CPCCCA3005 Learner Guide V1.0

LEARNER GUIDE
CPCCCA3005
Construct ceiling frames
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Unit code Document version Release date Comments/actions
CPCCCA3005 1.0 04.11.2022 First edition
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Copyright ©2022
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Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................. 2
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 1: PLAN AND PREPARE .......................................................................... 4
1.1 Read and interpret work instructions and plan sequence of work ......................... 6
1.2 Plan all work to comply with laws and regulations, the National Construction Code
(NCC), Australian Standards, work health and safety (WHS) and environmental
requirements, manufacturers’ specifications, workplace requirements, drawings and
specifications ................................................................................................ 9
1.3 Select tools and equipment, check for serviceability and report any faults............16
1.4 Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE) for each part of the task ......21
1.5 Inspect work site, locate services, assess hazards and apply risk controls, including
required signage and barricades .....................................................................23
1.6 Select ceiling frame materials required for task, calculate quantities, handle safely
and prepare and position ready for use ...........................................................28
CHAPTER 2: SET OUT CEILING ............................................................................ 33
2.1 Identify rafter positions for roof type and set out on top plates to determine ceiling
joist positions ...............................................................................................36
2.2 Set out location of ceiling joists on the top plate to specifications and spacing
requirements of ceiling lining .........................................................................41
2.3 Design and set out for ceiling joist support members to meet the requirements of
AS 1684 Residential timber-framed construction ...............................................43
2.4 Cut and install ceiling joists, trimmers, hanging beams, counter beams, strutting
beams and combinations of these components as per AS 1684...........................49
CHAPTER 3: CLEAN UP ........................................................................................ 55
3.1 Clean up, meeting all legislative and workplace requirements for safety, waste
disposal and materials handling ......................................................................58
3.2 Check, maintain and store tools and equipment and report any faults .................61
Knowledge evidence (KE) Compliance ................................................................ 64
References ......................................................................................................... 65

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Introduction
This competency guide outlines the skills and knowledge needed to plan, prepare, layout,
build and install timber ceiling frames to support ceiling joists, hanging beams, strutting
beams, combined hanging/strutting beams, and combined strutting/counter beams while
adhering to all applicable National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, work
health and safety (WHS), and Commonwealth and state or territory legislation.
What is a ceiling frame?
The ceiling in regular light-frame construction and conventional roof framing is built with
timber joists and beams that run across the length and width of the ceiling. A ceiling can
also be made of other materials, such as metal or concrete.
What will I learn?

This learning guide will provide you the skills and knowledge required
to:
1. Plan and prepare.

2. Set out ceiling.
3. Clean up.

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CHAPTER 1: PLAN AND PREPARE

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Before initiating the construction of ceiling frames, it is important to plan and prepare
properly.
In the construction of ceiling frames, planning and preparation is the most important
phase. Before installing ceiling frames, it is important to understand the codes and
standards used for constructing them.
During the planning and preparation phase, the following activities take place:
 Work requirements are obtained, confirmed and applied.

 Safety plans and policies are confirmed and applied.
 Signage and barricade requirements are identified from the traffic management
plans.
 The selection of plants, tools and equipment are made according to the type of task
and any faults identified are rectified.
 The required quantity of material is determined.
 The availability of material is checked and confirmed.
 Environmental necessities are determined for the task according to environmental
strategies and statutory and regulatory requirements and legislations.
 Emergency procedures are obtained and interpreted, such as fire control elements
for ceiling frames.
The above-stated activities are crucial for workers’ safety and ensure that the ceiling
frame is constructed according to required specifications, standards, and legislation.
What will I learn?

In this chapter, you will learn about the following:
1. Read and interpret work instructions and plan sequence of work.
2. Plan all work to comply with laws and regulations, the National
Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, work health and safety
(WHS) and environmental requirements, manufacturers’ specifications,
workplace requirements, drawings and specifications.
3. Select tools and equipment, check for serviceability and report any faults.
4. Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE) for each part of the
task.
5. Inspect work site, locate services, assess hazards and apply risk controls,
including required signage and barricades.
6. Select ceiling frame materials required for task, calculate quantities,
handle safely and prepare and position ready for use.

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1.1 Read and interpret work instructions and plan
sequence of work
In this section, firstly, you must be clear about what type of work you will be doing in the
given project. Moreover, everything should be written down before actual work is carried
out, including the required procedure and equipment used to construct ceiling frames.
To become a skilled worker, you should develop the ability to first understand the work
requirements. To understand work requirements, you must obtain and read the following
documents:
 Project contract and scope of work.

 Plan and specifications.
 Quality requirements.
 Environmental requirements.
 Site requirements.
 Safe work method statements or procedures.
Make sure you have all the details about the working area from where you will start your
job, for example:
 The Site – Does it include access to all required equipment? Furthermore, you also
need to collect information about other structures and buildings and their types.
 The Weather – Is there rain, wind, or bad weather condition? Is their adequate
shade?
 Traffic – In this section, you should check how many people move close to the site
or any roads near the working area so that there should be a set up of barriers and
signs for people and equipment safety.
 Hazards – The inherent risks at the job site should be made obvious to everyone.
Inspection of the workplace, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and comprehension of the
Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) are all part of this. Further, you should
assess environmental hazards.
Besides the above information, you should also ensure that you have detailed information
about the type of work you will be performing:

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 The Task – What is the type of roof? Which type of ceiling frame must be
constructed to accommodate ceiling joists, hanging beams, strutting beams, or
combined hanging/strutting beams?
 Plant – Which kind of plant will be used? What should the size of the plant be?
 Communications – What are the different ways to communicate with other
workers?
 Procedures and rules – Are any special permits or licences required? Are there
any site rules that will affect the way you will work?
Work instruction sources

Work specifications and strategies are the characteristics that are necessary to complete a
particular job or task.
You may require a manual that includes plans, specifications, quality requirements, and
operational details and checks the work’s accuracy.
Information includes:
 Diagrams or sketches.
 Instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel.
 Manufacturer specifications and instructions, where specified.
 MSDS.
 Memos.
 Regulatory and legislative requirements about the handling of painting and
decorating materials.
 Relevant Australian standards.
 Safe work procedures relating to the handling of painting and decorating materials.
 Signage.
 Verbal, written and graphical instructions.
 Work bulletins.
 Work schedules, plans and specifications.
Planning and preparation include:

 Assessment of conditions and hazards.
 Determination of work requirements and safety plans, and policies.
 Equipment defect identification.
 Worksite inspection.
Work instructions may be obtained via:
 Oral or written and graphical instructions.

 Signposts.
 Work schedules/plans/specifications.
 Work-related journals/newsletters/advertisements.
 Charts and hand drawings.
 Memos.
 Materials safety data sheets.
 Technical drawings or sketches.

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Read work instructions
All work must comply with worksite, environment, and organisation safety strategies.
Procedures help to ensure that the work is completed safely without damaging equipment
or putting individuals in unsafe situations. They also help to ensure that the work is
completed correctly and doesn’t interrupt or get in the way of other work on the site.
Your work manual will describe the safest method of performing work and the equipment
based on the specifications. You must clarify work instructions with your supervisor.
If you are unclear about where you will find work instructions or any section regarding
work instructions, you must seek help from your supervisor. They will help you to locate
and understand the work instructions.
Interpret and apply work instructions

The meaning of interpreting is to explain or understand.
It is important to understand the work requirements. A good understanding of the

compliance documents will help you to:
 Make the right decisions for each work activity/solution.

 Determine expectations.
Plan sequence of work to construct ceiling frames
 Preparing the ceiling and dry-wall.

 Find the joists of the ceiling and mark the wall location.
 Placement marking of light fixtures.
 Rough edges of dry-wall pieces need to be smoothed.
 Build a t-brace for working alone.
 Attachment dry-wall.

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1.2 Plan all work to comply with laws and regulations,
the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian
Standards, work health and safety (WHS) and
environmental requirements, manufacturers’
specifications, workplace requirements, drawings
and specifications
Before constructing ceiling frames, you must ensure that you have accessed, interpreted
and applied all documentation for the job. This will help you do your work safely and
ensure all work is compliant.
The most important point of consideration is that the eaves must be constructed following
the requirements of relevant legislation, Australian Standards, and Codes of Practice.
Compliance documentation
Documentation is essential to all aspects of operations on every worksite. From work
instructions to quality and environmental requirements, documentation sets out the type
of work, the timeframe for construction, and the procedures for completing the task.
Statements containing the words “must,” “shall,” or “will” are often used within these
documents to indicate that there are mandatory (legally must be applied) requirements.
Each project site will have different compliance documentation that must be referred to.
These documents require that the tasks be undertaken to meet the required standards.

