Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UEP Electricity Supply Industry – Generation Sector Training Package Release 2.0.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake the local operation of high voltage (H.V.) switchgear devices.

A switchgear is a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan and prepare work, conduct H.V. switchgear operations, validate H.V. switchgear integrity and complete documentation. Individuals will, in general, work under supervision, in a power generation facility as an operator.

Power generation plant operators are trained and authorised to isolate, prepare plant and issue permits to work.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

There are no prerequisite units.

Operations

Electricity generation

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Prepare to operate H.V. switchgear 

1.1 

Work requirements are identified from relevant personnel and documentation in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2 

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, legislative requirements, codes of practice, manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications, environmental requirements and workplace procedures are identified, applied and monitored

1.3 

H.V. switchgear type is identified and determined for operation in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 

H.V. switchgear conditions examined and assessed for safe operation in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5 

H.V. switchgear related protection suppressed in accordance with workplace procedures

1.6 

Personnel are briefed and roles and responsibilities are confirmed in accordance with workplace procedures

2 

Conduct H.V. switchgear operations 

2.1 

Mechanical operation and limitations of equipment is identified in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2 

Implications of proposed work actions are identified in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3 

H.V. switchgear is operated and status confirmed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4 

H.V. switchgear racking, testing, isolation, circuit earthing and reinstatement processes are carried out in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and specifications, and workplace procedures

2.5 

Test equipment integrity is confirmed and H.V. switchgear is de-energised in accordance with workplace procedures

3 

Validate H.V. switchgear integrity 

3.1 

H.V. switchgear is inspected for safe operation in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2 

H.V. switchgear environment is inspected in accordance with workplace procedures

4 

Complete documentation 

4.1 

H.V switchgear status is reported in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2 

Documentation is updated in accordance with workplace procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEP Electricity Supply Industry – Generation Sector Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to UEPOPS349 Operate local H.V. switchgear

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UEP Electricity Supply Industry – Generation Sector Training Package Release 2.0.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two separate occasions and include:

• applying work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, including:

• emergency procedures
• hazard identification
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• risk control measures
• safe working practices

• communicating with personnel
• completing documentation
• de-energising high voltage (H.V.) switchgear
• identifying H.V. switchgear plant status
• implementing regulations, legislative requirements, codes of practice, manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications, and environmental requirements
• interpreting diagrams and manuals
• isolating and earthing H.V. switchgear and equipment
• locating H.V. switchgear and equipment
• operating H.V. switchgear within design parameters
• organising resources and equipment
• planning H.V. switchgear work
• recognising abnormal H.V. switch gear operations
• reporting on H.V. switchgear status
• using H.V. electrical operational procedures and practices
• working with permits.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• diagrams and manuals
• H.V switchgear operational practices
• H.V. electrical operation practices
• H.V. switchgear plant and equipment, location and operating parameters
• operation and implication of H.V. switchgears
• permit to work system
• regulations, legislative requirements, codes of practice, manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications, and environmental requirements
• switchgear types and characteristics
• WHS/OHS requirements, including:

• emergency procedures
• hazard identification
• PPE
• risk control measures
• safe working practices

• workplace documentation
• workplace policies and procedures.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations
• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.