and rubbish from the site will be
disposed of.
It also provides guidelines for recycling from the site
and the re-use of waste materials.
This plan may have sub-plans for hazardous wastes,
chemical wastes and other classes of waste as
appropriate for the worksite you are working on.
1.5.1.2 WATER QUALITY PROTECTION PLAN
This plan provides the steps that will be used to protect
the water in adjacent areas. It will detail items like silt
fences, diversion drains and sediment ponds.
This plan can have a sub-plan for any wetlands or lowlying areas if these will impact on the work zone.
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APPENDIX 1A – WORK HEALTH & SAFETY
COMMON TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Person
Conducting a
Business or
Undertaking
(PCBU)
A ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU) replaces the term ‘employer’. A
PCBU includes all employers, sole traders, principal contractors, unincorporated
associations, partnerships and franchisees. Volunteer organisations that also employ
people will be PCBUs.
A PCBU’s primary duty of care is to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the
workplace, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Officers
An ‘Officer’ is a person who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect the
whole or a substantial part of a corporation. This includes Health and Safety
Representatives (HSR).
Workers
‘Worker’ replaces the term ‘employee’. It is defined broadly to mean a person who carries
out work in any capacity for a PCBU.
A ‘worker’ covers employees, contractors, sub-contractors (and their employees), labour
hire employees, outworkers, apprentices, trainees, work experience students and
volunteers.
Reasonably
Practicable
Reasonably Practicable is defined as action that is, or was at a particular time,
reasonably able to be done to help ensure health and safety based on the following
factors:
a) Chances of the hazard or risk occurring (likelihood).
b) The degree of harm (consequence).
c) The knowledge of persons involved in the situation relating to the hazard or risk
and methods of eliminating or controlling it.
d) The availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or control the hazard or risk.
e) The costs involved in taking action to eliminate or control the hazard or risk
including consideration of whether the cost involved is inconsistent to the level of
risk.
Due
Diligence
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act 2011) imposes a specific duty on
officers of corporations to exercise due diligence to ensure that the corporation meets its
work health and safety obligations. In short, they have a responsibility to ensure that the
PCBU is doing everything it should to ensure health and safety.
The duty requires officers to be proactive in ensuring that the corporation complies with
its duty.
Due diligence may be demonstrated through the following courses of action:
1. Acquiring knowledge of health and safety issues.
2. Understanding operations and associated hazards and risks.
3. Ensuring that appropriate resources and processes are used to eliminate or
minimise risks to health and safety.
4. Implementing processes for receiving and responding to information about
incidents, hazards and risks.
5. Establishing and maintaining compliance processes.
6. Verifying the provision and use of the resources mentioned in 1-5.
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APPENDIX 1B – SAFE WORK METHOD
STATEMENT
SWMS Name:
SWMS Created By:
SWMS Summary:
Date of Creation:
Last Reviewed Date:
Company/Contractor Details:
Project Details:
Name:
Client:
ABN:
Contact Name:
Address:
Site Address:
Contact Number:
Contact Number:
Email:
Start Date:
How to complete this SWMS:
1. CONSULT: Consult with all persons who will be involved in the completion of the work.
2. LIST: List each of the steps in the task work being done.
3. IDENTIFY: Describe the health and safety hazards and risks arising from each step in the work.
4. RISK ASSESSMENT: Review the level of risk associated with each hazard listed.
5. CONTROL: Describe how the risks will be controlled, and describe what hazard control measures will
be put in place.
6. RESPONSIBILITY: Allocate a person to be responsible for the hazard control measure.
7. REVIEW: Review the effectiveness of the control measures and apply further hazard control
measures as required.
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Training/Qualifications Required To Carry Out
Work:
PPE Required To Carry Out Work:
Are All Workers Adequately Trained And Qualified?
Yes / No
Legislation, Australian Standards & Codes Of
Practice Relevant To Work (Where Applicable):
Equipment Required To Carry Out Work:
Environmental Statement:
Safety Checks Required Prior To Commencement
Of Work:
Coordination With Other Trades:
Permits Required For Commencement Of Work:
Have These Permits Been Acquired?