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It is significant to know your obligations under the compliance documents, such as:
Acts: These are laws that you have to follow.
Regulations: These explain what the law means
Codes of Practice: These are instructions on how to follow the

law, based on industry standards.
Australian Standards: These tell you what the minimum requirement

is for a job, product or hazard.
Worksites are required to meet a range of compliance documents. These include:
Legislative, organisational and site requirements
Licensing requirements
Equal employee opportunity legislations
Australian standards
Code of practice
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
Job safety Analysis (JSA)
Operational manuals
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Each state uses different OHS/WHS legislation. They all have the same requirements. In
case of any questions regarding the safety rules, you must contact your supervisor.
Other documents include:

Before starting your work, ensure that you have access to all the operations documents for
the job. This will help you do your work safely and ensure all work is compliant. The
operations documents include the following:
 Work Method Statement.
 Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
 Project Quality requirements.
Work method statement: This is a document that outlines the high-risk construction
work activities to be performed at a workplace, the hazards that may arise from these
activities, and the risk-control measures to be implemented.
According to WHS regulations, SWMS are required for high-risk construction work
activities. However, a generic SWMS may be prepared and used for work activities that are
performed regularly. The SWMS content can be refined over time and includes consultation
with workers and other people involved in a business or undertaking.

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Work method statements must be completed before initiating the work. The work methods
statements provide details on the steps to complete the job. These include details of any
hazards you might face while completing the job and the safety measures to control these
hazards.
These statements can also be known as:
 Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
 Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).
 Safe Operating Procedure (SOP).
These statements also organise work activities and ensure that everything is completed
based on the job requirements. You must ensure that these required documents are
available before initiating the task.
Safety data sheet: The schedule for the amount of work to be carried out varies
depending on location.
It is a document that provides health and safety information about hazardous substances
or dangerous goods products, substances, or chemicals. If you purchase one of these
items, it should come with an SDS.
An SDSs informs you of:
 The product (its name, ingredients, and properties).

 Who made it or imported it.
 How the product affect your health.
 How to use and store it safely.
Operations documentation
Before initiating your work, you must access the required operational documents. This will
ensure that the work is completed safely and complies with the legislative requirements.
These documents include the following:
Site details: information and safety requirements of workplace environement.
Include instructions on how to handle dangerous or hazardous material.
Instructions on what the work is or what you will be doing. Instructions on

how to safely do the job.
Faulty equipment procedures: Isolation procedures to follow or forms to fill

out.
Signage: Sign tells you what equipment you need to have, or areas that are
not safe to be in.
Emergency procedures: Instructions on what to do in emergency situations

where excavation or first is needed.
Equipment and work instructions: Details of how to operate plant and

equipment where excavation of first aid is needed.

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How to ensure everyone is safe?
OHS/WHS laws ensure that employers comply with their duty of care to keep employees
and other people safe.
Who does the duty of care apply:
 Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).
 Managers.
 Suppliers.
 Designers.
 Employees.
 Contractors and sub-contractors.
 Volunteers.
Worker’s duty of care

The workers must ensure that they take care of their health and safety and the safety of
others in the workplace. The workers must ensure that they do not risk their own and
others’ health and safety with their actions.
PCBU’s duty of care

The person conducting a business undertaking (PCBU) must:
The PCBU must:
 Ensure that a safe workplace is provided to the employees and others.
 Ensure that the workers are trained and familiar with the job tasks to be
completed.
 Eliminate or minimise risks.
 Notify workers of any present and potential hazards and risks.
 Ensure the workers are familiar with the emergency procedures.
 Ensure the worksites have a safety plan in place.
Compliance requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian

Standards relevant to constructing ceiling frames, including AS:1684 Residential
timber-framed construction
Australian Standard AS:1684 contained within the NCC:
The Australian Standard AS 1684 Residential Timber Framed Construction is divided into
four parts that cover design criteria, building practises, tie-downs, bracing, and span
tables for timber framing members. It is also known as the Timber Framing Code. By
adhering to this standard, users are deemed to have met the requirements of the
Australian Building Code.
The National Timber Development Program (NTDP) created the standard for consideration
by Standards Australia. This single reference publication for housing throughout Australia
was released in December 1999. The standard is under constant review and revision. As a
result, users of the standard should always refer to the most recent edition.
The Standards Australia Technical Committee completes AS 1684 amendments based on
user feedback. As a result, AS 1684 covers a broader range of acceptable practices, and
the most recent amendments include more technical explanations.
The (NCC) National Construction Code
The National Construction Code (NCC) is a set of technical provisions used across Australia
to design, construct, and perform buildings, plumbing, and drainage systems.

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Work health and safety
Work health and safety (WHS), also known as occupational health and safety (OH&S), is
the management of risks to everyone’s health and safety in the workplace.
Implementing safe practices and installing safety equipment may initially cost money and
time, but it is critical to the success of your workplace. Failure to act may result in
prosecution, fines, and the loss of skilled personnel.
Benefits of WHS in your workplace
Providing a safe working environment is a legal requirement.
 Assist you in retaining employees.
 Increase employee productivity.
 Reduce workplace injury and illness.
 Lower the costs of workplace injuries and workers’ compensation.
Safety requirements for constructing ceiling frames

Working at heights:
 Use railing.
 Select the proper PPE.
 Ensure that you understand the fall distance.
 Select an acceptable anchor point.
 Use the proper work at heights equipment.
Environmental requirements
Environmental requirements include:
 Clean-up protection.
 Noise and dust.
 Waste management.
Table: Environmental requirements
Element Description
Water Quality Waterways should be free from pollution.
Air Quality Air quality is ensured by dust control and management. For
example, water sprays must be used during windy days to prevent
dust from rising.
Noise Levels Noise should be maintained at the optimum level. This is considered
important during night operations, especially in residential sectors.
Waste Management Waste management is an important factor in maintaining a clean and
safe environment. Waste problems can be reduced by acting on the
following priorities:
 Avoidance.
 Recycling.
 Re-use.
 Disposal.
Hazardous Chemicals A construction worker must know about hazardous chemicals’
storage, use and disposal. You should seek advice from your
supervisor.

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Workplace quality policies and standards for constructing ceiling frames
As with all construction tasks, there are quality requirements for constructing ceiling
frames. Australian Standards generally cover these. If unsure about quality requirements
– whether about the work you’re doing, the materials to be used, or some other area – it
is important to always check with your supervisor.
Quality requirements are mentioned in the following documents:
 Australian standards.
 Internal company quality policy and standards.
 Manufacturer specifications, where specified.
 Workplace operations and procedures.
Elements that you have to check while constructing ceiling frames:

 Rise and pitch of roof against the plan.
 Correct propping of ridge, hips, valleys, rafters and under purlins at correct centres.
 Adequate collar ties.
 Line of rafter, hips and valleys.
 Support to strutting beams.
 Fascia and barge boards.
 All tie-downs and fixings.
 Ceiling joist and alignment with rafters.
 Hanging beams.
 Trimmers for location.
 Trimming to manhole.
Manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions

Manufacturer’s recommendations are any instructions, procedures, or recommendations
issued by any manufacturer of the equipment relating to the operation, maintenance, or
repair of the equipment, as well as any revisions to such instructions, procedures, or
recommendations, agreed to by any manufacturer of the equipment and valid at the time
such operation, repair, or maintenance is being performed.
Workplace requirement:
 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
 Follow environmental regulations.
 Maintain a clean work environment.
 Ladder security.
 There will be no crowding within the site perimeter.
 Precautions are being lifted.
 Site training is essential.
Plans, specifications and drawings for constructing ceiling frames

Plans
Uses of plans while constructing ceiling frames:
 It shows the location of ceiling frames and other existing structures.

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 It shows the type of ceiling frame and its respective method.
Specifications:
Importance of specifications:
 A specification answers many on-site construction questions by being clear, concise
and information-rich, saving the project team, client and contractor time and
money.
 It can refer to the standards and quality that should be followed.
Drawings
Importance of drawings in the construction of ceiling frames:
 Working drawings contain dimensioned, graphical information that a contractor can
utilise to construct the formwork for the staircase and ramps or suppliers to
fabricate, assemble, and install formwork components.

