Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UET Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector Training Package Release 2.0.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply work health and safety (WHS)/ occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements for powerline vegetation control in the electricity supply industry (ESI).

It includes identifying WHS/OHS legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and organisational workplace requirements and their application to relevant workplace tasks.

It also includes identifying hazards, controlling risks, responding to emergencies and completing relevant workplace documentation.

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence/registration to practice in the workplace.

Other conditions may also apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements which must be confirmed prior to commencing this unit.

Not applicable.

Vegetation Control

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1  

Prepare to apply WHS/OHS requirements 

1.1 

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and organisational workplace requirements for the worksite are identified and referred to

1.2 

Plant, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for work are determined, obtained and confirmed in safe working order

1.3 

Hazards are identified, risks assessed and control measures identified in accordance with workplace requirements

1.4 

Worksite is prepared to minimise risk in accordance with workplace requirements

2 

Apply WHS/OHS requirements 

2.1 

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and organisational workplace requirements for the work to be performed are applied and monitored

2.2 

Lifting is carried out in accordance with workplace requirements

2.3 

Plant, tools, equipment and PPE are used in accordance with manufacturer and workplace requirements

2.4 

Hazard control measures are applied and monitored in accordance with workplace requirements

2.5 

Incidents and emergencies are responded to in accordance with workplace requirements

2.6 

Worksite is maintained in accordance with workplace requirements

2.7 

Hazards identified during the work are controlled in accordance with workplace requirements

3 

Complete work and documentation 

3.1 

Worksite is rehabilitated, cleaned and made safe in accordance with workplace requirements

3.2 

Plant, tools and equipment are cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with workplace requirements

3.3 

WHS/OHS recommendations are made in accordance with workplace requirements

3.4 

Work records, reports and documentation are completed in accordance with workplace requirements

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 UET Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This is a new unit. No Equivalent Unit.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UET Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector Training Package Release 2.0.

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

• applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and organisational workplace requirements, including:

• identifying typical hazards associated with powerline vegetation control work
• applying and reviewing risk control measures to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• monitoring control measures

• obtaining, inspecting and using relevant personal protective equipment (PPE)
• applying workplace procedures for an emergency involving electricity
• using plant, tools and equipment safely
• applying correct manual handling techniques
• completing relevant work records, reports and documentation.

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

• relevant WHS/OHS legislation, regulations standards, codes of practice and organisational workplace requirements, including:

• duty of care
• employer and employee responsibilities, rights and obligations
• major functions of safety committees and representatives
• powers of health and safety inspectors
• WHS consultation (toolbox/safety meetings)
• manual handling
• working at heights
• safe approach distances
• drop zones

• hazard and risk assessment, including:

• difference between hazards and risks
• hierarchy of control
• control measures and monitoring of control measures
• hazards in the powerline vegetation control environment
• physical and psychological hazards, including excessive noise, vibration, flying particles, heat, cold, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemicals, burns, dust, electrical currents, insects, snakes, fauna, fatigue, stress, drugs and alcohol

• types, inspection and application of PPE
• safe use of plant, tools and equipment, including:

• pre-operational checks
• post-operational checks

• types of fires and basic firefighting equipment
• types of injuries common in the powerline vegetation control environment
• incident, emergency and rescue procedures
• processes for communicating, reporting and recording incidents and emergencies
• hazardous substances and dangerous goods in the workplace, including:

• classifications
• labelling and storage requirements
• purpose and interpretation of safety data sheets (SDS)

• working safely in a powerline vegetation control environment, including:

• effects of electric shock on the body
• consequences of short circuits, including arc flash and touch and step potentials
• precautions to minimise the chance of electric shock
• procedures for emergencies involving electricity
• common causes of electrical accidents.

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 conditions involving realistic and authentic activities that replicate operational 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:

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