Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:19 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:19 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Prepare for gravedigging
Prepare for gravedigging
Unit of competency
National Code
SIFBCR017A
SIFBCR017A
State Code
S7033
S7033
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/06/2010
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
21/06/2010
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess a gravesite for the appropriate gravedigging method and prepare the site for digging or re-opening according to work requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Determine gravedigging requirements.
- 1.1 Determine gravedigging requirements according to relevant legislation and work requirements.
- 1.2 Identify appropriate gravesite and physical location according to cemetery map or plan.
- 1.3 Assess site and surrounding area to determine soil type, safety hazards, access and egress and any other relevant issues.
- 1.4 Determine viability of gravesite according to safety requirements and refer to appropriate personnel for further instruction.
- 1.5 Select appropriate gravedigging method.
2 Conduct grave probe as required.
- 2.1 Select and prepare personal protective equipment according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
- 2.2 Select and prepare tools and equipment and machinery according to job requirements, workplace policies and procedures and manufacturer instructions.
- 2.3 Undertake slab removal as required.
- 2.4 Measure plot to determine correct location of initial probe position.
- 2.5 Probe gravesite according to measurements, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
- 2.6 Record measurements from probe to determine vacancy status.
- 2.7 Report viability of gravesite to appropriate personnel according to workplace policies and procedures.
3 Prepare for digging.
- 3.1 Assemble and brief gravedigging work team as required.
- 3.2 Identify and advise gravedigging work team of above and below ground lines of communication to be used in case of emergency.
- 3.3 Select and prepare personal protective equipment according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
- 3.4 Select and prepare tools and equipment according to job requirements and workplace policies and procedures.
- 3.5 Mark site according to grave dimensions and supervisor instructions.
- 3.6 Inspect and remove monuments, masonry or headstones that impact stability or access according to supervisor instructions.
- 3.7 Apply protective strategies to preserve adjacent graves according to supervisor instructions or work requirements.
- 3.8 Place protective restraints to ensure access by authorised personnel only, according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Gravedigging requirements may include:
new grave
existing grave
re-opening a grave.
Relevant legislation and regulations may include:
OHS
grave re-opening
cemetery Acts and by-laws
Cemeteries Act
local government regulations
Lands Act
Public Health Act
Environment Protection Act
Australian standards
Worksafe Australia certification and standards.
Gravesite may include:
lined
unlined.
Soil type may include:
sand
rock
clay.
Safety hazards may relate to:
air
water
vibration
heat
slippery surfaces
overhead obstacles
ground pressure, such as:
machinery
people
soil
structures
previously dug graves
monument collapse
foreign objects
drains
cables
sprinklers
pipes
trees and roots.
Relevant issues may include:
requirement to conduct grave probe
need for soil removal
effect on presentation of nearby graves.
Safety requirements may include:
additional equipment to deal with presence of such things as excessive or uncontrolled water.
Appropriate personnel may include:
leading hand
supervisor
manager.
Gravedigging method may include:
manual
machine.
Personal protective equipment may include:
overalls
steel-capped boots
jacket
long sleeves
gloves
safety glasses or goggles
hard hat
hat or cap
gumboots
ear plugs or muffs
sun protection
two-way radio.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
standard operating policies and procedures
standards and certification requirements
quality assurance procedures
OHS procedures
emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures.
Tools and equipment may include:
spreaders
boards
hydraulic braces
sludge pump
stabilisers
spades
shovels
picks
crowbars
auger
timber tom
sledgehammer
timber mallet
explosive power tool
power saw
handsaw
timber of correct or recommended grade, size and type
ladder that complies with requirements of current Australian standard.
Machinery may include:
backhoe
front-end loader
skidsteer loader
excavator
tractor
truck.
Protective restraints may include:
sheeting
barricades
temporary fencing
reinforced covers.
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Gravedigging requirements may include:
new grave
existing grave
re-opening a grave.
Relevant legislation and regulations may include:
OHS
grave re-opening
cemetery Acts and by-laws
Cemeteries Act
local government regulations
Lands Act
Public Health Act
Environment Protection Act
Australian standards
Worksafe Australia certification and standards.
Gravesite may include:
lined
unlined.
Soil type may include:
sand
rock
clay.
Safety hazards may relate to:
air
water
vibration
heat
slippery surfaces
overhead obstacles
ground pressure, such as:
machinery
people
soil
structures
previously dug graves
monument collapse
foreign objects
drains
cables
sprinklers
pipes
trees and roots.
Relevant issues may include:
requirement to conduct grave probe
need for soil removal
effect on presentation of nearby graves.
Safety requirements may include:
additional equipment to deal with presence of such things as excessive or uncontrolled water.
Appropriate personnel may include:
leading hand
supervisor
manager.
Gravedigging method may include:
manual
machine.
Personal protective equipment may include:
overalls
steel-capped boots
jacket
long sleeves
gloves
safety glasses or goggles
hard hat
hat or cap
gumboots
ear plugs or muffs
sun protection
two-way radio.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
standard operating policies and procedures
standards and certification requirements
quality assurance procedures
OHS procedures
emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures.
Tools and equipment may include:
spreaders
boards
hydraulic braces
sludge pump
stabilisers
spades
shovels
picks
crowbars
auger
timber tom
sledgehammer
timber mallet
explosive power tool
power saw
handsaw
timber of correct or recommended grade, size and type
ladder that complies with requirements of current Australian standard.
Machinery may include:
backhoe
front-end loader
skidsteer loader
excavator
tractor
truck.
Protective restraints may include:
sheeting
barricades
temporary fencing
reinforced covers.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to identify and assesses gravesites to select appropriate gravedigging or re-opening method, tools, equipment and safety requirements according to work specifications
ability to take accurate measurements, make accurate calculations and conduct accurate probes
preparing for gravedigging on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of skills in a cemetery environment that allows for identification of vacant gravesites and protection of adjacent gravesites
access to relevant tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment
access to protective restraints
access to above and below ground emergency communication.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of candidate accessing, probing and preparing range of gravesites for re-opening and digging
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIFBCR020A Dig a grave manually
SIFBCR023A Dig a grave using machinery.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to identify and assesses gravesites to select appropriate gravedigging or re-opening method, tools, equipment and safety requirements according to work specifications
ability to take accurate measurements, make accurate calculations and conduct accurate probes
preparing for gravedigging on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of skills in a cemetery environment that allows for identification of vacant gravesites and protection of adjacent gravesites
access to relevant tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment
access to protective restraints
access to above and below ground emergency communication.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of candidate accessing, probing and preparing range of gravesites for re-opening and digging
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIFBCR020A Dig a grave manually
SIFBCR023A Dig a grave using machinery.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXZ92 | WFSBCR311A | Prepare for gravedigging | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WG571 | SIFCBCR006 | Prepare for gravedigging | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D338 | SIF30208 | Certificate III in Gravedigging, Grounds and Maintenance | Qualification |