HSC Construction (VET) cheat sheet

Duty of care: PCBU must ensure health and safety of workers and others so far as reasonably practicable; workers must take reasonable care of themselves and others and follow safety instructions.

Hierarchy of control (highest to lowest): eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE. PPE is the last line of defence.

SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is mandatory for high-risk construction work (HRCW) such as work at height over 2 m, demolition, asbestos removal, and use of explosives.

WHS notification: serious incidents (death, serious injury/illness, dangerous incident) must be notified to the regulator immediately; keep the site undisturbed until inspectors arrive unless to help injured persons.

Emergency procedures: know assembly point, emergency contacts (000), first aid officers, and location of fire extinguishers; evacuation drills are required at induction and periodically.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) minimum on construction sites: hard hat, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, eye protection when tasks require; hearing and respiratory protection as needed.

Hazard identification and risk assessment: use a risk matrix (likelihood × consequence) to rate risks; controls must be reviewed and monitored for effectiveness.

Incident reporting: all injuries, near misses, and property damage must be reported to supervisor and recorded in the incident register; notifiable incidents go to the regulator.

Site induction covers site rules, emergency arrangements, first aid, amenities, hazard reporting, and HRCW; workers must not start work until induction is complete.

Scale: a drawing at 1:100 means 1 unit on paper represents 100 units in reality; convert measurements using the scale factor.

Orthographic projection: plan (top view), elevation (front/side view), and section (cut-through view) are used to communicate construction details.

Line types: solid lines for visible edges, dashed lines for hidden edges, centre lines for axes, and dimension lines with arrows for measurements.

Specifications define material quality, workmanship standards, and performance requirements that are not shown on drawings; they take precedence where conflicts occur unless stated otherwise.

Quality control: check work against approved plans, specifications, and relevant Australian Standards; use checklists, hold points, and inspections at critical stages.

Tolerances: acceptable variation limits (e.g., ±2 mm for framing) are specified in standards or project documents; work outside tolerance is non-conforming.

Document control: use the latest revision (e.g., Rev C supersedes Rev B); record changes and ensure superseded drawings are removed from site.

Setting out: transfer levels and grid lines from datum and site benchmarks; verify diagonals for squareness (3-4-5 method or equal diagonals).

Material take-off: calculate quantities from drawings (length × width × height) and add waste allowance (typically 5–10%) for ordering.

Hand tool safety: carry tools with points/blades down, never carry tools by the cord, disconnect power before changing blades or bits, and keep cutting edges sharp.

Power tool safety: use RCD protection on portable electrical tools, check leads for damage, use guards, and wear appropriate PPE (eye, ear, dust protection).

Measuring and marking: use a tape measure consistently from the same end; mark with a sharp pencil or knife; check for square using a framing square or 3-4-5 method.

Saw selection: crosscut saw for cutting across grain, rip saw for cutting along grain; circular saw for fast straight cuts; jigsaw for curves.

Drilling: select correct bit type (twist for metal, masonry for concrete, spade for timber); use hammer action for masonry; control speed to avoid overheating.

Nailing and fixing: select nail type and size for purpose (e.g., galvanised for exterior, concrete nails for masonry); pre-drill to avoid splitting near ends.

Timber framing: standard stud spacing 450 mm or 600 mm centres; noggings for lateral support; lintels over openings sized per span tables.

Levelling and alignment: use spirit level, laser level, or water level; check plumb, level, and square before fixing permanently.

Maintenance: clean and oil hand tools, replace worn blades, check power tool cords and plugs, and store tools securely.

Waste hierarchy (most preferred to least): avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover (energy), treat, dispose.

Construction waste segregation: separate timber, metal, concrete, plastics, and hazardous waste (e.g., asbestos, chemicals) into labelled bins for recycling or safe disposal.

Sediment and erosion control: install silt fences, sediment basins, and stabilised entry/exit points to prevent soil and runoff entering stormwater.

Dust and noise control: use water suppression, dust extractors, and noise barriers; comply with EPA and local council regulations for hours and levels.

Hazardous substances: store and dispose of chemicals, paints, and solvents according to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and local regulations; never pour down drains.

Resource efficiency: order materials accurately to minimise waste, use prefabricated components, and select sustainable timber (e.g., FSC-certified).

Energy and water conservation: use energy-efficient tools and lighting, switch off equipment when not in use, and use water wisely (e.g., recycled water for dust suppression).

Environmental incidents: report spills or breaches immediately, contain the spill, and follow the site environmental management plan.

Sustainability ratings: Green Star and NABERS are Australian rating tools for buildings; they assess energy, water, materials, and indoor environment quality.

Communication channels: verbal (face-to-face, radio), written (drawings, emails, reports), and non-verbal (body language, signage); choose the appropriate method for the message.

Active listening: give full attention, ask clarifying questions, and repeat back instructions to confirm understanding.

Toolbox talks: short daily meetings to discuss safety, tasks, and hazards; they are a key communication tool on construction sites.

Conflict resolution: address issues early, use 'I' statements, focus on the problem not the person, and escalate to supervisor if unresolved.

Teamwork roles: clear allocation of tasks, cooperation, and respect for diversity; contribute to planning and problem-solving.

Reporting and recording: complete site diaries, incident reports, and checklists accurately; use clear language and sign/date documents.

Cultural awareness: respect cultural differences, use interpreters if needed, and avoid slang or jargon that may confuse.

Feedback: give constructive feedback (specific, timely, and focused on behaviour) and accept feedback positively.

Digital communication: use radios and mobile phones appropriately on site; follow site rules for phone use and keep communication concise.