RIICCM208D

Carry Out Basic Levelling

Learner Guide

Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 What is Levelling? ............................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1.2 Levelling Tasks ................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.2 Site Policies and Procedures ...................................................................................... 4

1.3 Work Instructions ...................................................................................................... 5
1.3.1 Reading and Checking Your Work Instructions.................................................................................................... 5
1.3.2 Work Method Statements ................................................................................................................................. 6
1.3.3 Safety Data Sheets .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.4 Organising Work Activities ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.3.5 Project Quality Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.3.5.1 Plans, Drawings and Sketches .................................................................................................................... 8

1.4 Emergency Procedures ............................................................................................... 8

1.4.1 Evacuation ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4.2 First Aid .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4.3 Fire Fighting Equipment ................................................................................................................................... 9

1.5 Hazard Identification & Control ................................................................................. 9

1.5.1 Identify Hazards ............................................................................................................................................ 10
1.5.2 Control Hazards ............................................................................................................................................. 10
1.5.2.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ......................................................................................................... 12
1.5.2.2 Traffic Control Signage ............................................................................................................................ 12
1.5.3 Environmental Protection Requirements ........................................................................................................... 13

2.1 Choose and Check Tools and Equipment .................................................................. 13

2.1.1 Levelling Tools and Equipment ........................................................................................................................ 14
2.1.2 Check Levelling Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 15
2.1.2.1 Tolerance Checks .................................................................................................................................... 15
2.1.3 Report All Faults ............................................................................................................................................ 15

2.2 Establish Offset and Recovery Pegs ......................................................................... 16

2.2.1 Benchmark Points .......................................................................................................................................... 16

2.3 Re-Establish Control Lines from the Offsets............................................................. 17

2.3.1 Recovery Procedures ...................................................................................................................................... 17

2.4 Establish Drainage Offsets ....................................................................................... 18

2.5 Identify Heights ....................................................................................................... 18
3.1 Levelling Instruments .............................................................................................. 19
3.2 Transfer Survey Heights ........................................................................................... 19
3.3 Levelling Procedures and Documentation ................................................................ 20
3.3.1 Calculating Levels .......................................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.2 Documentation of Results ............................................................................................................................... 21

3.4 Clean Up After Work ................................................................................................. 22

3.4.1 Clearing the Work Area .................................................................................................................................. 22

3.5 Checking and Maintaining Equipment ...................................................................... 23

3.5.1 Cleaning, Checking and Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 23
3.5.2 Store Equipment ............................................................................................................................................ 23

3.6 Process Written Records .......................................................................................... 24

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1.1 Introduction
This course is based on the unit of competency RIICCM208D Carry Out Basic
Levelling.
You will learn about:
Planning and preparing tasks and activities.
Establishing offsets for civil works.
Setting up and using levelling devices.
Cleaning up the work area.

1.1.1 What is Levelling?

Levelling is adding or removing materials to create a specific height or grade
(angle).
It is often one of the first steps in preparing surfaces for other activities.

1.1.2 Levelling Tasks

Levelling activities include:
Levelling Activities
Transferring Levels/
Heights for Formwork

Description
This is an important aspect of civil construction particularly in the formation of layers or when
performing concreting activities.
It is also part of the process in the positioning of offset pegs or markers.

Earthwork

You will be required to check the heights or depths of fills or excavations.

Roadwork

You will be checking heights relevant to the specifications and ensuring correct cross fall on
the surface.

Pipe-Work

You will check inlet and outlet levels to make sure the pipes are installed so that water or
other fluids drain in the correct direction.
You will also need to ensure the pipes are at the correct depth in trenches.
Correct fall is important so that water flows downhill and to the correct catchment locations.

Drainage Works

Contour banks may be required on some jobs and must allow the proper volume of water to
be carried and in the correct direction to the appropriate catchment.
You will also be required to place offset markers or pegs relative to the work area.

Positioning Offsets

Installing Recovery
Pegs

Often this involves the transferring of levels to cater for cross fall or to maintain a constant
level based on the position of the offset.
These are used where the original levels may have been damaged or displaced and new pegs
are required.
This task can also include the installation of secondary benchmark pegs or control points as a
protection measure in high traffic areas.