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1.3 Select tools and equipment, check for serviceability
and report any faults
It is important to select plants, tools and equipment according to the type of work. Before
choosing the tools, it is necessary to inspect them properly to ensure safety and avoid any
unnecessary risks.
If you find any fault in the tools or equipment, you should use a lockout tag, discuss the
supervisor’s fault, and prepare a fault report.
The supervisor will organise the repair of the tool.
Faulty tools should be tagged out with an out-of-service tag.
Selecting tools and equipment

When selecting tools and equipment, you should consider the following:
 Availability of tools or equipment - Are the tools or equipment available on-site?
 Application of tools or equipment - Is the tool or equipment correct and relevant to
the task?
 Suitability of tools or equipment - Is the tool or equipment suited to the site
conditions?

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You must follow workplace procedures and manuals while choosing and inspecting tools
and equipment.
Correct use of tools and equipment used to construct ceiling frames

Chisels
They gouge wood, cut notches, and fashion mortise and tenon joints. It is required for
timber construction and can also be used in traditional wood frame construction.
Hammers
A framing hammer is a claw hammer used for heavy wood construction, specifically house
framing and concrete formwork. It’s a heavy-duty rip hammer with a straight claw and a
handle made of wood, metal, or fibreglass.
Hand saws
With frame saws, cross-cutting, rip sawing, wet wood, cutting curves, and cutting shapes
within a board are all possible.
Measuring tapes
These are used to mark out equal joist spacing.
Tool belt

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They are used to transport various types of construction tools.
Nail guns
 They are used to drive the nails more accurately.

 They are used to drive the nails in roof boards.

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Power drills
Drills are frequently used in woodworking, metalworking, construction, machine tool

fabrication, and utility projects.
Check tools for serviceability and safety

Most of the tools are designed for serviceability. Service is the process of repairing or
providing maintenance of the tool. Servicing is diagnosing, removing, replenishing,
replacing, adjusting or repairing any tool component.
Servicing of the tool is performed using checklists. The checklist serves to resolve and
address various concerns related to the following:
 Safety.
 Damage.
 Diagonals.
 Special tools.
 Reasonableness.
If the tool is defective, then:
 Remove it from service and tag that it is out of service.

 Replace damaged equipment immediately.
 Inspections should be held regularly.
 Complete the repair as soon as possible.
 A competent person should do the damage repair, and a highly skilled one who
knows his job perfectly.
 Ensure that the workers have proper knowledge about operating the system.
Report faults
If you find a fault in the tool when testing or servicing it, you must take the following
steps:
 Segregate that tool from the tool-kit (from good tools).

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 Verbally convey to your supervisor about the fault. Your supervisor may ask you to
put a tag on the tool so it can be separately identified from the rest. If the
supervisor finds that the tool’s fault is beyond repair, it must be discarded. Usually,
the discarded are marked (in red) or tagged with ‘Unfit to Use’ or ‘Do Not Operate
This Equipment/Tool.’
 Prepare a written report about the fault in the tool.
 Submit the report to your supervisor.

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1.4 Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
for each part of the task
PPE
Preparing for work is essential, and good heavy-duty clothing, safety shoes, and a hard
hat are usually good places to start. However, this is frequently only the beginning, and
selecting the appropriate equipment depends on the task.
Selection of PPE for each part of the task

PPE should be chosen mainly based on the hazards discovered during the risk evaluation.
Employers should, however, consider the fit and comfort of PPE when choosing suitable
products for each employee. Employees would be more likely to use PPE if it suits them
well and is comfortable to wear. In addition, most protective devices come in various sizes,
so choosing the right one for each employee is important.
PPE used at a workplace must be:
 Selected to reduce the risk of harm to one’s health and safety.

 Appropriate for the nature of the work and any hazards associated with it.
 Approved and appropriate for the task/activity.
 It is the right size for the individual wearing it and is relatively comfortable.
 If sharing equipment or clothing poses a hygiene hazard, PPE should be provided
for individual use or decontaminated between uses.
 If sharing equipment or clothing poses a hygiene risk, personal protective
equipment (PPE) should be provided for individual use or decontaminated between
uses. The wearer must take appropriate precautions to ensure that wearing PPE
does not endanger his or her health or safety.

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Types of protection and their description
Protection location Description

Foot protection Safety boots.
Noise protection Earflaps or earphones.
Eyes protection Full-face guards or spectacles.
Head protection Hard hats or helmets.
Respiratory protection Masks and filtering respirators for protection
against chemical, gas and tiny particles.
Hand protection Gloves for hands.
Skin protection Sunscreen, hats, long sleeves.
Use different PPE elements

These PPE items protect workers from noise, falling objects, rough terrain, airborne dust
and shavings. In addition, the clothing is to increase visibility on-site and protect from UV
radiation and sunburn. The following PPE is used for constructing ceiling frames.
Hearing Ear protection is required when working

with power tools, motorised plants, and
equipment.
The most significant factor in hearing
loss is the degree of decibels and the
time a worker is subjected to the noise.
Feet Safety Boots (steel capped).

Protection of toes and feet from falling
objects and tools.
Rubber boots for waterlogged sites.
Solid foot wear for visitors and
consultants on-site.
Eyes/Face Safety glasses.

Goggles, face shields, sunglasses.
Required in undertaking the following
tasks: Drop saw power saw, planer etc.
Head Safety helmets, sun hats.

Hard hats for falling objects and tools,
especially scaffolding.
All demolition work and work with
heavy machinery.

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1.5 Inspect work site, locate services, assess hazards
and apply risk controls, including required signage
and barricades
This section describes the work site’s inspection, locating services, assessing hazards and
applying risk controls, including detailed information about the signs you can consider in
the workplace.
Although most signs are self-explanatory, if any sign’s meaning is unclear, you should
seek advice from your supervisor before commencing the work.
Moreover, these signs are placed in areas more prone to hazards. These prevent masses
from the objects and situations which affect your health and safety.
Inspect work site

Site inspections are a series of regular activities designed to check and verify compliance,
such as safety standards, working conditions, and other critical areas of the work site.
The following reasons why construction site inspections are critical for your worksite.
Hazard identification
Construction inspections address safety by identifying safe roads to transport equipment,

safe equipment for workers to use, potential hazards on job sites, and other potential
hazards. After all, construction is a hazardous occupation. Inspections ensure that proper
worker and site safety precautions are taken, allowing your project workflows to remain
efficient and high-quality.
Improved construction quality

When working on a project, workplaces always strive for quality. It enhances your
reputation and your team’s pride in their work. However, high quality requires high

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standards. Therefore, inspections are required to identify any regulatory or code violations
in your construction to maintain high standards.
Improved communication
Communication with all team members is essential for construction project management,
whether on the Jobsite or in the office. Inspections can address a construction team’s
communication if things aren’t done according to the correct codes and regulations. Many
projects require careful coordination of work to limit any risks that may arise.
Better task focus
Inspections can sometimes be inconvenient, but they help those working on a construction
site stay alert. Simply put, this means that construction workers and agents are more
focused and concentrated on what they are doing.
Locate services
Locating electrical wiring in ceilings can be difficult and entails more than just looking for
the wires. Look for the outlets and appliances that each wire connects to pinpoint the
exact location of the wires.
Tools used to locate services:
 A magnetic stud finder detects metal nails in studs. In contrast, an electronic stud
finder generates a small electrical field that changes as it approaches a denser
region, such as the area over a stud. The circuitry in the stud finder detects this
change and alerts you with a light or sound.
 Voltage detectors are useful once you’ve located your wires because they allow you
to test whether they are live. A neon-bulb version, also known as a neon circuit
tester, is a low-cost tool for voltage detection.
Assess hazards and apply risk controls

One can assess the level of risk by using a risk matrix. The risk matrix considers the
consequences and likelihood of a worker’s injury when exposed to a hazard. The two key
questions are used to assess the overall risk rating of the hazards:
 Consequences: What the consequences will be if a worker is exposed to the

hazard?
 Likelihood: What is the likelihood of the risk occurring?
Activity Hazards Risk Controls

Erecting and securing: Strains and sprains  Use correct lifting techniques.
 Roof trusses  Get assistance when lifting
 Scantling timber to roof heavy loads.
- roof bracing  Use good judgement to assess
manageable loads.
Injury from flying debris  Wear gloves, goggles and other
and dust protective equipment.
 Ensure all guards are in place
on tools and machines.
 Be aware of people working
nearby.
Electric shock  Check and tag power tools and
cables regularly.
 Keep leads away from wet

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Activity Hazards Risk Controls
areas.
Falls from a height  Provide fall protection for

heights of over 2 m.
 Ensure that all scaffolding and
work platforms meet AS/NZS
4576 or AS 6001 standards.
 Install roof guardrails around
the edges of the roof.
 Wear protective non-slip
footwear.
 Climb out of an EWP only at
ground level.
 Use a safety harness when
repairing roof bracing.
Injuries from falling Before installing diagonal bracing

trusses and battens, ensure the trusses
are well secured with temporary
bracing.
Signs and barricades

Signs may be present in a picture, written or both. According to the standards of Australia,
signs are available in different categories, and the correct titles for these signs are given
below:
 Prohibition signs (don’t do).