Yes / No
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Risk Analysis Matrix
Use this table to determine the level of risk associated with an identified hazard.
CONSEQUENCE
LIKELIHOOD
Almost Certain
Likely
Possible
Unlikely
Rare
RISK LEVEL
VERY HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
LOW
Insignificant
Minor
First Aid
Required
Moderate
Medical
Attention and
Time Off Work
Major
Long Term
Illness or
Serious Injury
Severe
Kill or Cause
Permanent
Disability or
Illness
M
M
L
L
L
H
M
M
L
L
H
H
H
M
M
VH
H
H
M
M
VH
VH
VH
H
M
ACTION
Act immediately:
The proposed task or process activity must not proceed. Steps must be taken to lower
the risk level to as low as reasonably practicable using the hierarchy of risk controls.
Act today:
The proposed activity can only proceed, provided that:
1. The risk level has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable using
the hierarchy of risk controls.
2. The risk controls must include those identified in legislation, Australian
Standards, Codes of Practice etc.
3. The risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by the Supervisor.
4. A Safe Working Procedure or Safe Work Method has been prepared.
5. The supervisor must review and document the effectiveness of the
implemented risk controls.
Act this week:
The proposed task or process can proceed, provided that:
1. The risk level has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable using
the hierarchy of risk controls.
2. The risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by the Supervisor.
3. A Safe Working Procedure or Safe Work Method has been prepared.
Act this month:
Managed by local documented routine procedures, which must include application of
the hierarchy of controls.
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Safe Work Method Statement
Work Step
Associated/Identified
Hazards
Work your way through each step
in the work process, giving a brief
description of what is required at
each stage.
What hazards can be identified for
this step?
Risk
Level
(L, M,
H, VH)
What is
the risk
level?
Hazard Controls
Revised
Risk
Level
(L, M, H,
VH)
Person
Responsible
What hazards controls will be put
into place to deal with the identified
hazards for this step?
Has the
risk been
reduced?
Who is responsible
for carrying out the
work and maintaining
the hazard controls?
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Work Step
Associated/Identified
Hazards
Risk
Level
(L, M,
H, VH)
Hazard Controls
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Revised
Risk
Level
(L, M, H,
VH)
Person
Responsible
Personnel/Worker Signoff
All personnel/workers required to carry out this task need to be listed below.
By signing this SWMS, each person declares that they have carefully read the SWMS and that they
understand their responsibilities and requirements to complete the work.
Name (please print)
Position / Qualification
Signature
Date
Senior Management Signoff
Does this SWMS meet the necessary safety requirements?
Does this SWMS require review?
Yes / No
Yes / No
Review Date:
Additional Comments:
Name:
Position:
Signature:
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Date:
RIICRC306A
CONDUCT EARTHWORKS
LEARNER GUIDE
Module Three – Set Out Sub-Grade, Form Earthworks And
Clean Up
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RIICRC306A – CONDUCT EARTHWORKS
Module Three – Set Out Sub-Grade, Form Earthworks And Clean Up
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Review Log ..................................................................................................................................... 4!
Module Basis .................................................................................................................................. 4!
3.1 Set Out The Job And Establish Profiles ................................................................................ 5!
3.1.1 Earthworks Construction Preparation .................................................................................................... 6!
3.1.2 Setting Out Job Sites ............................................................................................................................. 7!
3.1.3 Establishing Profiles .............................................................................................................................. 9!
3.1.4 Communicating With Plant Operators ................................................................................................. 10!
3.2 Assess And Monitor Earthworks .......................................................................................... 12!
3.2.1 Assess Earthworks .............................................................................................................................. 12!
3.2.2 Monitor Earthworks ............................................................................................................................. 13!
3.2.3 Monitor Material Stabilisation .............................................................................................................. 14!
3.3 Use Of Geo-Synthetic Materials ........................................................................................... 15!
3.3.1 Surface Protrusions ............................................................................................................................. 16!
3.3.2 Placing Geo-Synthetic Materials ......................................................................................................... 17!
