COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Site Preparation Requirements for Bricklaying Activities course. This training is designed to ensure that all groundwork and site planning activities are executed efficiently and safely prior to the commencement of bricklaying tasks. Proper site preparation is essential for ensuring structural integrity, preventing rework, and maintaining compliance with building codes and project schedules.
Effective site preparation starts with understanding why it matters. This section explains the significance of preparing a site thoroughly, how poor preparation can compromise masonry outcomes, and why integrating site readiness into the project timeline supports productivity and quality control from day one.
Before work begins, it's essential to understand the project’s technical scope. This section outlines how to review construction drawings and elevations, identify the materials and specifications needed for the job, and clarify any discrepancies with the supervisor or builder to prevent delays or misinterpretation during execution.
Every bricklaying site poses potential risks. This section covers how to conduct a site risk assessment, including identifying physical hazards, environmental concerns, and access limitations. It also provides guidance on how to report and control hazards to maintain a safe working environment.
Organised site access helps prevent congestion and confusion. This section discusses how to designate traffic routes for vehicles and workers, manage delivery and laydown areas, and implement controls to regulate pedestrian and equipment movement across the site.
A clean and level site is essential for accuracy and safety. This section explains how to clear vegetation, debris, and waste, establish a stable working base, and compact ground surfaces to ensure safe scaffold placement and reduce the likelihood of slips or structural instability.
Ground conditions must support structural requirements. This section outlines how to inspect soil types, confirm footing positions, check for proper curing of concrete slabs, and identify any subsidence or foundational concerns before bricklaying begins.
Accurate set-out is fundamental to quality brickwork. This section describes how to use string lines, levels, and profiles to mark reference points, confirm layout against survey data, and mark boundaries, openings, and structural features precisely.
Profiles and batter boards guide the bricklaying process. This section provides instruction on constructing and positioning these aids correctly to maintain level courses, accurate elevations, and consistent string line alignment throughout the build.
Coordinating with other trades helps avoid delays. This section explains how to ensure groundwork by plumbers, electricians, and other contractors is complete, confirm scaffold and slab readiness, and avoid overlapping tasks that could cause interruptions or access issues.
Access solutions must be planned in advance. This section discusses how to assess scaffold requirements for height and layout, ensure scaffolding is installed and tagged by certified personnel, and plan its positioning for efficient movement of bricks, mortar, and workers.
Logistics play a major role in productivity. This section outlines how to schedule material deliveries based on workflow stages, organise on-site storage to minimise double-handling, and protect materials from weather damage, theft, or contamination.
Mortar preparation requires a well-setup area. This section details how to select a suitable location for mixing, ensure access to necessary utilities, and manage spill prevention, runoff, and clean-up to maintain safety and environmental compliance.
Drainage and weather can significantly affect preparation. This section outlines how to identify drainage issues, implement protective measures such as temporary drains or covers, and reduce the impact of rain or excess moisture on the site.
Environmental compliance must be integrated into preparation tasks. This section explains how to reduce noise, dust, and emissions, avoid damaging local vegetation or underground services, and meet relevant environmental protection regulations.
Utilities and amenities are key to site setup. This section guides you through locating power and water sources for equipment and cleaning, and setting up toilets, hydration stations, and shelter areas to support worker welfare on site.
Clear signage and barriers reduce confusion and risk. This section describes how to install safety signs, cones, fences, and hazard tape to define exclusion zones and PPE areas, and communicate site rules to both workers and visitors.
Safe work depends on reliable tools and equipment. This section covers how to inspect and test all tools, mixers, and PPE before use, identify worn or damaged gear, and ensure every worker has access to the appropriate protective equipment.
Communication supports coordination and problem-solving. This section outlines how to establish communication channels on site, report issues or changes to the supervisor, and use radios, signage, or apps to coordinate activities and log inspection outcomes.