 Mandatory signs (must do).
 Restriction signs (limiting).
 Hazard signs (warning signs).
 Danger hazard signs (life-threatening).
 Emergency signs (medical, exit, etc.).
 Fire signs (fire-fighting).
The joint New Zealand-Australian standard NZS/ AS 1319: 1994 outlines the rules for
safety signs. This standard requires that all pictograms used on safety signs should be
accepted. In addition, the path should be defined clearly and concisely on all safety sign
legends.
Screen-printed or polyvinyl applied to aluminium, PVC, or corflute is the most common

safety sign-in, which some are reflective or glow in the dark.

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Must-do signs
Are WHITE with a BLUE circle.
Restriction signs
Are RED circles with BLACK writing.
Hazard warning signs

Are triangular YELLOW with BLACK writing.
Signs should be placed in appropriate locations and at a suitable height that is easily
visible. Generally, this means that it must be fixed to a stable object. There is no time left
to respond if these signs are at risk. But if the signs are placed too far, it allows everyone
to read instructions, but an hour later, when they face risk, they might forget those
instructions.
The following sign may be found on building sites:
Mandatory signs advise masses to wear PPE before entering the site.

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Danger signs
The danger signs are there to tell workers about a life-threatening condition. In addition,
the danger sign picture advises individuals about who is authorised to enter the site.
Signs and barricades to prevent entrance to a site

Signage and barriers are available in several kinds, sizes and colours. Consultation with a
supervisor is a must before choosing the most relevant signage and barriers for the work.
In addition, various acts, regulations, and codes of practice are available for safety at the
site. Moreover, several permits and licenses are required to work at the site.
To restrict public entry, temporary fencing is installed on construction sites. In addition, on
the construction site, an entry sign for safety is installed to instruct workers against the
conditions of the sites, and it also details what type of PPE is essential to be worn.
Barricading should also be placed on the construction sites to prevent the general public’s
entry. Following the instructions displayed at the entry on the signs provides safety and
entry conditions for the site.
Emergency signs
Wherever ‘lifesaving’ instrumentation exists, it’s essential to ensure that it can perform in
the event of an associate emergency. Responsibilities will include maintaining equipment
to specific standards, keeping maintenance records and necessary compliance reports.

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1.6 Select ceiling frame materials required for task,
calculate quantities, handle safely and prepare and
position ready for use
The timber-based platform method is the most popular house framing method in Australia.
Timber-framed houses are frequently built using radiata pine. However, the timber used
for framing must be rather dry, as timber with a higher moisture content has an affinity to
fade and warp as the water evaporates the fibres over time. This can source structural
difficulties in the forthcoming.
For this aim, un-seasoned timber (with a moisture content of at least 25%) would not be
cast off for house framing. Seasoned timber with less than 15% moisture value is the
finest choice. Timber is frequently preserved with compounds to increase its resistance to
white ants, decay and fire.
Strategies to select materials required for the task

Strength
Life of material
Cost of material
Local availability
Climate
Sustainability
Nature of project
Specifications
Maintenance

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Materials used
Bolts and nuts
A nut fits over a bolt’s end and helps keep objects in place. A bolt is a non-tapered
fastener that holds objects together with a washer and nut.
Masonry anchors
They are commonly used to join two parts of a structure or a non-structural item to the
structure.
Nails and spikes
Framing nails are strong, long nails used for framing buildings or any other woodworking
project requiring a strong framework.
Spikes are used to securing the perimeter and prevent intruders from gaining access.
Patented metal fasteners
A metal fastener for joining a wooden architectural member to another wooden or copper-
containing architectural member for wood construction includes a metal fastener base and
a copper or copper-containing cladding that encases the metal base.
Pop rivets
A pop rivet is a nail-like device that, when inserted into materials, expands or peels at the
end to permanently secure the pieces.
Screws
For non-load-bearing frames, screws are used.
Timber
Timber can be used as a finish on the internal or external ceiling, as a floor, in solid pieces
or integrated with laminates. It can also be used as a lining in environments as fitted
parts.
Materials for constructing ceiling frames

Types of timber
Cedar
The most common type is Western red cedar. It is pinky-red, as the name suggests.
Because it resists rotting in moist environments, it is mostly used outdoors for furniture,
deck handrails, wall cladding, and window frames. It is reasonably priced.
Pine
There are several types of pine, but the most common in Australia are Radiata, Cypress,
and Hoop pine. Radiata pine is a popular house-framing timber but is susceptible to decay
and termites unless chemically treated.
Walnut
Walnut is a beautiful hardwood with a rich brown colour and grain. It is widely used in
furniture manufacturing and as a veneered board for cabinetry and feature walls. Still, it is
now quite expensive and usually only available on relatively narrow boards.
Engineered timber products
Timber type Structural properties and application

Glulam (Glued This is possibly the oldest engineered wood product and has been used

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Laminated Timber) in many of the world’s longest-span timber structures. Furthermore, the
material’s flexibility makes it suitable for very graceful statements.
Laminated Veneer It has consistent properties, can be manufactured in almost infinite
Lumber (LVL) lengths and is a low-cost straight structural element. In many ways,
LVL replaces the large cross-section timbers previously used in
medium-span structures.
Calculate quantities for ceiling framing

It is critical to calculating the ceiling framing. The calculation is fundamental work. The
purpose of ceiling framing in any room is to create a frame for the floor of your room
above it. If you have a room on the top floor, it will be for the roof.
Processes for setting out and measuring materials:
 Draw a rough layout of the room on a piece of paper.
 Measure each side of the ceiling and mark the measurements on the sketch in the
corresponding spots.
 Determine the area in square metres of each section of the sketch. For rectangular
areas, multiply the length by the width. Next, multiply the triangle’s base by the
height, then divide by half for triangular areas. Finally, add the square metres of
each section to get the total square metres of the ceiling.
 To calculate the area, multiply the ceiling tile’s sides together. The tiles are 60 cm
by 60 cm or 60 cm by 120 cm in size.
 Divide the area of the ceiling by the area of one ceiling tile to determine the
number of tiles required to cover it. Then, add 10% to account for damaged tiles or
tiles that must be cut.
 Determine the perimeter of the ceiling by adding the four sides. This measurement
calculates the number of angled brackets required for the ceiling’s perimeter.
 Divide the ceiling width by the number of runners required for the ceiling grid. The
metal brackets that run the ceiling length are known as runners. Because the tiles
are 60 cm wide, you divide the width of the ceiling by two.
 Determine the number of rows of cross tees required for the ceiling by dividing the
ceiling length by 60 cm or 120 cm, depending on the size of the tiles used.
 Frame your ceiling after all the walls are plumb, aligned, and secured. The ceiling’s
function is to tie together the outside walls of a building.
Calculating material requirements for ceiling frames
Joists
Where possible, the joists should run the short dimension of the room but should always
be placed to tie the feet of the rafters for the length of the roof.
Calculate the ceiling joists for each room separately.
Formula = (width of room) – 1 (as there is no 1st joist)
Max. spacing
Length of joists = internal room length + (2 x wall plate width)
Ceiling trimmers
Allow for ceiling trimmers where ever internal or external walls run parallel to the ceiling
joists.
Calculate each wall separately.

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Formula = (internal room length of wall) – 1 (as there is no 1st trimmer)
Max. spacing
Length of trimmers = maximum spacing of joists – (2 x joist thickness).