3.4 Place And Compact Sub-Grade Replacement Materials .................................................... 18!
3.4.1 Unsuitable Materials ............................................................................................................................ 19!
3.4.2 Placing Materials ................................................................................................................................. 20!
3.4.3 Informing Roller Operators .................................................................................................................. 21!
3.4.4 Assess The Compaction Process ....................................................................................................... 23!
3.5 Clear Work ARea And Store Materials And Equipment ..................................................... 24!
3.5.1 Clearing The Work Area ...................................................................................................................... 25!
3.5.1.1 Disposal Or Recycling Of Materials ............................................................................................. 26!
3.5.2 Cleaning And Storing Plant, Tools And Equipment ............................................................................. 27!
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REVIEW LOG
Version Number
Date Updated
Details of Updates
Version 4H
Released
July, 2013
MODULE BASIS
This module is based on the unit of competency RIICRC306A Conduct Earthworks:
Element 2 – Set out sub-grade.
Element 3– Form earthworks.
Element 4– Place and compact
sub-grade replacement
materials.
Element 5– Clean up
2.1. Set out job to plan from survey controls.
2.2. Establish profiles to line and level.
3.1. Inform plant operators of job requirements.
3.2. Assess earthworks to ensure that the specified height is achieved, with allowances
for the pavement courses and the overall dimensions.
3.3. Monitor uniform layer thickness and moisture content to ensure consistency with
specifications.
3.4. Monitor stabilisation of existing material.
3.5. Remove surface area protrusions to prevent damage to geo-synthetic material.
3.6. Place geo-synthetic material to manufacturer's specifications.
4.1. Identify, remove and store unsuitable material separately.
4.2. Place imported replacement/stabilised material as specified.
4.3. Inform roller operators of the required number of passes.
4.4. Assess compaction process to ensure nominated number of passes are made to
achieve uniform compaction across the subgrade.
5.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project
environmental management plan.
5.2. Clean, check, maintain and store plant, tools and equipment.
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3.1 SET OUT THE JOB AND ESTABLISH PROFILES
Setting out is normally done by surveyors with assistance from staff on the site. When setting out the area,
you must ensure you are working with the correct plans and specification details.
When establishing the profile you will be working with the survey benchmarks.
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3.1.1 EARTHWORKS CONSTRUCTION PREPARATION
When preparing for earthworks you need to be aware of your organisational procedures and relevant plans
and specifications.
Common specifications could include:
Layer Thicknesses
Normally a layer will be between 300-500mm.
Layer Quality
Quality may increases with each layer. It is not uncommon for layers that are close
to the surface to have higher compaction requirements and different materials.
Height Of Layers
Layers must meet the specification outlined in the plans. You may need to fit
additional layers of material on top of those already completed and these additions
must fit within the total specified height.
Material Sizing
This will be outlined in the specifications. If you have rock in a level or layer it
normally will not exceed 2/3 of the height of the layer. For example if the layer
height is 300mm no more than 200mm can be rock materials.
Joining The Layers
Needs to be done carefully to avoid lamination, also called slipping or riding. To
join the layers correctly you will need to scarify or tyne the existing layer before
placing the next layer. As the new layer is compacted, the two layers will mesh
correctly. Scarifying depth will vary depending on materials and will be stated in
the specification or site plans.
Cut Processes
Where materials are sourced from different areas of the job and then removed
either for later use or removed as excess.
Fill Processes
Where materials are placed to form the layers for a task.
Bridging Layers
Used where a solid foundation cannot be obtained for any reason. Often a
bridging layer will be built using rock and geo-fabrics to allow for drainage. Other
layers can then be constructed on top of the bridging layer.
The 2 biggest factors to keep in mind when conducting
earthworks construction and sub-grade preparation are:
1. Without a solid foundation upper layers will be
unstable and cause failures. Taking the time with
the foundation helps make the upper layers
smoother and more easily constructed.
2. Treatment of different soils will be outlined in the
plans and specifications. This will account for the
differences in the materials across the site.
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3.1.2 SETTING OUT JOB SITES
Each job site will have a variety of conditions which need
to be met and areas that will need to be established.
