Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This unit covers installing cathodic protection (CP) systems to prevent corrosion of steel pipelines in accordance with relevant legislation, code, regulations and established procedures.

It encompasses appropriate installation locations for maintaining cathodic protection system; components of the system; representation of other utilities; types of drawings and specifications; test equipment; types of cathodic protection faults.

Application of the Unit 

2) 

This competency standard shall apply to gas transmission and distribution pipelines, subject to all Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) /Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and duty of care requirements being met for the workplace.

This unit is intended as an AQF 3 competency for new and existing workers in the gas industry. It is suitable for employment-based programs under an approved contract of training.

License to practice 

3)  

During Training:  

Competency development activities are subject to regulations directly related to licensing, workplace health and safety/occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

In the workplace: 

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit require a license to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on electrical equipment or installations which are designed to operate at voltages greater than 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit are also subject to licence regulation directly related to Workplace/Occupational Health and Safety, gas/electricity/water industry safety and compliance, industrial relations, environmental protection, telecommunications, anti-discrimination and training.

Note:

Other conditions may apply under State and Territory legislative and regulatory requirements, for example:

• 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, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control, lifting equipment.
  Permits may also be required for some work environments such as hazardous areas, confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical devices, site rehabilitation.
• Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, hazardous areas, confined space, lifting and risk safety measures

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:

UEGNSG005A

Prepare to work in the gas industry

UEGNSG006A

Use a portable gas detectors to locate escape

UEGNSG132A

Carry out basic work activities in a gas industry work environment

UEGNSG140A

Apply environmental policies and procedures in the utilities industry

UEGNSG134A

Establish a utilities infrastructure work site

UEGNSG141A

Apply Workplace Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the gas industry

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

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Employability Skills 

5)  

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 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 

Plan installation of cathodic protection system 

1.1

Cathodic protection system installation procedures are planned in accordance with work schedule(s), including drawings, plans, requirements, established procedures and Australian Standards

1.2

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

1.3

WHS/OHS, environmental and sustainable energy policies and procedures related to the installation of cathodic protection systems are obtained and confirmed and communicated

1.4

Data from completed CP surveys is analysed and work is prioritised and sequenced following consultation with others for completion within acceptable timeframes and in accordance with established procedures and Australian Standards

1.5

WHS/OHS risk control measures for identified hazards are prioritised, implemented and monitored against the work schedule.

1.6

Relevant work permits are obtained to access and perform the installation work, including excavation permits if required, according to requirements, established procedures and Australian Standards

1.7

Technical specifications and drawings are prepared and approved from the analysed CP survey data

1.8

Resources including persons, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are identified, scheduled and obtained and confirmed in a safe working order

1.9

Relevant persons at worksite are suitably trained and qualified for the work to be performed.

1.10

Liaison and communication established with authorised persons, authorities, clients and land-owners to carry out work where necessary

1.11

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

1.12

Third party issues are referred to appropriate persons in accordance with established procedures, for example "low voltage electrical work"

1.13

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

1.14

Road signs, barriers and warning devices are positioned in accordance with requirements including traffic management plans

2 

Install cathodic protection system 

2.1

WHS/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, excavations, trenches, or aloft, and use of power tools, techniques and practices are safely exercised according to requirements.

2.3

Approved specifications and drawings are reviewed and approved. The installation of cathodic protection systems is carried out in accordance with the work schedule, established procedures and Australian Standards

2.4

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

2.5

Unplanned events in the installation of cathodic protection systems are undertaken with the scope of established procedures

2.6

Known solutions to a variety of problems are applied

2.7

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

3 

Test and commission CP System and completed relevant documentation 

3.1

Commissioning of the installed CP system and components is conducted against works schedule for conformance with requirements, anomalies are reported in accordance with established procedures

3.2

Accidents, injuries and non-conformances are reported in accordance with requirements and established procedures where applicable

3.3

Work site is rehabilitated, 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 stored in accordance with established procedures

3.5

Relevant work permit(s) are signed off and equipment is returned to service in accordance with requirements

3.6

Cathodic protection system is tested, adjusted and further survey data collected and work completion records and documentation is finalised and processed and appropriate persons notified

3.7

As built drawings are checked, updated and returned to the relevant CP engineering person/s.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices for installing cathodic protection systems. The extent of the required skills and knowledge is provided below. It forms an integral part of this unit

KS01-G412A Cathodic protection system installation 

Evidence shall show an understanding of installing cathodic protection systems in accordance with relevant legislation, code, regulations and procedures. to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1. Relevant legislation, Australian Standards, codes, regulations and procedure requirements

