Install kerbs, channels and edgings

This standard is for those who install kerbs, channels and edgings that are used within the hard-landscaping industries.

It is suitable for operatives working under limited supervision and focuses on the skills required both to understand the structure and undertake the installation of edge restraints while working to specifications.

You will be expected to understand the impact of the installation work on the immediate environment, and the impact of the environment on the structure.

1. assess the risks associated with the site and the proposed work
2. select, prepare and use tools and equipment for the installation of kerbs, channels and edgings safely and correctly
3. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. set out for line and level
5. place and prepare a suitable bed for the installation of kerbs, channels and edgings
6. lay kerbs, channels and edgings to the correct line and level
7. cut-in to required specifications for the installation of kerbs, channels and edgings
8. maintain correct joint width
9. check completed installation of kerbs, channels and edgings for compliance with specifications and rectify any problems
10. haunch edge restraints
11. minimise damage, unnecessary waste, unwanted impact on the environment and pollution when installing kerbs, channels and edgings
12. keep the site in a clean and tidy condition when installing kerbs, channels and edgings
13. clean, maintain and store tools and equipment after the installation of kerbs, channels and edgings promptly and securely
14. protect working areas correctly against weather and use until they are in a suitable condition
15. leave the site safe, tidy and suitable for intended use
16. maintain working relations with those involved in, or affected by, your work
17. maintain communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work
18. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. the weather conditions that are appropriate for installation of kerbs, channels and edgings
2. how to carry out a risk assessment for the installation of kerbs, channels and edgings and decide on safe working
3. how to interpret specifications when installing, channels, kerbs and edgings
4. how to measure to ensure work is within tolerances
5. how falls, lines and levels are determined and set out
6. how to select, prepare and use the correct tools and equipment for the installation of kerbs, channels and edgings, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
7. the importance of dust-suppression and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) when using a cut-off saw
8. how to maintain, clean and store the required tools and equipment promptly and securely
9. the range of edge restraints available and their suitable applications
10. the importance of robust edge restraints
11. the importance of using the correct type of bed material
12. how the bed is placed and prepared, and how it is shaped to follow summits, hollows and transitions
13. the pros and cons of using fresh windrow bedding and pre-placed races
14. how to calculate the quantity of units required
15. how units should be stored on site, how they are delivered to the laying face, and how they are positioned for the laying operative
16. how units are manoeuvred into position using mechanical and/or vacuum lifting aids
17. how units are consolidated to the required line and level
18. how edge restraints are checked for accuracy in alignment along both straights and curves
19. how cutting is achieved, following the principles of minimum unit size

20. use of cutting tools including guillotines, saws and trimming tools

21. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment

22. the importance of using the correct jointing method and its role in the performance of the completed edge restraint
23. removal and replacement of defective units
24. the dangers of underground services and how to take account of these when working
25. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work
26. your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

A.      select and use the following types of tools and equipment when installing kerbs, channels and edgings:

1. appropriate mechanical lifting aid
2. cut-off saw
3. maul and/or mallet

B.      undertake the following installation tasks:

1. place a suitable kerb race
2. lay units onto a mortar bed on a pre-existing race
3. lay units to a straight line (windrow)
4. lay units to a true arc
5. lay units to a free curve
6. install a dropped crossing
7. lay transitions between two different types of unit
8. lay an edge restraint to a right-angled return using internal/external angle units and quadrants
9. lay channels to an existing kerb line
10. lift and repair

C.      work with the following materials:

1. concrete road kerbs
2. stone road kerbs
3. concrete dished/fluted channels
4. stone dished/fluted channels
5. concrete flat channels
6. stone flat channels
7. concrete edgings
8. stone edgings

Installation tasks:

• place a suitable kerb race
• lay units onto a mortar bed on a pre-existing race
• lay units to a straight line (windrow)
• lay units to a true arc
• lay units to a free curve
• install a dropped crossing
• lay transitions between two different types of unit
• lay an edge restraint to a right-angled return using internal/external angle units and quadrants
• lay channels to an existing kerb line
• lift and repair

Instructions: verbal or written.

Materials:

•  concrete road kerbs
• stone road kerbs
• concrete dished/fluted channels
• stone dished/fluted channels
• concrete flat channels
• stone flat channels
• concrete edgings
• stone edgings

RPE: Respiratory Protective Equipment.

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment.

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.

Tools and equipment:

• appropriate mechanical lifting aids
• cut-off saw
• maul and/or mallet
• appropriate PPE and RPE