These areas will be detailed in the site plans and task
specifications. When reading and interpreting the plans
you must be as accurate as possible.
Any mistake when reading or interpreting the plans could
have significant impacts on the job as a whole.
Tips for reading and interpreting the plans include:
Orient any maps and drawings to the area you are
working in.
Plans can include scientific and technical
information. If you are unsure of the terms used or
the meanings of the readings discussed, ask for
assistance.
Specifications will detail every aspect of the
finished product. Always check your team can
achieve the required results with the available
materials before starting activities.
Practice reading plans. With constant practice
reading the types of plans common on the site,
you will improve your abilities.
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Whenever you are in doubt about how to read or
interpret plans, ask a supervisor for assistance.
Once you have read the plans and specifications and
have identified what you need to do and where you
need to do it, you will need to set out the areas for
earthworks.
Setting out plans will include the limits of the clearing
to be done and establishing the work area footprint.
This area will need to be marked in accordance with
your organisational procedures.
Each set out plan will also give details of the distance from
planned or proposed features such as culverts or environmental
features.
These distances can help ground your boundaries of work areas.
Other distances may be given from a proposed centre line of the
work area.
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3.1.3 ESTABLISHING PROFILES
Once you have set out the area, you will need to determine the
profiles to be achieved.
You will need to refer to the plans and specifications for the task.
These profiles help you ensure a consistent level is achieved.
When you are establishing profiles, you will use pegs to define
the areas to be worked.
These pegs will be applied in accordance with site requirements
and will show either the limits of the working area and or the level
to be achieved.
Often profile markers will be used to indicate cut and fill locations
on the site. They may also indicate any changes in the work
surface.
You should regularly check your plans, specifications and cross sections to ensure correct formations are
being achieved. This could include:
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Often when establishing profiles to line and level, you will
need to have an understanding of the levelling equipment
used on your site. These could include:
Laser levels.
Dumpy level (theodolite).
Straight edge.
Measuring tapes and wheels.
String lines.
GPS equipment if available and appropriate for
the task you are completing.
If you are unfamiliar with any of these items, speak with a supervisor for instruction in how to use them.
3.1.4 COMMUNICATING WITH PLANT OPERATORS
A clear communication process or system is important.
Using good communication means that all members of
the team understand what is happening and know what
is expected of them.
If you are unclear on any instructions, ask questions and
talk to your supervisor to get clarification of your job
requirements.
Communication with operators may take place in a number of ways, including:
Site meetings.
Toolbox meetings.
Team briefings.
Notice boards.
Policies, procedures and manuals.
Safe Work Method Statements.
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The communications equipment you might need to use could
include:
Two-way radios.
Mobile phones.
Landline phones.
Computers (e.g. for email, internet, intranet).
Fax machines.
Signage, hand signals and other non-verbal methods may also
be used in some situations, particularly noisy environments.
Before commencing earthworks operations, it will be necessary
for you to confirm which signals that may be used.
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3.2 ASSESS AND MONITOR EARTHWORKS
During the earthworks construction process, you will
need to constantly assess and monitor work to ensure
the specifications and requirements are being met.
3.2.1 ASSESS EARTHWORKS
When assessing earthworks you are looking at the
following elements:
Ensuring the specified height is achieved.
Allowances for pavement courses are
achieved.
Overall dimensions meet the specifications.
Other site specific requirements are met.
Assessment may be done visually or through telemetric readings. Assessments may be conducted by,
people on site, lab technicians or surveyors, depending on the site requirements.
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3.2.2 MONITOR EARTHWORKS
While conducting earthworks you need to be constantly
monitoring actions and activities to ensure consistency of
the overall product and compliance to project
specifications.
Areas to be monitored include:
Layer thickness. This is achieved by careful
monitoring of spreading activities. Always
ensure you are spreading materials evenly
without dips and hollows.
Uniformity of product. Earthworks are
normally required to be carried out to a
consistent standard, as outlined in the project
specifications. When blending materials
always ensure the end product is as even as
possible.