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1.2 Site Policies and Procedures

You must follow all safety rules and instructions when performing any work. If you
are not sure about what you should do, ask your boss or supervisor. They will tell
you what you need to do and how to do it in a safe way.
Before starting your work you need to make sure you have access to all operations
documentation for the job. This will help you to do your work in the safest way and
make sure all work is compliant.

Operations documentation includes:

Your worksite will also have instructions for working safely including:
Emergency procedures, including using fire fighting equipment, first aid and
evacuation.
Handling hazardous materials.
Safe operating procedures.
Personal protective clothing and equipment.
Safe use of tools and equipment.

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1.3 Work Instructions

You need to be clear about what work you will be doing. Make sure you have everything about the job written down
before you start. This includes what you will be doing, how you will be doing it and what equipment you will be using.
Make sure you have all of the details about where you will be working. For example:
The Site Is there clear access for all equipment? Are there buildings,
structures, facilities or trees in the way? What are the ground conditions like?
The Weather Is there wind, rain or other bad weather? Is it too dark?
Facilities and Services Are there power lines or other overhead or
underground services to think about?
Traffic Are there people, vehicles or other equipment in the area that you
need to think about? Do you need to get them moved out of the area? Do you
need to set up barriers or signs?
Hazards Are there dangerous materials to work around or think about? Will
you be working close to power lines or other people?

You also need to make sure you have all of the details about the kind of work you
will be doing:
The Task What area is being levelled? How big is it? Does it need any
special equipment?
Equipment What type of tools and equipment will be used? How big is
it? How much room does it need?
Communications How are you going to communicate with other
workers?
Procedures and Rules Do you need any special permits or licences?
Are there site rules that affect the way you will do the work?

1.3.1 Reading and Checking Your Work Instructions

All work needs to follow worksite, environment and company safety procedures.
Procedures help to make sure that all work is done in a safe way, without damaging
equipment or putting people in unsafe situations. They also help to make sure that
work is done in the correct order and doesnt interrupt or get in the way of other
work that is happening on the site.
Your work instructions will tell you the safest way to do the job, and the equipment
that you will need to use. It is a good idea to check your work instructions with your
boss or supervisor to make sure you know exactly what you need to do.
If you dont know where to get your instructions or you cant understand them, you
can ask your boss or supervisor. They will tell you where to find your work
instructions and explain what they mean.

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1.3.2 Work Method Statements

Many worksites require a work method statement before any work can start. A work
method statement is a list of steps that outlines how a job will be done. It also includes any
hazards that occur at each step, and what you need to do about them.
These statements can also be known as Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), Job Safety
Analysis (JSA) or Safe Operating Procedure (SOP).

1.3.3 Safety Data Sheets

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a detailed document outlining the risks and hazards associated with handling chemicals and
other materials.
The SDS will contain details that can help you to identify:

It will be issued by the manufacturer and may or may not include material handling methods.
Talk to your WHS representative or supervisor if you have any questions about legislative requirements relating to your
work.

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1.3.4 Organising Work Activities

Organising work activities is a major component of levelling tasks because each step must be achieved before the next
step can start.
You will be performing your own work activities but may also be involved with the
activities of plant and machinery.
This may mean:
Sequencing of activities.
Booking machinery hires.
Sourcing operators.
Working with others onsite regarding timing issues.
When you schedule activities, you need to ensure you have a written record of what
you have done and why.
Some people prefer a handwritten checklist, others a computerised diary entry. What works for you is the most important
thing.

Flexibility is important when organising your work priorities to allow you to

reorganise if:
Higher priority tasks arise.
Accidents occur.
Weather interferes.
There are unexpected conditions onsite.

1.3.5 Project Quality Requirements

Every civil construction project will have quality requirements. These outline when tasks need to be completed and the
required standard of the work.
Your work instructions and plans or drawings will guide you, and help you to make
sure you are achieving the quality standard for the project.
They can include:
Project dimensions.
Project tolerances.
Standards of work.
Material standards.

