Install small element kerbs and edge restraints

This standard is for those who install small-element kerbs and edge restraints 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 small-element kerbs and edge restraints safely and correctly
3. set out for line and level
4. place and prepare a suitable bed for installing small-element kerbs and edge restraints
5. lay units to the correct line and level
6. cut in units to required specifications
7. maintain correct joint width
8. check completed installation of small-element kerbs and edge restraints for compliance and rectify any problems
9. haunch units
10. minimise damage, unnecessary waste, unwanted impact on the environment and pollution when installing small-element kerbs and edge restraints
11. keep the site in a clean and tidy condition
12. clean, maintain and store tools and equipment after installation of small-element kerbs and edge restraints promptly and securely
13. protect small-element kerbs and edge restraints correctly against weather and use until they are in a suitable condition
14. leave the site safe, tidy and suitable for intended use
15. maintain working relations with those involved in, or affected by, the installation of small-element kerbs and edge restraints
16. maintain communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work
17. 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 small-element kerbs and edge restraints
2. how to interpret small-element kerbs and edge restraint installation specifications
3. how to measure to ensure work is within tolerances
4. how falls, lines and levels are determined and set out
5. how to select, prepare and use the correct tools and equipment for installation of small-element kerbs and edge restraints, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
6. how to maintain, clean and store the required tools and equipment correctly
7. the range of small unit kerb systems and other suitable units that are available and their suitable applications
8. the importance of robust edge restraints
9.  the importance of using the correct type of bed material
10.  how the bed is placed and prepared, and how it is shaped to follow summits, hollows and transitions
11.  the pros and cons of using fresh windrow bedding and pre-placed races
12. how to calculate the number of units required
13. how units should be stored on-site, how they are delivered to the laying face, and how they are positioned for the laying operative
14.  the pros and cons of both butt-jointed and mortar-jointed installations
15. how units are consolidated to the required line and level
16. how edge restraints are checked for accuracy in alignment along both straights and curves
17.  use of cutting tools including guillotine, saw and trimming tools
18.  the importance of dust-suppression and respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
19. the removal and replacement of defective units when using a cut-off saw
20. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
21.  the importance of following relevant environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
22. 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 small-element kerbs and edge restraints:

1. cut-off saw
2. maul and/or mallet

B.       undertake the following tasks when installing small-element kerbs and edge restraints:

1. set out for line and level
2. place a suitable kerb race
3. lay units onto a mortar bed on a pre-existing race
4. lay units to a straight line (windrow)
5. lay units to a true arc
6. lay units to a free curve
7. construct a dropped crossing
8. lay transitions between different types of units
9. lay units to right-angled returns using internal/external angle units and quadrants
10. lift and repair

C.      work with the following types of unit

1. small kerb units (<250mm length)
2. small paving units (<250mm length e.g.: block pavers)
3. setts/cubes/cobbles (<250mm length)

Installation tasks:

• set out for line and level
• 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
• construct a dropped crossing
• lay transitions between two different types of unit
• lay units to a right-angled return using internal/external angle units and quadrants
• lift and repair

Instructions: verbal or written.

PPE: Personal protective equipment.

RPE: Respiratory protective equipment.

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

Tools and equipment:

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

Units:

• small kerb units (<250mm length)
• small paving units (<250mm length e.g.: block pavers)
• setts/cubes/cobbles (<250mm length)