Hangers
Allow one hanger at 2100 mm maximum centres unless otherwise specified.
Length of hangers = internal room width + (2 x wall plate width).
Hanging beams
Placed where the length of the hanger is greater than its maximum allowable span (as per
tables or specifications).
Length of hanging beam = between supporting walls + (2 x plate width).
Handle safely and prepare and position/ materials handling relevant to

constructing ceiling frames
Australian standards for handling materials
Different Australian standards describe the safety and handling of materials used for
construction. Generally, timber is used for construction. As per AS 1684.2-2010, the
following guidelines are recommended for storage and handling, which are explained as
follows:
Timber or timber products must be stored and handled properly to perform satisfactorily
when fabricated into a building. As shown in the figure below, seasoned or unseasoned
framing materials should be stacked. If the site is reasonably level and the timber is clear
of ponding water, unseasoned scantling can be stacked on the ground on impervious
sheeting to protect the lower timber from dirt and stains.
Source: Standards Australia (2010)
Safe handling procedures for moving heavy materials mechanically:

 Position the load on the forks as close to the mast as possible to reduce the
possibility of the truck tipping or the load falling.
 Do not overload a lift truck because it impairs control and causes it to tip over.
 Do not overload a counterbalanced forklift by adding weight to the rear.

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 When travelling, lower the load to the lowest position.
 Comply with the operational requirements specified by the truck manufacturer.
 When possible, pile and cross-tier all stacked loads correctly.
Safe handling procedures for storing ceiling material:

 Keep storage areas free of accumulated materials that can cause tripping, fires,
explosions or harbour rats and other pests.
 Keep stored materials inside buildings under construction and at least 1.8m away
from hoistways or inside floor openings and at least 3-meter away from exterior
walls.
 Sort incompatible materials.
Safe handling procedures for stacking ceiling material:

 Stack lumber no higher than 5 metres if handled manually and no higher than 7
metres if handled with a forklift.
 Before stacking, remove all nails from the used lumber.
 Stack and level lumber on bracing that are solidly supported.
 Make sure stacks are stable and self-supporting.
 Avoid storing pipes and bars in racks facing the main aisles to avoid creating a
hazard for passersby when removing supplies.

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Self-check assessment
QUESTION 1
What are the different sources of work instructions?

______________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________
QUESTION 2
Explain the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
QUESTION 3
What are the different type of signs and barricades at a construction site?
______________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER 2: SET OUT CEILING

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Page 34 of 67
In this chapter, you will learn how to set the ceiling.
What will I learn?

1. Identify rafter positions for roof type and set out on top plates to
determine ceiling joist positions.
2. Set out location of ceiling joists on the top plate to specifications and
spacing requirements of ceiling lining.
3. Design and set out for ceiling joist support members to meet the
requirements of AS 1684 Residential timber-framed construction.
4. Cut and install ceiling joists, trimmers, hanging beams, counter beams,
strutting beams and combinations of these components as per AS
1684.

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2.1 Identify rafter positions for roof type and set out on
top plates to determine ceiling joist positions
The main purpose of a roof in any climate is to defend itself from the elements. Roofs also
need to be robust and adequate to endure high winds.
Types of roofs
The best types of pitched roof construction are the hip, gable, intersecting, and lean-to.
Gable
A gable roof has a crest at the centre and slopes in opposite directions. It
is economical to construct, simple in design and can be used in several
types of construction.
Intersecting
The intersecting roof is made of a gable and valley, or hip and valley.
The valley is shaped where the two dissimilar roof sections meet,
normally at a 90° angle. This roof type is more difficult than the other
types and needs more time and labour to build.
Hip
The hip roof has four sloping sides. It is the sturdiest kind of roof since
four hip rafters steady it. These rafters run at a 45° angle from each
bend of the building to the ridge. The difficulty of a hip roof is that it is
further difficult to construct than a gable roof.
Source: Construction Manuals (n.d.)

Shed

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The lean-to, or shed roof, takes only one pitch or slope. The roof is seized up by walls or
posts where one wall or the posts on one side are higher than those on the opposite side.
It is used where big buildings are enclosed under one roof, a speedy or provisional
structure is needed, and huts or add-ons are
founded.
Rafter
The members manufacturing the main body of the framework of entire roofs are termed
rafters. Rafters are prone members spread out from 40.64cm to 121.92cm apart. The
rafters are practical parts of both the walls and the roof. They differ in size, liable on their
length and spacing. They work for the roof, the joists work for the floor, and the studs
function for the wall. The tops of the prone rafters are secured in one of the numerous
ways controlled by the kind of roof. The bases of the rafters rest on the plate member,
provided that a joining link between the wall and the roof.
The operational connection between the rafters and the wall is identical in all kinds of
roofs. The rafters are not enclosed into the plate but are just nailed to it. Some are cut to
fit the plate, while others, in hasty construction, are just laid on the plate and nailed in
place. Rafters typically spread a short distance outside the wall to form the eaves
(overhang) and defend the sides of the building. Features linked with numerous rafter
kinds and vocabulary are shown in the following figure.
Hip rafters spread diagonally from the outside corner shaped by perpendicular plates to
the ridge board. Common rafters spread from the plate to the ridge board at right angles
to both sides. Jack rafters are subdivided into the hip, valley, and cripple jacks. Valley
rafters spread from the plates to the ridge board, where two roofs intersect along the
lines. Jack rafters not once spread the full distance from plate to ridge board.

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In a valley jack, the lower ends rest against the valley rafters and the upper ends against
the ridge board. In a hip jack, the upper ends are against the hip rafter, and the lower
ends rest on the plate. Finally, a cripple jack is tacked among hip and valley rafters.
How do you attach rafters to the top plate?

Before we get started, it’s vital to consider why attaching your roof to your structure is
such a critical step, whether it is a truss-style or rafter-style roof, in the construction
procedures.
Some methods can withstand higher uplift loads. Uplift is the pressure created when the
wind blows upwards on the roof of your structure. The amount of uplift your roof can
withstand during natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes may determine
whether or not the roof remains intact. When deciding what’s best for your roof, consider
where you live and what weather conditions your building will have to withstand.
A solid connection between a rafter and a top plate is required to ensure the stability of
your roof. This is because the rafters on a roof want to push outward due to gravitational
forces. As a result, properly secured rafters are critical to preventing these forces from
being successful.
Source: Sokol, E. (2020)

Because of this notch, the beam can rest flush against the top plate. First, the notch
increases the surface area of the connection between the top plate and the rafter, allowing
for a more secure connection when fastening the two together.
There’s also gravity to consider. The previously mentioned gravitational forces push
outward from peak to eave on each rafter. These forces are redirected downward onto the
wall plate and wall by cutting a birdsmouth notch, which is exactly where you want them
to go.
After all, the walls’ job is to keep the roof in place. This keeps the rafter from shifting,
which could cause your roof to sag or collapse inward.
Ceiling joists and lengths of lumber running from one end of one rafter to the other can be
used for additional support.
If you intend to use rafters, you should consider using collar ties for the same reasons. A
collar tie is a piece of lumber attached to each opposing rafter near the peak to prevent
the rafters from spreading. Collar ties also relieve pressure on your wall plate and rafter
joints.

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1. Toenailing

Toenailing is a time-saving way to secure your rafter to your top plate. It entails nailing
the rafter to the top plate at an angle on opposing sides of the rafter by driving nails
through the rafter and into the wall cap. Because of the wall studs, it is unlikely that this
technique will allow you to drive straight through the plate into the rafter.
The size of the top plate determines the number of nails you should use. Drive each
8d nail at a 30-degree angle and a distance from the joint such that about one-third of the
nail length is in the rafter and the other two-thirds is in the wall cap.
Use three toenails, alternating sides, to make a 24-top plate. Use five toenails for a 26-top
plate, alternating sides with each nail.
These are commonly referred to as “slant-driven” nails. It also reduces the likelihood of
the nails being sheared off by the roof’s weight. Furthermore, the slant-driven nails on
opposite sides keep the nails from pulling out.
2. Hurricane tie
These ties resemble deck joist hangers and are made of a metal plate that cradles your
rafter while butting up against the wall plate. There are designated nail holes, as with a
deck joist hanger, making installation somewhat foolproof.

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3. Ridge rafter connector

These handy connectors are typically used to connect rafters to the ridge beam at the
peak of your roof, as the name implies. However, they are equally effective for connecting
rafters to top plates. They go particularly well with a lean-to-shed.
These connectors are secured to the top plate’s lip with galvanised nails inserted through
predrilled holes. The rafter is inserted into the bracket and secured to the plate with nails
through predrilled holes.
4. Rafter attachment without a birdsmouth - variable pitch connector

The connector is attached to the top of the plate and consists of an adjustable bracket that
accepts and protects the rafter. If you are strongly opposed to the idea of cutting
birdsmouth notches into your rafters, consider Strong Tie’s variable pitch connectors.
This bracket can be adjusted to fit slopes ranging from 3:12 to 12:12.
With this bracket, you remove the necessity for notches and toenailing. Instead, just
install the bracket and fix it via predrilled holes with 10d nails.