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1.3.5.1 Plans, Drawings and Sketches

Some of your work instructions might be given to you in drawings and sketches. You will need to get the information out
of these and use it to do your job.
Project plans and drawings give you an overview of the site, for example:
Location of the site and earthworks in relation to the surrounding area.
The position of structures, roads, access areas.
Layout of drainage lines.
Foundation details and landscaping features.

1.4 Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures will vary depending upon the worksite. These procedures could include:
Evacuation.
First aid.
Fire fighting.

1.4.1 Evacuation
Things to remember are:
1.

Keep calm.

2.

Move away from the danger to a designated evacuation point, sometimes

called an emergency assembly area.

3.

Do not let other people into the area.

4.

Call emergency services in accordance with workplace procedures and

policies.

1.4.2 First Aid

First Aid is the quick care given to an injured or ill person. Every site will have a First Aid
Officer. If somebody needs first aid you must tell your supervisor or First Aid Officer. Do
not try to give first aid if you have not been trained.

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1.4.3 Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire fighting equipment on site could be anything from small fire extinguishers through to large water cannons. Different
fire fighting equipment should be used for different types of fire. Always check the equipment for information on what
type of fire it can be used on.
Steps for using a fire extinguisher:
1.

Evacuate the area.

2.

Isolate the area.

3.

Call emergency services or other designated on site procedure.

4.

If it is safe to do so, use an extinguisher to attempt to control the fire using the PASS
system.

The PASS system:

Contact your site emergency management team as soon as possible and call the fire brigade on 000.

1.5 Hazard Identification & Control

Before you start work, you need to check for any hazards or dangers in the area. If you find a hazard or danger you need
to do something to control it. This will help to make the workplace safer.

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1.5.1 Identify Hazards

Part of your job is to look around to see if you can find any hazards before you start
any work.
A hazard is the thing or situation that causes injury, harm or damage.
When you start checking for hazards, make sure you look everywhere. A good way to
do this is to check:
Up high above your head.
All around you at eye level.
Down low on the ground (and also think about what is under the ground).

Some hazards you should check for in the work area:

Other workers, vehicles and equipment.
Pedestrians and public vehicles in the area.
Underground services.
Unstable or difficult ground conditions.
Poor visibility Can you see others? Can they see you?
Defective tools and equipment.
Manual handling risks.

1.5.2 Control Hazards

After you have found hazards or dangers you need to work out how bad they are:

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Thinking about these things will help you to choose how to control the hazards. Hazards controls need to follow:
Legislation (laws).
Australian Standards.
Codes of Practice.
Manufacturers specifications.
Industry standards.

The best way to control hazards is to use the Hierarchy of Hazard

Control.
You start at the top of the list and see if you can take away (eliminate)
the hazard or danger.
If you cant take it away you move down the list to see if you can swap
it for something safer (substitution).
Keep working through the list until you find something that controls the
hazard or danger.
This table shows you the 6 different types of controls in order from best to worst:
1.

Elimination

Completely remove the hazard. This is the best kind of hazard control.

2.

Substitution

Swap a dangerous work method or situation for one that is less

dangerous.

3.

Isolation

Isolate or restrict access to the hazard.

4.

Engineering
Controls

Use equipment to lower the risk level.

5.

Administrative
Controls

Site rules and policies attempt to control a hazard. This includes using
signage to warn people of danger. It also includes permits and other
procedures to stop access to a dangerous area or situation.

6.

Personal
Protective
Equipment

The least effective control. Use PPE while you carry out your work. This
should be selected at the planning stage of your work, and checked
before starting the job.

Hazard control measures need to be put in place before you start your work, or
as soon as you see a hazard while you are doing your work. Hazard controls can
sometimes be listed in your work instructions or you can ask your boss or
supervisor for help.
Once a hazard control is in place you will need to check to make sure it is
working well to control the hazard or danger.
Talk to your supervisor or safety officer if you are not sure if it is safe enough to
carry out your work. If you think the hazard is still too dangerous you should not
try to do the work.