Moisture content. Moisture must be monitored
so that there is no excess water or dry patches
and clods. Excess moisture results in a slurry or
muddy mix, whereas too little moisture causes
separation and dust. Without even moisture
throughout the layer, compaction is difficult to
achieve.
The monitoring of these elements may be a combination
of visual checking and laboratory testing. Any areas that
do not meet specification for thickness, moisture or
uniformity will need to be reworked prior to laboratory
testing.
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3.2.3 MONITOR MATERIAL STABILISATION
Material stabilisation in important to ensure the workability of the
soils and the longevity of the project.
Without stabilisation, soils may not hold for as long as
necessary or may be unworkable.
It is important to make sure you follow the project specification
when stabilising materials, as incorrect stabilisation could result
in the materials becoming unworkable.
When monitoring the stabilising activities, you are looking to
ensure the materials don’t reach the ‘tipping point’.
The tipping point is the point where the materials become
unworkable due to too much or too little of an agent being
added.
Each project will have detailed specifications which outline the
exact requirements for stabilisation. Always be aware of these
requirements and monitor appropriately.
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3.3 USE OF GEO-SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
Geo-synthetic materials can be used for a number of tasks on an earthworks project. However, before they
can be utilised, the site must be cleared and prepared, so that the geo-synthetic materials are not
damaged.
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3.3.1 SURFACE PROTRUSIONS
Surface protrusions will need to be removed to prevent damage to the
geo-synthetic materials.
Common protrusions that may need to be removed could include:
Rocks.
Dirt clods.
Tree roots.
Other sharp objects.
Always ensure you are following your site procedures and safety
requirements for removing surface area protrusions.
The project specifications will specify the size and grading of
materials that need to be removed prior to placing any geosynthetic materials.
Always check the manufacturer's directions to ensure you don’t
void the warranty.
When geo-synthetic materials are applied to drainage areas, large rocks or gravel may be applied either
under or over the fabric to allow for good drainage. Your project specifications will specify if this needs to
happen.
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3.3.2 PLACING GEO-SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
Once you have made sure there are no surface
protrusions the geo-synthetic materials can be placed.
Geo-synthetic materials will need to be utilised in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and
directions.
Failure to follow these could result in voiding the
warranty or damaging the product. Depending upon
the size of the geo-synthetic materials it may be placed
manually or mechanically.
Larger rolls of geo-synthetic materials are often placed
using telehandlers and other mechanical devices.
When storing geo-synthetic materials ensure the material is
left in the protective plastic until it is needed.
This plastic cover has been treated to be UV protected.
Materials that have been improperly stored may have
already begun to degrade and may become unusable.
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3.4 PLACE AND COMPACT SUB-GRADE
REPLACEMENT MATERIALS
Once the sub-grade has been prepared, unsuitable materials need to be removed and replaced with more
appropriate materials. Compaction can then take place.
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3.4.1 UNSUITABLE MATERIALS
Unsuitable materials are materials that cannot be
reused within the site. Materials that are too wet to
work with immediately, but which may be dried and
used later are not considered to be unsuitable.
Unsuitable materials need to be identified early in the
process. This then allows adequate amounts of
replacement materials to be calculated and sourced.
It is also important to identify unsuitable materials so
that foundations and sub-grade bases can be
constructed with more appropriate materials.
What is considered an unsuitable material varies
depending upon the tasks and activities being
completed.
The specifications for each task will list the required
materials and anything outside of this list could be
considered unsuitable.
Once the materials have been identified, removed
and measured for replacements, you will need to
store any unsuitable materials.
The site environmental management plan will define how
unsuitable materials are to be stored.
Materials may be stockpiled for later use on other jobs, or
disposed of appropriately.
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3.4.2 PLACING MATERIALS
Once you have removed the unsuitable materials, you
will need to import materials to replace them. These
replacement materials must meet the job specification
and may have already been stabilised.
Materials will normally be placed strategically at multiple
points in the area and then worked using earthmoving
plant and equipment such as graders, dozers or
excavators.
The materials will then be worked to the appropriate
thickness.
Once the materials are in place, they will need to
be incorporated into the local materials to ensure
a uniform product, with the correct compaction
and moisture.
