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 perform switching to a switching program.

An electrical switch can alternate a load between two sources either manually or automatically when sensors detect one of the sources has lost or gained power. A switch is installed where the backup generator is located so that the generator can be used to provide temporary electrical power, as required.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to prepare for switching program, carry out switching program, and complete all documentation. Individuals will, in general, work as an operator in, in a power generation facility.

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 for switching program 

1.1 

Authorisation is confirmed to perform switching operation with coordinating personnel 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 

Contingency plan is discussed with personnel coordinating switching program in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 

Permits and access requirements are identified prior to program commencement in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5 

Documentation is received and checked prior to starting switching program in accordance with workplace procedures

2 

Carry out switching program 

2.1 

Personnel involved in switching program are confirmed and directed to switching locations in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2 

Communication is established and maintained with personnel coordinating switching program in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3 

Access to electrical power generation plant is obtained in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4 

Switching program steps are verified before and after each operation in accordance with workplace procedures

2.5 

Switching steps are documented on completion of each operation in accordance with workplace procedures

2.6 

Permits are issued, monitored and recorded in accordance with workplace procedures

2.7 

Switching program is completed and outcomes recorded in accordance with workplace procedures

3 

Complete documentation 

3.1 

Equipment problems, abnormalities and status are reported in accordance with workplace

3.2 

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 UEPOPS456 Perform switching to a switching program.

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:

• acquiring and analysing system operation information
• applying work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, including:

• emergency procedures
• risk control measures
• safe working practices

• carrying out switching program
• communicating with personnel
• completing documentation using recording procedures
• directing and coordinating switching programs
• implementing regulations, legislative requirements, codes of practice, manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications, and environmental requirements
• interpreting manuals
• preparing, planning and prioritising work for switching programs
• using permit to work system
• working with switching operations and procedures.

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:

• arrangements of power generation plant
• implementation of switching programs
• manuals
• permit to work system
• power generation plant and equipment, location and operating parameters
• regulations, legislative requirements, codes of practice, manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications, and environmental requirements
• switching operations and procedures
• WHS/OHS requirements, including:

• emergency procedures
• risk control measures
• safe working practices

• workplace policies and procedures
• workplace documentation.

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 personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.