Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1 )

This Unit covers the application of relevant OHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice and associated guidance material with respect to a utilities industry workplace. In terms of legislation, the competency standard includes relevant sections of Commonwealth and State OHS and Environmental Protection Acts. The competency standard refers to Inspection; Safety Equipment; Personal Protective Equipment; Relevant Policies and Procedures; Emergency and Hazardous Work Situations; Relevant Sections of Standard Operating Procedures.

License to practice 

3 .1 )

The skills and knowledge described in this unit are not subject to licence regulation other than those directly related to Occupational Health and Safety, gas/electricity/water industry safety and compliance, industrial relations, environmental protection, telecommunications, anti discrimination and training. Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation and regulations may exist that limit the age at which a person can operate certain equipment.

Prerequisite Unit (s )

2 )

Competencies 

2 .1 )

Granting of competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed:

Nil

5 ) Elements describe the essential outcomes of a competency standard unit

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to comply with workplace OHS procedures and practices

1.1

OHS instructions are received and confirmed

1.2

OHS, environmental and sustainable energy policies and procedures are followed for the work to be performed, received and confirmed

1.3

Relevant OHS requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are discussed with all persons to establish and confirm the work schedule

1.4

Suggestions to assist with complying with workplace OHS procedures and practices are made to others involved in the work

1.5

Hazards are identified, OHS risks assessed and control measures are prioritised, implemented and monitored including emergency exits kept clear according to established procedures

1.6

Scope of responsibility under any relevant work permit are received and confirmed according to requirements and established procedures with relevant persons

1.7

Resources including OHS related equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained and in working order according to established procedures

1.8

Relevant responsibilities associated with First Aid and other related work safety procedures at the work site are confirmed in accordance with requirements and established procedures

1.9

Client issues are referred to appropriate persons in accordance with industry and community standards

1.10

Site is prepared according to given OHS instructions and the work schedule for a quality outcome and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce and individuals in accordance with established procedures

1.11

Road signs, barriers and warning devices are positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements

2

Carry out work in compliance with workplace OHS procedures and practices

2.1

OHS policies and procedures and safe work practices are followed to eliminate or minimise incidents and hazards

2.2

Lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces and or aloft, and use of power tools, techniques and practices are safely monitored in accordance with given instructions and according to requirements confirmed to eliminate the prospects of incidents

2.3

Operational knowledge for compliance with workplace OHS procedures and practices is confirmed to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures

2.4

Equipment and work areas are regularly cleaned and all the work is carried out in accordance with given instructions and established procedures to ensure compliance with OHS requirements

2.5

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards assessed and OHS risks are reported to the immediate authorised person for directions according to established procedures

2.6

Appropriate personal protective equipment is used as required in accordance with requirements and established procedures

2.7

Non-routine events are referred to the immediate authorised persons for directions according to established procedures

2.8

Problems associated with compliance with workplace OHS procedures and practices are dealt with using acquired known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure work instructions and established procedures are met

2.9

Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

2.10

Safety equipment is routinely checked in accordance with legislative requirements and standard operating procedures

2.11

Hazardous materials and equipment are handled and stored in accordance with material safety data sheets and manufacturer's specifications

3

Complete compliance with OHS at the work site

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against work schedule; assistance is sought to clarify obligations and procedures and any anomalies reported to authorised persons in accordance with established procedures

3.2

Accidents and incidents are actioned and reported to authorised persons in accordance with established procedures

3.3

Work site is checked for rehabilitation, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

3.4

Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with established procedures

3.5

Assistance is sought to clarify obligations and procedures and the appropriate persons are notified of work completion according to established procedures

3.6

Work completion records, report forms and data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

6 ) This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices for complying with workplace OHS procedures and practices. The extent of the essential knowledge and associated skills (EKAS) required is given in Volume 2 - Part 2.2 EKAS. It forms an integral part of this unit.

G 2.1.1

Working in the Gas Sector

G 2.1.2

Identify roles of statutory authorities

G 2.1.3

Identify employment roles and responsibilities

G 2.1.4

Apply relevant OHS regulations, policies and procedures

G 2.1.5

Maintain safe, clean and healthy workplace

G 2.1.6

Work safely with hazardous materials and equipment

G 2.1.7

Apply safe manual handling techniques in the workplace

G 2.1.8

Control traffic at the work site

G 2.1.9

Respond to emergency and accident situations

G 2.1.10

Apply relevant environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice

G 2.1.11

Protect and maintain the environment

G 2.1.12

Communicate in the workplace

G 2.1.13

Communicate effectively in a team

G 2.1.14

Read and interpret workplace documents

G 2.1.15

Complete routine workplace forms, memos and reports

G 2.1.16

Identify requirements of work activity

G 2.1.17

Apply basic planning skills

G 2.1.18

Conduct tasks to complete work activity

G 2.1.19

Review work activity

G 2.1.20

Customer relations

G 2.1.21

Problem solving

G 2.1.22

Confined Spaces

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

8 ) The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Unit and shall be used in conjunction with all components parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

