Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This Competency Standard Unit covers the installation and maintenance of de-energised high voltage underground cables and covers the laying of cables as well as the jointing, terminating, repair and replacement of cables. It could include direct laying of cables in trenches, on racks, in troughs and /or in conduit or ducts and also includes the isolation of systems and circuits, the procedure of issuing/accepting electrical access permits, the undertaking of pre-commissioning and/or re-commissioning tests and the updating of system data/maintenance records.

Application of the Unit 

2) 

This Competency Standard Unit is intended to augment formally acquired competencies. It is suitable for employment-based programs under an approved contract of training.

License to practice 

3)  

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence/registration to practice in the work place subject to regulations for undertaking of electrical work. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to Occupational Health and Safety, electricity/telecommunications/gas/water industry safety and compliance, industrial relations, environmental protection, anti discrimination and training. Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation and regulations may exist that limits the age of operating certain equipment.

Prerequisite Unit(s) 

4)  

Competencies 

4.1) 

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

Where pre-requisite pathways have been identified. All competencies in the Common Unit Group must be have been completed plus all the competencies in one (1) of the identified Pathway Unit Group(s):

Common Unit Group

Unit Code

Unit Title

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

UEENEEE102A

Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components

UEENEEE104A

Solve problems in d.c. Circuits

UEENEEE105A

Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment

UEENEEE107A

Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications

UEENEEE137A

Document and apply measures to control OHS risks associated with electrotechnology work

UEENEEG006A

Solve problems in single and three phase low voltage machines

UEENEEG033A

Solve problems in single and three phase electrical apparatus and circuits

UEENEEG063A

Arrange circuits, control and protection for general electrical installations

UEENEEG101A

Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG102A

Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG103A

Install low voltage wiring and accessories

UEENEEG104A

Install appliances, switchgear and associated accessories for low voltage electrical installations

UEENEEG105A

Verify compliance and functionality of low voltage general electrical installations

UEENEEG106A

Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits

UEENEEG107A

Select wiring systems and cables for low voltage general electrical installations

UEENEEG108A

Trouble-shoot and repair faults in low voltage electrical apparatus and circuits

UEENEEG109A

Develop and connect electrical control circuits

UEENEEK142A

Apply environmentally and sustainable energy procedures in the energy sector

UETTDRCJ33A

Install and maintain network infrastructure LV underground cables

UETTDREL16A

Working safely near live electrical apparatus

UETTDRIS46A

Install and maintain ESI network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS62A

Implement and monitor the power system organisational OHS policies, procedures and programs

UETTDRIS63A

Implement and monitor the power system environmental and sustainable energy management policies and procedures

Literacy and numeracy skills 

4.2)  

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

4

Writing

4

Numeracy

4

Employability Skills 

5)  

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6)  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 the laying, installation and maintenance of de-energised HV underground cables

1.1

Works schedule(s), including drawings, plans, requirements, established procedures, and material lists, are received, analysed and confirmed, if necessary, by site inspection.

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures for the work are communicated to all personnel and identified for all work sites.

1.3

OHS policies and procedures related to requirements and established procedures for the laying, installing and maintenance of HV underground cables are obtained and confirmed for the purposes of the work to be performed and communicated.

1.4

Work is prioritised and sequenced following consultation with others for completion within acceptable timeframes and in accordance with established procedures.

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

Relevant work permits are obtained to access and perform work according to requirements and/or established procedures.

1.7

Resources including personnel, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained and confirmed in working order.

1.8

Relevant personnel at work site are confirmed current in First Aid and other related work procedures according to requirements.

1.9

Liaison and communication issues with other/authorised personnel, authorities, clients and land owners are resolved to carry out work where necessary.

1.10

Site is prepared according to the work schedule and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce, and individuals in accordance with established procedures.

1.11

Personnel participating in the work, including plant operators and contractors, are fully briefed and respective responsibilities confirmed where applicable in accordance with established procedures.

1.12

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

2

Carry out the laying, installation and maintenance of HV underground cables

2.1

OHS and sustainable energy principles and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are monitored and followed in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures.

2.2

Lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces and aloft, and use of power tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed and, currency according to requirements confirmed.

2.3

Systems and circuits are isolated as required, proved safe to work on in accordance with the requirements/permits and established procedures.

2.4

Essential knowledge and associated skills are applied in the safe installation and maintenance of HV underground polymeric cables to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and, to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements.

2.5

Electrical cables are laid in accordance with the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.

2.6

De-energised HV underground cables are installed according the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.

2.7

Maintenance, including repair and/or replacement of de-energised HV underground cables is carried out, in accordance with the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.

2.8

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

2.9

Unplanned events in the installation and maintenance of HV underground cables are undertaken within the scope of established procedures.

2.10

Known solutions to a variety of problems are applied using acquired essential knowledge and associated skills.

2.11

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

3

Complete the laying, installation and maintenance of HV underground cables

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against works schedule for conformance with requirements and anomalies reported in accordance with established procedures.

3.2

Accidents and/or injuries are reported in accordance with requirements/established procedures, where applicable.

3.3

Work site is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with 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

Relevant work permit(s) are signed off and, HV underground cables are returned to service in accordance with requirements.