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2.2 Set out location of ceiling joists on the top plate to
specifications and spacing requirements of ceiling
lining
This chapter provides comprehensive facts about the mandatory framework to install
ceiling joists. Ceiling joists are a serious element of a house’s construction. They support
the weight of the ceiling in addition to bearing the strain that the weight of the roof exerts
on the outer walls. According to building codes, ceiling joist spacing and allowable span are
standardised in residential construction, covering not only basic wall-to-wall room design
but also nonparallel ceiling joist construction. Therefore, the ceiling joists have a double
purpose:
 They are the member responsible for connecting or tying the lower ends of rafter
couples (pairs). Therefore, they prevent the rafters from dispersion and triggering
the roof to sag or collapse.
 They provide the framework for the ceiling to be attached to.
Ceiling joists are usually horizontal members, though, under special conditions, they can
be secure on a slope. They are set apart according to the material they support.
Stereotypically the material is plasterboard which can span 450 millimetres.
For coupled roofs, ceiling joists must be single lengths or spliced. They need to be at a
similar spacing and in the identical direction as the chief rafters so they can be secured to
and act as ties among the feet of opposing rafters pairs.
Basic ceiling joist spacing

A home’s standard interior framing construction uses 40.64cm on centre (OC) spacing for
ceiling joists. Simple ceiling construction is founded on joists that run parallel to the
rafters, even though non-load bearing walls used to split a room in half, for example,
might have non-parallel ceiling joists.

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Calculating ceiling joist spacing
The size of the ceiling joist is accounted for in joist spacing. It is a very important step. For
example, 406mm on centre (OC) spacing of ceiling joists made from southern pine allows
for a maximum 34.29cm span (length). Even though 50mm by 150mm lumber is used
most frequently in ceiling construction to support 1.5m by 2.4m sheetrock, the material is
usually used for ceilings. Therefore, further sizes of lumber may be used, such as 50mm
by 150mm and 50mm by 200mm lumber. This will support a room ceiling that is 3.048m
long on one side — as in 3.048m by 4.5m rooms —a standard dimension for numerous
rooms in residential construction.
Large room joist spacing

Interior spaces that exceed standard sizes require different dimensions in the joist size,
such as family rooms and garages, different joist spacing and the joist span. In these
circumstances, 50mm by 500mm lumber is frequently used for ceiling joists, even though
trusses might be added in the real-world. When using 50mm by 500mm Douglas and
hemlock fir or southern pine, spans for joists greater than 6m parallel to the rafters
require a 305mm joist spacing, or 406.4mm spacing when using 50mm by 500mm
Douglas fir or southern pine.
Variations in ceiling construction

Non-parallel ceiling joist designs need extra support construction in the ceiling. The
International Residential Code (IRC) specifies three methods for maintaining a continuous
tie – sustenance strength – across the rafters that support the roof weight and external
pressure. First, use 25mm by 100mm cross-ties between rafters up to 1.2m from the
exterior wall plate in the bottom third of the rafter span.
Source: hySPAN. (2011)

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2.3 Design and set out for ceiling joist support members
to meet the requirements of AS 1684 Residential
timber-framed construction
To ensure the reliability of the roof and/or the ceiling diaphragm, ceiling lining must be
attached directly to rafters or purlins, the bottom or top chord of trusses, the underside of
ceiling joists, or battens. Suspended ceiling systems will not be assumed to deliver
diaphragm action to transfer wind loads to bracing walls.
Tongued and grooved non-trafficable roof decking

For non-trafficable roofs, tongue-and-groove timber boards must follow the specifications
in the following table. When boards are not at right angles to rafters, support spacing must
be measured along the length of the board.
Source: Australian Standards (2010)

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Structural plywood for non-trafficable roof decking
Structural plywood used for non-trafficable roof decking shall be used following the table
below.
The grain of the face ply will be parallel to the span and must be continuous across at least
two spans when installing plywood sheets. If supported over one span only, tabulated
spacing shall be reduced by 25%. Edges of sheets shall be supported that are not tongued
and grooved.
Loads on ceilings
The member sizes for hanging beams, ceiling joists, and similar members are appropriate
for supporting normal ceiling loads and linings. However, where ceiling framing is required
to support other loads, such as storage, hot water systems, ladder or stair systems, or
similar building services, the framing shall be designed following AS 1720.1.

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Binders
To provide lateral restraint to external walls, binders may be required in ceilings. They
must be at least 35 x 70 mm in length where required. Clause 6.2.5 specifies the
requirements for lateral restraint of external walls.
Ceiling joists
Over battens must be at least 35 x 70 mm F5.
Hanging beams
Ceiling loads shall only be supported by hanging beams via ceiling joists. Hanging beams
with a depth-to-breadth ratio greater than seven must be laterally restrained at their
supports. The hanging beam design parameters are shown in the figure below.

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Counter beams
This might also be implemented for lintels in internal walls supporting hanging beams.
Hanging beams will support ceiling loads via counter beams. The counter beam design
parameters are shown in the figure below.
Combined strutting/hanging beams

Combined hanging/ strutting beams might support both roof loads from ceiling joists from
struts and ceiling loads. Joint hanging/strutting beams with a depth-to-breadth ratio
greater than three must
have their top edges
restrained sideways at the
supports and immediately
at the strutting points.
Design parameters for
combined hanging /
strutting beams shall be
shown in the figure below.
Source: Australian
Standards (2010)
Combined

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counter/strutting beams
Roof loads from struts and ceiling loads can be supported by combined counter/strutting
beams. As a result, combined counter/strutting beams with a depth-to-breadth ratio
greater than three must be laterally restrained at their supports. The following figure
depicts the design parameters for combined counter/strutting beams.

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Strutting beams
Strutting beams must only support roof loads. The top edge of strutting beams with a
depth-to-breadth ratio greater than three must be restrained sideways at the supports and
immediately at the strutting points. The strutting beam design parameters are shown in
the figure below.
Underpurlins
Under purlin ends may project (cantilever) beyond support by up to 25% of the maximum
allowable span of the under purlin, as long as the actual backspan is at least three times
the cantilever length. The under-purlin design parameters are shown in the figure below.

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2.4 Cut and install ceiling joists, trimmers, hanging
beams, counter beams, strutting beams and
combinations of these components as per AS 1684
Cut and install the ceiling joists

A normal residential ceiling entails a joist or truss system presenting horizontal members
that make the ceiling frame. Headers must be installed to bridge the adjacent joists when
cutting joists in the ceiling frame. If you have joists in your ceiling, you can cut one or
more to install an attic fan, a pull-down ladder entrance, or a similar fixture.
 If you’re installing a pull-down ladder, rough opening dimensions would be listed
outside the box or on an installation sheet. Measure approximate opening
dimensions on the ceiling and instant chalk lines to signify the dimensions. If you fit
an old fixture, measure the backside, not counting any trim and practice that for
the rough opening dimension.
 Using a sharp utility knife along the chalk lines, Cut the ceiling dry-wall and remove
the dry-wall centre section. This will disclose one or new joists.
 Mark pencil marks on the joists you will be eradicating. This is best done from the
attic. Removing two or three joists makes the marks 75mm wider than the rough
opening. If you’re removing one solitary joist, make a mark on each end 38mm
wider than the rough opening.
 Using a reciprocating saw, cut the marked joists from the top. Do not cut from end-
to-end dry-wall. Instead, eliminate the cut joist(s).
 Compute the distance between the full joists on each side of the cut joists. These
are trimmer joists. The space among the trimmer joists should be about 1180mm if
you remove one joist. Standard ceiling joists sit on 610mm centres, and the space
among them is 570mm. If you removed two joists, the distance would be closer to
1790mm. At all times, measure, though, because there can be slight variations in
the layout.

