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Section 1
Page 7
SkillsDMC ©
Introduction
Being able to carry out measurements and
calculations is a very important requirement
of working in the resources and infrastructure
industries. Examples include using measuring
equipment when building roads and calculating
the amount of coal to be loaded onto a truck for
transport.
You must have the ability to be accurate in your
calculations. This will allow you to get your
work done with greater quality and efficiency.
There is an old saying about measurements and
calculations: ‘Measure twice and cut once.’
It’s important to get measurements and
calculations right the first time.
Carrying out measurements and calculations
accurately will:
•
reduce waste
•
save time
•
save money
•
increase efficiency and quality
Before doing any tasks you must also comply
with any documentation relevant to the task
at hand and you must understand the work
instructions given to you. These will vary greatly
depending on the industry you will be working in.
If you are unsure about any instructions, ask your
supervisor to clarify them. You will work with
greater accuracy when you understand your work
instructions clearly.
Work activities
The type of measurements or calculations you
perform will depend on the work instruction you
have been given. You may be asked to calculate
the area of a flat surface or the length of a tree
depending on what you are doing.
Types of measurements and
calculations
There are certain types of measurements and
calculations that you must be familiar with. These
include:
•
area
•
length
•
volume
•
mass
•
right angles
•
depth
•
quantities
•
grade
•
percentages
•
conversions
•
ratios
•
addition
•
subtraction
•
division
•
multiplication
•
rounding off
To do these measurements and calculations you
may be required to use:
•
a calculator
•
squares
•
a tape measure
•
scales
•
a depth gauge
•
a ruler
When, where and how you use calculations and
measurements will vary greatly according to the
industry you are in, but the principles will remain
the same for all situations.
This guide offers some basic explanation of
mathematical formulas that you will come into
contact with in your day-to-day work activities.