Release 1 . This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UEP Generation Training Package.

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, conducting H.V. switchgear operations, validating H.V. switchgear integrity and completing documentation. Individuals will, in general, work under supervision, in a power generation facility as an operator.

Power generation plant operators are typically 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.

Note: Workplace practice 

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence or training permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on gas and electrical installations. Additional conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements.

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 High Voltage (H.V.) switchgear 

1.1 

Work requirements are identified and confirmed with appropriate personnel, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2 

Safety precautions when operating High Voltage (H.V.) switchgears are identified, in accordance with Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, industry standards and workplace procedures

1.3 

Identify H.V. switch gear type and determine correct operation, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 

Examine and assess H.V. switchgear conditions for safe operation, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5 

Suppress H.V. switchgear related protection, where necessary, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.6 

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

2 

Conduct H.V. switch gear 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 its' status is 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' instructions 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, to ensure it meets all statutory and industry requirements

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 Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to UEPOPS349B Operate local H.V. switchgear

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UEP Generation Training Package.

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

• 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 H.V. switchgear
• identifying H.V. switchgear plant status
• implementing legislation, industry standards, codes of practice and regulations
• interpreting manufacturers' specifications, 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 High Voltage (H.V.) electrical operational procedures and practices
• working with permit to work system

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

• H.V switchgear operational practices
• H.V. electrical operation practices
• H.V. switchgear plant and equipment, its location and operating parameters
• legislation, industry standards, codes of practice and regulations
• manufacturers' specifications, diagrams and manuals
• operation and implication of H.V. switchgears
• permit to work system
• switchgear types and characteristics
• WHS/OHS regulations including:

• emergency procedures
• hazard identification
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• risk control measures
• safe working practices

• workplace documentation
• workplace policies and procedures

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

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.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

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 currently used in industry
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, industry standards, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.