T2. Relevant WHS/OHS safety requirements

• hazards, risk assessment and control measures
• identify environmental and safety hazards, assess risks and implement control measures
• Hazardous materials and MSDS
• PPE

T3. Corrosion processes on a Gas Industry pipeline

• corrosion processes, causes and prevention.
• how Cathodic Protection systems prevent corrosion

T4. Electrical fundamentals for the Gas Industry

• extra low voltage operation
• electrical risks associated activities within the Gas Industry
• meters and other relevant electrical equipment
• Licensed low voltage electrical work requirements

T5. Gas system design, planning and operation

• applicable to cathodic protection on a Gas Industry pipeline, including safe design principles.
• cathodic protection electrical and civil drawings

T6. Relevant gas industry documents

• signs, symbols terminology and legends as used in gas industry procedures and documents
• gas industry standards, policies and procedures
• basic drawings and diagrams

• Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (PID)
• Facility and pipeline construction and as-built drawings
• Geographical Information System (GIS) drawings and data
• Electrical drawings
• Survey maps
• Pipeline route maps and alignment sheets

• topographical and geographical maps and information.
• workplace forms and reports

T7. Cathodic protection systems operation on a Gas Industry pipeline

• on a Gas Industry pipeline
• cathodic protection system design, planning and operation
• types and applications

• impressed current
• sacrificial

• equipment and components
• operating principles and circuits diagrams
• cathodic protection system in relation to other services
• coating requirements and their purpose

T8. Cathodic protection systems installation

• electrical test equipment
• safety requirements, procedures and PPE
• adherence of electrical principles and regulatory requirements
• manufacturers specifications and requirements
• installation requirements and procedures
• testing and commissioning requirements and procedures
• calibration and adjustment requirements and procedures
• fault finding and repair/replacement requirements and procedures
• requirements and procedures for referring low voltage electrical work to relevant licensed persons
• requirements and procedures referring major repairs to immediate supervisor
• relevant documentation, records and reports

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

8)  The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Competency Standard Units 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 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 

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 — UEG11’. 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

• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the Performance Criteria and range

• Demonstrate an understanding of the required knowledge and 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 employability skills

• 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.

• Install cathodic protection system in accordance with relevant legislation, code, regulations and procedures as described in 9.) Range Statement and including:

Range of tools/equipment/procedures/workplace 

Group No 

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

Item List 

A. Components and system: 

At least 5

• Solar powered supply systems
• 240 volt power supply systems
• Insulation, FIK’s and monolithic joints
• Sacrificial and Impressed current anode beds
• Battery banks — acid and lead acid battery maintenance including SG measurement
• Transformer rectifiers and CPUs
• Lighting protection equipment
• CP test points
• Installation of Insulated Joint Protectors and testing

B. Checks and tests on CP systems: 

At least 4

• Potential surveys
• TRAD unit commissioning and testing
• Interference testing
• On/off potential surveys
• Coating defect assessment surveys (DCVG method, Pearson technique/method, over pipeline potential method)
• Loop impedance testing
• Anode bed testing
• Soil resistivity testing
• Interference testing

C. Australian Standards or their equivalents 

All

• AS 2885
• AS 2430
• AS 1768
• AS 1596
• AS 2832.1
• AS 3000
• AS 2239
• AS 2865
• AG 603

D. Procedures 

All

• Interpret cathodic protection data system surveys and readings
• Implement cathodic protection tests and surveys
• Locate and repair faults
• Procedures for coating surveys
• Check and maintain potentials
• Install cathodic protection sites and systems

E 

At least one occasion

Deal with an unplanned event by drawing on required knowledge and 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 Competency Standard Units.

• 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 installing cathodic protection systems.

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

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 Competency Standard Units applies. This requires that the specified required Knowledge and 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 required knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9.5) 

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 Competency Standard Units where listed.

UEGNSG132A

Carry out basic work activities in a gas industry work environment

UEGNSG140A

Comply with environmental policies and procedures in the utilities industry

UEGNSG134A

Establish a utilities infrastructure work site

BSBFLM312B

Contribute to team effectiveness

BSBFLM303C

Contribute to effective workplace relationships

RANGE STATEMENT 

9)  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 be demonstrated in relation to installing cathodic protection systems.

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:

• Applicable Australian standards/legislation

• Location for maintaining CP Systems

• Components and system

• Representatives in other utilities

• Types of checks and tests

• Test equipment

• Drawings and specifications

• Types of CP faults
• CP system installation procedures

• Components and systems

• Relevant documentation

• Relevant authorities and other stakeholders/relevant authorities

• Location for maintaining CP systems

• Drawings and specifications

Competency Field 

11)  

Cathodic protection.