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1.5.2.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is clothing and equipment designed to lower the chance of you being hurt on the
job. It is required to enter most work sites.
It includes:
Head protection hard hats and helmets.
Foot protection non-slip work boots.
Hand protection gloves.
Eye protection goggles, visors or glasses.
Ear protection plugs or muffs.
Breathing protection masks or respirators.
Hi-visibility clothing clothing that makes you stand out and lets other people
know where you are.
Weather protection clothing that protects you from the sun or from the cold.

Make sure any PPE you are wearing is in good condition, fits well and is right for the
job.
If you find any PPE that is not in good condition, tag it and remove it from service.
Then tell your supervisor about the problem and they will organise to repair or
replace the PPE.

1.5.2.2 Traffic Control Signage

On worksites it is often necessary to control the movement of traffic around and through the site. To do this there are 2
different types of traffic management plans:

In the traffic or vehicle management plan, signs and the distances between signs
will be listed. Reading the plans will show you where particular signs need to be
placed. Signs and barriers may include:
Danger or warning signs like speed limits, workmen ahead or reduce
speed.
Flashing lights.
Barricades and fences.

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1.5.3 Environmental Protection Requirements

Environmental protection requirements are part of every worksite. Make sure you check with your supervisor about what
environmental issues need to be managed during your work.
All environmental details should be listed in an Environmental Management Plan for
the site. It can include details for:
Waste management.
Water quality protection.
Noise control.
Vibration control.
Dust management.
The plan will outline the steps and processes needed to prevent or minimise damage to
the environment through the use of machinery and equipment.

2.1 Choose and Check Tools and Equipment

Once you have confirmed your job requirements you need to choose the right tools and
equipment to get the job done.
When choosing tools and equipment you need to think about:
The task requirements, specifications and goals.
The appropriateness of the equipment for the completion of the task.
The characteristics, correct use, operating capacity and limitations of each item.
The potential risks to yourself and others in the intended use of the equipment.

Information about technical capabilities and limits can be found in the operator manuals
supplied by the manufacturer of each item.
It is not safe to operate tools and equipment outside site procedures and the
manufacturers specifications. This may cause the equipment to break and could also
cause an accident or injury.

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2.1.1 Levelling Tools and Equipment

Levelling requires specific tools to be used depending on the nature and detail of works.
Levelling tools and devices can include:
Levelling Tools and
Devices

Description/Use

Spirit Levels

A straight edged tool with levelling bubbles that can be used for either vertical or horizontal
level checks. Some will allow angle checks as well.

Laser Levels

Used to give a constant level through the use of a laser transmitter and a receiver that can
be mounted on a level staff. Very accurate but must be looked after to make sure the
calibration of the unit is not affected.

Automatic Levels

Can use a laser to maintain a constant height/depth. May also include GPS equipment that
automatically alters the levels based on the criteria setup in the machine.

Tape Measures

Vary in length and are used for many general measuring tasks.

Stringlines

Lengths of string can be used to provide a straight line, or series of straight lines between
two or more points.

Survey Pegs

Usually wooden or metal pegs that are hammered into the ground to indicate levels, offsets,
slope/gradient and identification reference information.

Levelling Staffs

Have measurement graduations used in combination with levelling equipment such as a

dumpy level (theodolite) or with laser levelling devices.

Plumb Bobs

A pendulum device that can be used to determine vertical alignment in construction. Can
also be suspended above a particular reference point to ensure movement has not occurred
in the process.

Optical Squares

Used for visually checking angles. Some can be adjusted to allow for different angles in the
construction process.

Inclinometers

Determine the incline or slope of an area and are usually placed at the base of the area.

Batter Pegs/Boards

Also known as batter profiles or profile pegs, these are usually set up when using survey
equipment to show the slope in areas of cutting or embankment construction. Often given
different colours to represent areas of cut or fill.

Wooden/Steel Pegs

Wooden pegs are mostly used as temporary markers. Steel pegs are often used for long
term works and are also hammered into the ground to form reference points or
benchmarks.