8 .1 )

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the Industry's preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with industry and regulatory policy in this regard.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Hence, sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature so as to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal every day work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its 'richness'. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

8 .2 )

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated Performance Criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the 'Assessment Guidelines UEG06'. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of Performance Criteria demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the Performance Criteria and range
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the Performance Criteria and range
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit to such an extent that the learner's performance outcome is reported in accordance with the preferred approach; namely a percentile graded result, where required by the regulated environment
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

• Demonstrate performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

Range of tools /equipment /procedures /workplace 

Group No 

The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated 

Item List 

A

At least 4

Use Dial Before you dig service or its equivalent

Effectively use MSDS sheets

Prepare job hazard Analyses

Implement control measures for identified hazards

Hazardous area requirements adhered to

Correctly use PPE appropriate to Gas Industry

B

At least 3

Traffic control management

Respond to emergency

Control gas escape

Make site safe

Site controller duties

C

At least 4

Correct use of Gas Detector

Follow Confined Spaces procedures in accordance with AS2865

First Aid qualification

Use of full breathing apparatus

Fire retardant overalls

Fire fighting for gas fires

D

All

Use safe manual handling techniques

Communicate in a team environment read and interpret workplace documents

Apply basic planning skills

E

At least one occasion

Deal with an unplanned event by drawing on essential knowledge and associated skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

8 .3 )

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this Unit.
• Appropriate environmental regulation and work practices.
• Appropriate organisational requirements.
• Appropriate work environment, equipment and tools.

In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency in complying with workplace OHS procedures and practices.

Assessment of this competency must also be undertaken in either an actual workplace or under a simulated work environment. Assessment must also integrate the key competencies.

Method of assessment 

8 .4 )

This Unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 'Assessment Guidelines'.

Note: Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this Unit applies. This requires that the specified Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

8 .5 ) There are no recommended concurrent assessments with this unit, however in some cases efficiencies may be gained in terms of learning and assessment effort being concurrently managed with allied Units where listed.

UEGNSG102A

Carry out work activities in a utilities industry work environment

UEGNSG104A

Comply with environmental policies and procedures

UEGNSG105A

Establish the work site

Key Competencies 

8 .6 )

Evidence that particular key competencies have been achieved within this Unit is in the context of the following Performance Criteria of evidence. See Volume 2, Part 4 for an explanation of Key Competencies and levels of this Training Package.

Key Competencies 

Example of Application 

Performance Level 

How are ideas and information communicated within this competency?

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

1

1.4; 2.6; 3.5

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

1

1.5; 2.5; 3.1; 3.2; 3.6

How are activities planned and organised?

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

1

1.2

How is team work used within this competency?

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

1

1.2; 1.4

How are mathematical ideas and techniques used?

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

N/A

How are problem solving skills applied?

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

N/A

How is use of technology applied?

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

N/A

Skills Enabling Employment 

8 .7 )

Evidence that competency in this unit incorporates skills enabling employment is in the context of the following performance.

Skills for Employment 

Example of Application 

1

Developing and using skills within a real workplace

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

All

2

Learning to learn in the workplace

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

1.1; 1.5

3

Reflecting on the outcome and process of work task

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

3.1; 3.6

4

Interacting and understanding of the context of the work task

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

1.2; 2.5; 2.8; 3.3

5

Planning and organising the meaningful work task

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

1.4; 1.5; 1.7

6

Performing the work task in non-routine or contingent situations

Refer to the following Performance Criteria for examples of application:

2.6; 2.7

RANGE STATEMENT 

7 ) This relates to the competency standard unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the Performance Criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This Unit shall/may be demonstrated in relation to compliance with workplace OHS procedures and practices.

The following constants and variables included in the element/Performance Criteria in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement of this unit:

Legislation (2)

Inspection (2)

Safety equipment (2)

Personal Protective Equipment (2)

Relevant regulation and procedures (2)

Emergency and hazardous work situations (2)

Relevant sections of standard operating procedures (2)

Literacy and numeracy skills 

2 .2 )

Participants are best equipped to achieve this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 'Literacy and Numeracy'

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Application of the Unit 

3 )

This competency standard shall apply to any basic and safe work site where Gas Industry operations occur. It could also apply, where applicable to other workplaces in the electricity supply industry (transmission and distribution and generation), the electrotechnology industry and the water industry, subject to all Occupational Health and Safety and duty of care requirements being met for the workplace.

Competency Field 

4 )

Cross discipline.