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 If you removed one joist, cut two boards to make single headers, and if you
removed two joists, cut four boards to make double headers. The headers should
be cut from the same lumber as the joists.
 Insert a header at a right angle between the remaining joists. Slide the header so
that the side fits snugly against the remaining stub of the cut joist.
 Insert two evenly spaced nails through the header into the end of the joist stub
with a framing nailer and 16d nails. Reach around the remaining joist on one side
and drive two more nails through the joist and into the header’s end. Repeat on the
opposite side of the header.
 Join an additional header on the other side of the opening similarly. Position the
second headers to flush against the first ones; if you fit doubleheaders, nail them
similarly.
 Double the trimmer joists if you are installing double-headers. This includes
mounting an extra full-length joist on the external of each trimmer joist. The ends
of these joists must rest on a load-bearing column or wall to connect the new joists
to the trimmer joists; insert two 16d nails evenly spaced every 305mm.
 Install rough opening side blocks. As a result, the opening may be too large in the
opposite direction. The headers on two sides already form the rough opening
frame. In this case, measure and cut two boards to fit the gap between the headers
on each side of the dry-wall opening. To secure the blocks, insert two 16d nails at
45-degree angles through the ends of the blocks into the headers. This is known as
“toenailing.” Make sure this is true for both side blocks on both ends.
 Save the framing with perpendicular joist connectors. Where the headers and joists
meet, there are lightweight metal brackets in the shape of an L that fit into the
corners. The connectors have predrilled holes that require specific nails depending
on the type of connector purchased. Use a consistent hammer to insert the nails
into the holes.
Trimming around openings

To provide full support for ceiling linings, any openings in a joisted ceiling (skylights,
manholes, and similar openings) must be trimmed. Where no loads other than normal
ceiling loads will be carried, trimmers shall be as follows:
 Openings greater than 3000 mm – trimmer size as for hanging beams.
 Openings greater than 1000 mm in length and up to 3000 mm in length – the
trimmer’s breadth will be increased by 20% for every 300 mm in length greater
than 1000 mm. Members must be joined together with framing brackets.
 Openings up to 1000 mm – same size as a ceiling joist.

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Hanging beams
Source: Build Right (n.d.)
A ‘hanging beam’ is usually a deep timber beam situated perpendicular (at right angles or
90º) to ceiling joists and straight above them. This permits for a more economic joist size
and consistent section. The purpose of a hanging beam is to decrease the duration of the
ceiling joists. Hanging beams must only support the ceiling joists and the materials
attached to the ceiling.
The hanging beam has to be sufficiently supported on its ends over load-bearing walls.
This is finished using blocking pieces of the identical timber as the ceiling joists. The ceiling
joists are fixed to the hanging beam with the following:
 Hoop iron straps.
 Timber battens.
 Purpose-made metal joist hanger brackets.
Hanging beams can be nailed or bolted to an available rafter, gable end strut or held using
angle strutting from internal walls. They are held in a vertical position at both ends.
Source: hySPAN (2011)

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Source: hySPAN (2011)
Counter beams
Counter beams might be given to support hanging beams. The end support of counter
beams shall be comparable to that of hanging beams. They must be designed as
strutting/counter-beam combinations. At hanging and counter beam intersections, the
hanging beam may be checked out over the counter beam or butted up to the counter
beam.
The intersection of hanging and counter beams

The hanging beams must be supported by 45 x 42 mm minimum ledgers attached to each
side of the counter beam with 5/3.05 mm diameter nails or 2/No. 14 Type 17 screws or
other proprietary connectors such as joist hangers. At hanging and counter beam

Page 52 of 67
intersections, the hanging beam may be checked out over the counter beam or butted up
to the counter beam.
Combined strutting/hanging beams

Combined strutting/hanging beams are typically installed at right angles (or angled or off-
centre) to ceiling joists and directly above them. End supports must meet the same
requirements as strutting beams.
Notes:
 The strutting beam clearance requirements are unnecessary because the hanging
beam is directly over the ceiling joists.
 Roof and ceiling loads are supported by combined strutting/hanging beams. Roof
struts and ceiling load areas for hanging beams transfer loads to the beam (i.e.,
joists suspended on cleats).
Combined strutting/counter beams

Through hanging beams, combined strutting/counter beams must support roof and ceiling
loads. They are typically installed at right angles to hanging beams and parallel to ceiling
joists, but they can be angled or placed off-centre.
At joints of hanging beams and collective strutting/counter beams, the hanging beam may
check out over or rammed up to the strutting/counter beam. It will be buttressed by 45 ×
42 mm timber ledgers secured at all sides of the strutting beam or other exclusive
connectors by joist hangers.
End supports must meet the same requirements as strutting beams. The 25mm clearance
specified for strutting beams is required, where counter beams are located between the
ceiling joists.
Strutting beams
Beams intend to bear straight above studs supporting concentrated masses or distributed
loads over two or more studs using top plate stiffening. Lintels must be designed for a
concentrated load where strutting beams cross openings.
The ends of the strutting beams must bear the width of the wall plates. Strutting beams
must only support roof loads. In the roof space, they can extend in any direction.
Blocking is intended to be provided amid strutting beams and wall plates to deliver an
initial clearance of 25 mm at mid-span among the under-side of the beams and the tops of

Page 53 of 67
ceiling joists, ceiling battens or ceiling lining, as suitable. The ends of strutting beams
might be chamfered to escape interference by the roof claddings.

Page 54 of 67
QUESTION 1
Explain the procedure to identify rafter positions.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
QUESTION 2
How do you perform calculations for spacing requirements of ceiling lining?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
QUESTION 3
Explain the purpose of setting out ceiling joist support members.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 3: CLEAN UP
Page 55 of 67
Page 56 of 67
This chapter will provide details regarding the clean up operations after the construction of
ceiling frames.
What will I learn?

1. Clean up, meeting all legislative and workplace requirements for safety,
waste disposal and materials handling.
2. Check, maintain and store tools and equipment and report any faults.

Page 57 of 67
3.1 Clean up, meeting all legislative and workplace
requirements for safety, waste disposal and
materials handling
In this chapter, you will learn about cleaning up after, on-site ceiling framing and
construction of ceiling frames.
After completing the work, the workplace should be cleared, and waste material should be
disposed of according to environmental legislation. Moreover, the material that is in excess
or left should be stacked and stored for later use.
Disposing of hazardous materials

After completing your work tasks, put the waste materials in the bins provided for
recycling in line with the site environmental management plans or waste disposal plans.
Ensure that you understand the site environmental management plans and the specific
necessities for disposing of toxic waste you may come across on the construction site.
You should follow material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for provisions and handling of toxic
substances.
Environmental management plans

Environmental management plans mainly describe the action that affects the natural worn
which occurs and set out clear commitments from an individual to follow environmentally
friendly practices.
The environmental management plan (EMP) will direct the actions to dispose of recycled
material at the construction site.

Page 58 of 67
Improve
Meet all relavant environmental
environmental management
laws, policies and system on
procedures. continuous basis
as per
international
standards
The diagram shows the primary purpose of working on an environmental management

plan (EMP). You should take advice from your supervisor or manager if any unaccepted
issues occur in the system. It is the responsibility of everyone working on the site to
improve environmental methods and procedures in the workplace.
Good housekeeping
Good housekeeping is recommended to control any hazards and risks on the construction
site, but it also encourages good work practices, pride, and ownership. When the job has
finished, you must clear all the areas. Do not leave it for someone else to do.
The worksite requirements for cleaning the work area and disposing or recycling
substances will be outlined in the project quality necessities, environmental plans, or site-
specific strategies.
Contact your manager, environmental officer, or coordinator if you are unsure about your
necessities under this plan. They can describe the requirements you must meet.
Dispose of / recycle material

As waste has a huge number of negative impacts on the
environment, recycling materials, in this case, is crucial.
The following are some benefits of recycling waste material:
 Recycling saves energy.
 Recycling decreases landfills.
 Recycling protects natural resources.
 Recycling is good for the economy.
 Recycling assists our climate issues.
Worksite disposal areas

The workplace plan should be familiar to the workers. This assists them in finding out the
location of areas where the material is to be disposed of. The signs at the workplace must
be followed, as they will direct you to different points. Workplace strategies must be
followed while disposing of any material.

Page 59 of 67
Wastewater disposal
Although the wastewater is classified as non-toxic waste, this can harm the environment.
Therefore, care should be needed to dispose of the wastewater. If the wastewater is not
properly disposed of, it will seriously affect the environment, which further causes
pollution.