Straight Edges

Also known as T-squares and used for checking angles in mark-ups.

Chalk-lines

A stringline is chalked and held tight between two points. It is then snapped so the string
hits the object and marks a line.

It is important that the correct tools or equipment are used for the job at hand.
The wrong tools can be inaccurate and may not provide the correct standard of
work for the job requirements or specifications.
Levelling tools should be treated carefully to ensure they are maintained in
good working order and used for the purpose for which they are intended.
Safety should be considered where there is a potential risk to the operator or
others in the vicinity, e.g. when using laser levelling equipment, all people in
the area should be made aware of the hazards (eye damage etc.) associated
with the activity.

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2.1.2 Check Levelling Equipment

Levelling equipment should be checked regularly to ensure the serviceability of
each item is within the required tolerances.
Survey and levelling equipment is usually calibrated every 12 months to maintain
the accuracy of the equipment. It may need to be done more frequently if the
tools are knocked around during transport and use.
Any faults should be reported immediately to your supervisor.
Whenever faults are found, previous levels should be checked and verified, then,
where necessary, the entire levelling task is redone with alternative equipment.

2.1.2.1 Tolerance Checks

Tolerance checks are done to make sure the equipment is working properly and will provide you with accurate information
when you use it.
Tolerance checks of levelling equipment may include:
Test Type

Description
This test ensures the accuracy of the levelling device, particularly automatic levels.

Two Peg Test

The levels should be checked on at least two pegs at the start of the level run. This is based
on the height of the instrument. The same answer should be calculated from each of the
two pegs based on the same height of the machine.
Often, known points are used, e.g. benchmark or control line pegs with predetermined
heights.

Reverse
Readings Test

Any device that uses a bubble or spirit level system can be checked through using one point
before and one after, then checking back to the previous marker.
When the equipment is relocated and setup in another location, you should be able to
calculate the same level at the previous marker. This test should be used whenever a
bubble or spirit level type of level is used at the start of each level

2.1.3 Report All Faults

Once all routine checks are finished, you will need to report any problems, faults,
defects and damage that you found during the equipment checks so that they can be
repaired and the tools or equipment are safe for you or the next operator to use.
Make sure any faulty equipment is tagged out (isolated from use) until the repairs have
been made.
Record the details of the problem in a fault report or the equipment logbook and tell
your supervisor.

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2.2 Establish Offset and Recovery Pegs

Offset pegs or markers are used during the survey of the construction site to define an
area, but they are not placed to show the exact position of a point, obstacle or object.
Instead they are set out to show a known distance from a certain point to the object.
For example, a 3m offset would involve the pegs or markers being placed 3m from a given
or known point. The pegs or markers can then be used to measure to the required
distance.
Usually sight pegs or markers are used as well so that all points are in the correct
alignment.

As specified in project plans and drawings, the offset pegs or markers are set out to a
standard distance, depending on the type of work being performed and the requirements
of the workplace.
The offset distance is usually written on the peg or marker.
If for some reason the offset distance changes, it should be noted on the pegs or markers
and recorded on the plans.

2.2.1 Benchmark Points

Benchmark points are reference or control points, often placed on immovable objects or concreted into the ground.
They are often part of a broad survey control network and are used by various civil
organisations. Once in place, these are routinely checked to ensure their accuracy.
It is important that the benchmark and offsets pegs are easily referenced so that when
level pegs or markers are disturbed or damaged, they can be easily replaced or recovered.
If a benchmark or reference point is damaged, you must notify your supervisor
immediately. Often worksites will impose penalties for damaging or driving on or near
pegs.
Offsets are used for a reason care should always be taken when working around level
pegs or markers.

When establishing offsets, you will be required to:

1.

Measure a height, distance or grade (angle) from a point of reference.

2.

Read a tape measure.

3.

Accurately record details.

Sometimes a stringline measure may be used to give a constant distance from a given
point.
When carrying out levelling it is important to be accurate in your measurements and in
recording the details.

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