Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1 )

1 .1 ) Descriptor 

This unit covers fixing, securing and mounting techniques as apply in the various electrotechnology work functions. It encompasses the safe use of hand and portable power tools, safe lifting techniques, safe use of ladders and elevated platforms and the selection and safe application of fixing devices and supporting accessories/equipment.

Application of the Unit 

4 )

This unit shall apply to persons entering work in electrotechnology and may be used in school-based vocational programs.

1 .2 ) License to practice 

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a license to practice in the workplace where they are applied to electrical work intended for voltage above 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:
1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, and power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control, lifting equipment. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.

Prerequisite Unit (s )

2 )

2 .1 ) Competencies 

There are no prerequisite competencies for this unit.

Employability Skills 

3 )

This unit contains Employability Skills

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 unit of competency

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 fix and secure equipment.

1.1

OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood.

1.2

OHS risk control work preparation measures and procedures are followed.

1.3

The scope of work to be undertaken is obtained from documentation or from work supervisor.

1.4

Advice is sought from the work supervisor to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others.

1.5

Sources of materials that may be required for the work are identified and accessed in accordance with established procedures.

1.6

Fixing devices are selected for their suitable ability for the environment, the load they are to support and substratum's into which they are to be installed.

1.7

Supporting accessories/equipment is selected for suitability for the environment and ability to support and protect from damage that which they are intended to support.

1.8

Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety.

2

Install fixing and support devices.

2.1

Electrical isolation is arranged where work is within arm's reach of exposed conductive parts, plant or machinery in strict accordance OHS requirements and procedures.

2.2

Other OHS risk control measures relevant to the work site are followed.

2.3

Fixing devices are installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

2.4

Support accessories/equipment is install accurately and to comply with technical standards and job specifications.

2.5

Work is carried out efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus, circuits, the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy principles.

3

Complete fixing and support work.

3.1

OHS risk control work completion measures and procedures are followed.

3.2

Work site is tidied and tools and equipment cleaned and securely stored.

3.3

Appropriate personnel are notified of the work completion.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

7 ) 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 and fixing and securing equipment.

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

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.

2.11.1

Hand tools

2.11.2.1

Power tools

2.11.3.1

Fixing and support devices and techniques

2.18.1

Occupational Health and Safety principles

2.20.2

Environmental and building regulation

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9 ) The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of the 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-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 accordance with industry and regulatory policy.

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. Sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday 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 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 must 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 - UEE07'. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of work performance 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 statement
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

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

• Fix and secure equipment as described in 8) and including:

A

Selecting fixing for loads of < 5 kg, < 20 kg and < 50 kg and suitable for the environment in which they are to be installed.

B

Fixing to a hollow wall, brick, concrete and steel.

C

Fixing support accessories/equipment relevant the discipline in which competency is sought.

D

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a 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 work as prescribed in this unit.

These should be used in the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions for assessment must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to fixing and securing equipment.

Method of assessment 

9 .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 skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9 .5 )

For optimisation of training and assessment effort, competency development in this unit may be arranged concurrently with units covering other installation competencies.

The critical aspects of occupational health and safety covered in unit UEENEEE001B and other discipline specific occupational health and safety units shall be incorporated in relation to this unit.

RANGE STATEMENT 

8 ) This relates to the 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 be demonstrated in relation to installation, fault finding, maintenance or development work functions in any of the following disciplines:

• Appliances
• Business equipment
• Computers
• Data Communications
• Electrical
• Electrical Machines
• Electronics
• Fire protection
• Instrumentation
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Renewable / sustainable energy, and
• Security technology

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

2 .2 ) Literacy and numeracy skills 

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in 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

Competency Field 

5 )

Electrotechnology