3.6

Works completion records, reports, as installed /modified drawing and/or documentation and information are finalised and processed and appropriate personnel notified.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

8)  Essential knowledge and associated skills (EKAS): This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of installing and maintaining de-energised HV underground polymeric cables.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-TCJ34A Network infrastructure HV polymeric underground cables

Evidence shall show an understanding of the jointing and termination of network infrastructure HV polymeric cables to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements pertaining to the jointing of HV underground polymeric cables

T2 Requirements for the use of enterprise construction manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings, encompassing:

• Characteristics of different types of cables and components
• Purpose of stress control
• Applications of various tools and equipment for HV jointing

T3 Procedure for isolating high voltage underground cables encompassing:

• Method for proving safe to work
• Earthing procedures

T4 Techniques in jointing HV underground polymeric cable, encompassing:

• Short circuit cores and seal cable
• Straight through
• Trifurcating

T5 Techniques in HV terminations encompassing:

• Pole top termination
• Substation/switchgear termination
• ABC termination
• Telcon termination

T6 Procedures for repairing HV underground cables encompassing:

• Location of faults
• Types of damage
• Techniques to repairs to sheath
• Techniques to repairs to core

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9)  This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit of competency and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit of competency and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

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

Overview of Assessment 

9.1) 

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 practiced. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9.2) 

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 – UET12”. 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; and
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range; and
• 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; and
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of employability skills; and

• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, policies and workplace procedures; and

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

Range of tools/equipment/materials/procedures/workplaces/other variables 

Group No 

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

Item List 

A

Laying at least one of the following;

HV polymeric

HV paper insulated

B

With regards to "A" incorporate at least one of the following:

Direct lay

On racks

In conduits

C

With regards to "A" incorporate at least one cable pulling methods of the following:

Stocking pulling

Bond pulling

Armour pulling

Nose pull attachments

D

With regards to "A" incorporate at least two cable sealing methods of the following:

Heat shrinkable

Pre-stretched materials

Tin/lead wiping

Pre-moulded components

E

With regards to "A" incorporate at least one cable cutting methods of the following:

Hydraulic cutters

Electric reciprocating

Motorised

Hand tools

F

With regards to "A" incorporate at least four of the following:

Drum jacks

Winches

Spindles

Capstans

Bollards

Cable trailers

Rollers

Lubricants

Ropes

Bell mouths

Draw wires/rods

G

Install and maintain all of the following:

HV polymeric cables

H

With regards to "G" incorporate at least two of the following:

Tee-off joints

Straight through joint

Parallel branch joint

Parallel joint

I

With regards to "G" incorporate at least one of the following:

Transformers

Ring main units

Chamber substations

J

With regards to "G" incorporate at least one of the following:

Busbar/termination boxes

Links/Fuses

Termination boxes

Control gear

Circuit breakers

K

With regards to "G" incorporate at least two of the following:

Resin filled boxes

Compound filled boxes

Polymeric tape

Heat shrink

‘slip-on’ moulds

Pre-stretched polymeric

L

With regards to the above incorporate at all of the following:

Insulation resistance testers

Voltage detectors

M

With regards to the above incorporate all of the following;

Cable identification devices

Cable spiking devices

N

With regards to "G" incorporate at least two of the following:

Mechanical connectors

Compression connectors

Lugs

O

At least one occasion

Dealing 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 

9.3) 

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 installation and maintenance of network infrastructure HV underground cables.

In addition to the resources listed above, in context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency working below ground, in limited spaces, with different structural/construction types and method and in a variety of environments.

Method of assessment 

9.4) 

This Competency Standard 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 Competency Standard 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 

9.5) 

For optimisation of training and assessment effort, competence in this unit may be assessed concurrently with the following units:

UETTDRCJ33A

Install and maintain network infrastructure LV underground cables

RANGE STATEMENT 

10)  This relates to the unit of competency 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 Competency Standard Unit shall be demonstrated in relation to the installation and maintenance of de-energised high voltage underground polymeric cables and covers the jointing, terminating, repair and replacement of cables used in systems and circuits and the issuing/accepting of relevant permits.

Underground equipment may include links, fuses, ring main units, distribution fuse boxes, pad mount and ground transformers, chamber substations and busbar/termination boxes.

The unit includes the laying of cables direct in trenches, on racks, in troughs and /or in conduit or ducts.

It also encompasses cable pulling methods, pulling tensions, minimum bending radii, reduction of frictional forces, use of supporting plant (e.g. dynamometers, rigging, winches, etc), working on FRC, PVC, A/C ducted systems and the cutting and sealing of cables.

Test and recording equipment includes voltage detectors, cable identification equipment, cable spiking equipment and insulation resistance testers.

Jointing and terminating materials include compound and resin filled boxes, polymeric tape materials, polymeric heat shrink materials, "slip-on" moulded components and pre-stretched polymeric materials, compression and mechanical connectors

Jointing and terminating locations include circuit breakers, links, fuses, , ring main units, distribution fuse boxes, pad mount and ground transformers, chamber substations and busbar/termination boxes.

The following constants and variables included in the element/performance criteria in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section 1 of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement of this unit:

• Appropriate and relevant persons (see Personnel)
• Appropriate authorities
• Appropriate work platform.
• Assessing risk
• Assessment
• Authorisation
• Confined space
• Diagnostic, testing and restoration.
• Documenting detail work events, record keeping and or storage of information.
• Drawings and specifications
• Emergency
• Environmental and sustainable energy procedures
• Environmental legislation.
• Environmental management documentation.
• Established procedures.
• Fall prevention
• Hazards
• Identifying hazards
• Inspect
• Legislation
• MSDS
• Notification.
• OHS practices
• OHS issues
• Permits and/or permits to work
• Personnel.
• Quality assurance systems.
• Requirements.
• Testing procedures
• Work clearance systems

Competency Field 

11)  

Cable Jointing