Page 60 of 67
3.2 Check, maintain and store tools and equipment and
report any faults
Checking and maintaining equipment

During the construction of ceiling frames, many tools and equipment are used.
All the tools and equipment should be properly cleaned and maintained. The maintenance
of equipment is carried out following the operations manual.
It is easy to notice any fault on the tool when properly cleaned and maintained. After
cleaning and maintenance, the tools and equipment must be stored in the allocated place
to be easily located when required.
Preventative and ongoing maintenance

Preventative and ongoing maintenance are actions taken to prolong the life of the
equipment and avoid unnecessary downtime. This includes:
 Cleaning.
 Maintenance.
A successful maintenance plan can enhance safety and operations. The merits include the
following:
 Fewer equipment failures and emergency breakdowns.
 Decrease labour charges.
 Extended equipment life.
 Improved equipment working.
 Less downtime and more productivity.
 Reduce maintenance costs.
Servicing
Regular servicing prevents excessive wear and damage. Follow the servicing schedule
provided and site safety procedures. Ensure sufficient safety PPE is worn at all times.
After cleaning, check equipment for:

Page 61 of 67
 Structural damage such as cracks, leaks, fractures, or rusting.
 Excessive component wear.
 Loose controls.
 Loose nuts, bolts, or connectors.
 Poorly attached or damaged guards.
 Worn power cords.
 Poorly connected or damaged compressed air or hydraulic lines.
 Leaking tanks, seals, or filler caps.
 Poorly lubricated surfaces.
 Faults or defects should be repaired or reported immediately.
Storage
Proper storage increases equipment life and is an important part of housekeeping. Store
equipment in designated areas and position it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember that defective equipment should be reported and not stowed with equipment
ready for operational use.
Report an issue
While working with a tool or equipment, if you notice a fault, you must take the following
actions:
 Stop working.
 Remove the key and isolate the power supply.
 Put a tag on the equipment that reads ‘Do not Use.’
 Record the fault in the logbook or the daily inspection checklist.

Page 62 of 67
QUESTION 1
Explain the purpose of environmental management plans.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
QUESTION 2
How do you dispose of hazardous material?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
QUESTION 3
What is preventive and ongoing maintenance?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Page 63 of 67
Knowledge evidence (KE) Compliance
Evidence of the ability to: Mapped to Chapter in Page
The candidate must be able to demonstrate performance the learner number
knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in criteria guide
the elements, performance criteria and
foundation skills of this unit, including
knowledge of:
1. compliance requirements of the National
Construction Code and Australian
Standards relevant to constructing 1.2 Chapter 1 9 to 15
ceiling frames, including AS 1684
Residential timber-framed construction
2. workplace quality policies and standards
1.2 Chapter 1 9 to 15
for constructing ceiling frames
3. safety requirements for constructing
ceiling frames:
3.1 working at heights 1.2 Chapter 1 9 to 15
4. waste disposal requirements relevant to
5. materials handling relevant to
6. correct use of tools and equipment used
to construct ceiling frames
7. processes for:
7.1 setting out and measuring materials
for ceiling frames
7.2 calculating material requirements
for ceiling frames
8. materials for constructing ceiling
frames:
8.1 types of timber 1.3 Chapter 1 16 to 20
8.2 engineered timber products and
their structural properties and 1.3 Chapter 1 16 to 20
applications

Page 64 of 67
References
Build. (n.d.). Ceiling joists and beams. [online] Available at: https://build.com.au/ceiling-
joists-and-beams.
Build. (n.d.). Framing materials. [online] Available at: https://build.com.au/framing-
materials
Build. (n.d.). Timber framing. [online] Available at: https://build.com.au/timber-framing.
Argus Trades. (n.d.). Workplace, Health & Safety. [online] Available at:
https://www.argustrades.com.au/workplace-health-safety-compliance
Douglas Shire Council (2020). Douglas Shire Council Subordinate Local Law No. 1
(Administration) 2020. [online] Available at:
https://douglas.qld.gov.au/download/local_laws/Subordinate-Local-Law-No.1-
Adminstration-2020.pdf
WorkSafe. (2018). Safety data sheets. [online] Available at:
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-data-sheets.
Safe Work Australia (2022). Model WHS laws. [online] Safe Work Australia. Available at:
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/law-and-regulation/model-whs-laws.
Australian Government (n.d.). Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Amendment
Standards 2020. [online] www.legislation.gov.au. Available at:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L01245.
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Western Australia. (2014). Domestic
construction - Controlling falling risks while working on roof structures. [online] Available
at: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/publications/domestic-construction-controlling-
falling-risks-while-working-roof-structures
Stanwell (2015). Barricading and Signage Document Number - OHS-PROC-134. [online]

Available at: https://www.stanwell.com/wp-content/uploads/Barricading-and-Signage-
Procedure.pdf.
VERST Fire Services (n.d.). Compliance – VERST Fire Services. [online] Available at:
https://verstfire.com.au/compliance/
Naval Educators and Training Professional Development and Technology Center. (n.d.)
Navy Builder. [online] Available at:
http://www.constructionknowledge.net/public_domain_documents/Div_6_Woods_Plastics/
Partial%20Carpentry%20pdfs/Framing_Roofs_NAVEDTRA_14044.pdf
Build Right. (n.d.). Ceiling joists. [online] Available at:

https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/dlsweb/Toolbox/buildright/content/bcgbc4010a/12_roof_syste
ms/02_conventional_roof_framing/page_002.htm
Build Right. (n.d.). Conventional roof framing. [online] Available at:
https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/Toolbox/buildright/content/bcgbc4010a/12_roof_systems
/02_conventional_roof_framing/page_003.htm
hySPAN. (2011). Span guide for residential framing. [online] Available at:
https://fblvl.com.au/assets/Uploads/4236168fac/Futurebuild-hySPAN-Span-Guide-
October-2012.pdf

Page 65 of 67
Standards Australia. (2010). AS 1684.2—2010 - Residential timber-framed construction.
[online] Available at:
https://www.renovateforum.com/attachments/3/1/8/7/4/85884.attach
Sokol, E. (2020). How to Attach Rafters and Trusses to Top Plate. [online] Plasticine
House. Available at: https://plasticinehouse.com/how-to-attach-rafters-and-trusses-to-
top-plate/
Construction Manuals. (n.d.). Rafter. [online] Available at:

https://constructionmanuals.tpub.com/14044/css/Rafter-55.htm
Construction Manuals (n.d.). Chapter 2 Roof Framing. [online] Available at:

https://constructionmanuals.tpub.com/14044/css/Chapter-2-Roof-Framing-53.htm

Page 66 of 67

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LEARNER GUIDE

Unit code Document version Release date Comments/actions

CPCCCA3005 1.0 04.11.2022 First edition

Copyright protects this material. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

What is a ceiling frame?

What will I learn?

1. Plan and prepare.

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

 Work requirements are obtained, confirmed and applied.

What will I learn?

1. Read and interpret work instructions and plan sequence of work.

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

 Project contract and scope of work.

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Work instruction sources

Planning and preparation include:

Work instructions may be obtained via:

 Oral or written and graphical instructions.

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Interpret and apply work instructions

It is important to understand the work requirements. A good understanding of the

 Make the right decisions for each work activity/solution.

 Preparing the ceiling and dry-wall.

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Acts: These are laws that you have to follow.

Regulations: These explain what the law means

Codes of Practice: These are instructions on how to follow the

Australian Standards: These tell you what the minimum requirement

Worksites are required to meet a range of compliance documents. These include:

Legislative, organisational and site requirements

Equal employee opportunity legislations

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Job safety Analysis (JSA)

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Other documents include:

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An SDSs informs you of:

 The product (its name, ingredients, and properties).

Site details: information and safety requirements of workplace environement.

Include instructions on how to handle dangerous or hazardous material.

Instructions on what the work is or what you will be doing. Instructions on

Faulty equipment procedures: Isolation procedures to follow or forms to fill

Emergency procedures: Instructions on what to do in emergency situations

Equipment and work instructions: Details of how to operate plant and

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Worker’s duty of care

PCBU’s duty of care

Compliance requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian

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Safety requirements for constructing ceiling frames

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Quality requirements are mentioned in the following documents:

Elements that you have to check while constructing ceiling frames:

Manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions

Plans, specifications and drawings for constructing ceiling frames

Uses of plans while constructing ceiling frames:

 It shows the location of ceiling frames and other existing structures.

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Version Number: 1.0 (Review date: 18/12/2023) Unit Code: CPCCCA3005

Faulty tools should be tagged out with an out-of-service tag.