Imported materials that aren’t worked into the
local materials will sit on top of or alongside the
local materials and could result in deformities or
failures of the sub-grade.
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3.4.3 INFORMING ROLLER OPERATORS
Once materials are in place and ready for compaction,
most sites will conduct a trial section.
This trial section is used to determine the number of
passes required to achieve the specified compaction.
Once this has been determined, you will need to inform
the roller operators of the outcomes, making sure they
understand the required number of passes.
The number of passes required could change if there are:
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When discussing with the roller operators the number of passes,
you should also discuss the use of vibration and static modes.
Different conditions will require different modes from the roller.
Each site will vary as to when vibration and static modes should
be used.
Roller operators need to understand the requirements for
compaction to ensure they are achieving the correct level of
compaction without overworking the area.
Overworking and over compaction could cause as many
problems as under working the material.
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3.4.4 ASSESS THE COMPACTION PROCESS
While the roller operators are working you should be
assessing the process to ensure the nominated number
of passes are made.
Once the required number of passes have been made,
you should assess the area to determine if the correct
compaction has been achieved.
You can check that the required level of compaction has
be achieved in two ways, visually and through density
and compaction testing.
Density and compaction testing will be done by lab technicians
who come onto the site. If the compaction does not meet the
specification requirements, it will be classified as nonconforming.
Non-conforming areas will need to be reworked to achieve the
required level of compaction.
If re-working is required, you need to ensure the correct
documentation is completed and all steps in the process are
noted.
Uniformity of compaction across all layers in the subgrade is important.
Each layer must be consistent both within the layer and
with the previous layer. This will ensure the overall
consistency and success of the process.
It is important to raise any issues with your supervisor
as soon as possible if the required compaction cannot
be achieved.
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3.5 CLEAR WORK AREA AND STORE MATERIALS
AND EQUIPMENT
Once your tasks are completed, you need to clear the work area and make sure that all tools and
equipment are cleaned, checked, maintained and stored.
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3.5.1 CLEARING THE WORK AREA
Good housekeeping is necessary to control hazards and
risks on the worksite, but it also promotes good work
practices, pride and ownership of the job.
It is your responsibility to clean up after your work
activities.
Worksite requirements for clearing the work area and
disposing or recycling materials will be outlined in the
project environmental management plan, quality
requirements and/or site-specific procedures.
Clean-up procedures may include:
Removing any potential hazards. Duty of care
towards others means not leaving a possible
source of accident or danger for other people.
Preparing any equipment or materials for
transport away from the site.
Disposing of materials or recycling them (where
possible) in line with the site Environmental
Management Plans or Waste Disposal Plans.
Cleaning up and using the bins provided to
dispose of rubbish from workers, e.g. food and
scraps.
Making sure you use appropriate PPE when
dealing with waste or possible hazardous
materials as you clean.
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3.5.1.1 DISPOSAL OR RECYCLING OF MATERIALS
Common waste materials that may be found in your work area could include:
Waste materials may include:
Spoil.
Granular materials.
Stabilising materials.
Unsuitable materials.
Geo-fabric off cuts.
Maintenance waste materials.
Other materials used onsite.
Each of these will need to be managed in accordance with the project environmental management plans
and the site waste management plans.
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3.5.2 CLEANING AND STORING PLANT, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
After using plant, tools and equipment, it is important
to ensure they are:
Cleaned – to remove all dirt, mud moisture or
other contaminants, in accordance with
manufacturers’ specifications.
Checked for any damage – if anything is
wrong, report it; then, if possible, carry out
any repairs.
Maintained in line with manufacturers’
recommendations or your worksite
procedures/standard work practices.
Stored correctly in the appropriate location.
Most equipment, plant and tools will have
designated storage instructions to ensure the
items are kept free from damage and can be
easily found the next time they are needed.
The site procedures and manufacturers’ guidelines for
cleaning, maintenance and storage should be followed
regardless of the type of plant, equipment and tools
being used.
Keeping them in the best possible condition prolongs
their working life and ensures they are safe to use.
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