Waste management must be planned from the start. This section explains how to organise disposal and recycling for brick offcuts, packaging, and general waste, assign collection areas, and ensure compliance with council regulations and environmental standards.
A final inspection confirms readiness to build. This concluding section explains how to verify the condition of the site, materials, and access points, complete all required checklists and documentation, and obtain supervisor sign-off before bricklaying work can commence.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and practical strategies to carry out thorough site preparation, contributing to safe, efficient, and high-quality bricklaying operations on a wide range of projects.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Site Preparation in Bricklaying
- Purpose and significance of site preparation
- Effects of poor preparation on masonry outcomes
- Integration of site readiness into project timelines
2. Reviewing Project Plans and Specifications
- Interpreting construction drawings and elevations
- Identifying materials, finishes, and special instructions
- Clarifying discrepancies with supervisors or builders
3. Conducting a Site Risk Assessment
- Identifying hazards and unsafe conditions
- Assessing environmental and access risks
- Reporting and mitigating potential hazards
4. Establishing Site Access and Traffic Management
- Designating access routes for vehicles and workers
- Managing delivery zones and laydown areas
- Controlling pedestrian and equipment movement
5. Clearing and Levelling the Work Area
- Removing vegetation, debris, and rubbish
- Establishing a clean and level base
- Compacting ground surfaces for scaffold stability
6. Verifying Ground Conditions and Foundations
- Checking soil type and compaction levels
- Confirming footing positions and concrete curing
- Identifying subsidence or structural inconsistencies
7. Setting Out and Marking Reference Lines
- Using string lines, profiles, and spirit levels
- Verifying building alignment with survey data
- Marking openings, wall boundaries, and piers
8. Installing Profiles and Batter Boards
- Constructing timber or metal profiles
- Fixing profiles to accommodate courses and levels
- Aligning string lines for accurate brick placement
9. Coordinating with Other Trades Before Work Begins
- Ensuring plumbing and electrical groundwork is complete
- Confirming scaffolding and slab readiness
- Avoiding trade overlaps or work delays
10. Planning Scaffold and Access Requirements
- Determining scaffold height and layout
- Ensuring scaffold is certified and tagged
- Positioning for efficient brick and mortar access
11. Material Delivery and On-Site Storage Planning
- Scheduling deliveries based on workflow
- Staging bricks and blocks close to work zones
- Protecting materials from weather and damage
12. Mortar Mixing Area Preparation
- Choosing a safe and level area for mortar mixing
- Ensuring access to water and power if needed
- Managing waste, runoff, and cleaning
13. Ensuring Drainage and Weather Protection
- Identifying water flow and pooling issues
- Installing temporary drains or sandbags
- Setting up tarpaulins and covers for protection
14. Environmental Considerations and Compliance
- Managing noise, dust, and emissions
- Avoiding disturbance to surrounding vegetation or services
- Complying with environmental protection regulations
15. Power, Water, and Site Amenities Access
- Locating power points for tools and mixers
- Ensuring adequate water supply for mortar and cleaning
- Setting up toilets and break areas for workers
16. Installing Safety Signage and Barriers
- Erecting danger, PPE, and exclusion zone signs
- Using cones, fences, and hazard tape
- Informing site visitors of hazards and procedures
17. Inspecting Tools, Equipment, and PPE
- Checking hand tools, mixers, and levels
- Ensuring PPE is suitable, clean, and compliant
- Replacing damaged or outdated gear
18. Establishing Communication and Reporting Protocols
- Confirming who to report issues or delays to
- Using radios, signage, or apps for coordination
- Logging daily tasks and inspection outcomes
19. Waste Management and Recycling Setup
- Designating areas for bricks, timber, and general waste
- Arranging bins or skip hire
- Complying with local waste disposal and recycling guidelines
20. Final Pre-Work Site Inspection and Sign-Off
- Verifying readiness of ground, materials, and access
- Completing checklists and documentation
- Gaining supervisor approval to commence work
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.