HSC Construction (VET) flashcards
HSC Construction (VET) · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- PCBU
- Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking; has primary duty of care under WHS law to ensure health and safety of workers and others so far as reasonably practicable.
- Hierarchy of control
- Ranking of risk control measures from most to least effective: eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineering, administrative, PPE. PPE is the last resort.
- SWMS
- Safe Work Method Statement; a document that outlines high-risk construction work tasks, hazards, and control measures. Required for HRCW such as work at height over 2 m.
- Notifiable incident
- A death, serious injury or illness, or dangerous incident that must be reported immediately to the WHS regulator; site must not be disturbed until inspectors arrive.
- Risk matrix
- A tool that rates risk by combining likelihood and consequence to determine risk level (e.g., low, medium, high) and required controls.
- Site induction
- Mandatory training before starting work on a site; covers site rules, emergency procedures, first aid, amenities, hazard reporting, and high-risk work requirements.
- PPE minimum
- On construction sites, minimum PPE typically includes hard hat, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing; eye, hearing, and respiratory protection as task requires.
- Scale 1:100
- One unit on the drawing represents 100 units in reality. To convert a scaled length to actual, multiply by 100; to convert actual to scaled, divide by 100.
- Orthographic projection
- A method of representing a 3D object in 2D using multiple views: plan (top), elevation (front/side), and section (cut-through).
- Specifications
- Written project documents that define material quality, workmanship standards, and performance requirements not shown on drawings; they complement drawings.
- Quality control
- Process of checking work against approved plans, specifications, and standards using checklists, hold points, and inspections to ensure compliance.
- Tolerance
- The acceptable variation from a specified dimension or standard (e.g., ±2 mm). Work outside tolerance is non-conforming and may require rework.
- Document control
- Managing drawings and documents to ensure only the latest approved revision is used on site; superseded versions are removed or clearly marked.
- Setting out
- Transferring grid lines, levels, and dimensions from plans to the site using benchmarks, datum, and measuring tools to locate construction accurately.
- 3-4-5 method
- A technique to check squareness: measure 3 units along one line, 4 units along the other, and the diagonal between them should be 5 units if square.
- Material take-off
- Calculating quantities of materials from drawings by multiplying dimensions (length × width × height) and adding a waste allowance, typically 5–10%.
- RCD
- Residual Current Device; a safety switch that disconnects power when it detects a leakage current, protecting users from electric shock. Required on portable tools.
- Crosscut saw
- A hand saw designed for cutting across the grain of timber; teeth are shaped to score and cut fibres cleanly.
- Rip saw
- A hand saw designed for cutting along the grain of timber; teeth are shaped like chisels to gouge out wood efficiently.
- Stud spacing
- Standard distance between wall studs, commonly 450 mm or 600 mm centres in Australian timber framing, to suit cladding and lining modules.
- Noggings
- Horizontal timber pieces fixed between studs to provide lateral support, prevent twisting, and provide a fixing surface for lining.
- Spirit level
- A tool with a sealed vial containing liquid and a bubble; used to check whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).
- Masonry drill bit
- A drill bit with a carbide tip designed for drilling into concrete, brick, or stone; used with hammer action for best results.
- Waste hierarchy
- A priority order for managing waste: avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover energy, treat, and dispose. Avoidance is most preferred.
- Sediment control
- Measures such as silt fences and sediment basins that prevent soil and runoff from leaving a site and entering stormwater systems.
- SDS
- Safety Data Sheet; provides information on chemical hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency procedures for hazardous substances.
- Green Star
- An Australian rating system that assesses the sustainability of buildings across energy, water, materials, and indoor environment quality.
- Dust suppression
- Techniques such as water sprays or dust extractors used to control airborne particles during cutting, grinding, or demolition to protect health and environment.
- Toolbox talk
- A short, informal meeting held on site to discuss safety, tasks, and hazards; a key communication tool before starting work.
- Active listening
- Fully concentrating on what is said, asking clarifying questions, and repeating back instructions to confirm understanding.
- Constructive feedback
- Specific, timely feedback focused on behaviour or performance rather than the person, aimed at improvement.
- Conflict resolution
- Addressing disagreements early using 'I' statements, focusing on the problem, and escalating to a supervisor if unresolved.