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

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform power system substation switching operation to a given schedule in the electricity supply industry (ESI).

It includes conducting switching operations in a substation in accordance with given instructions, switching schedule and workplace procedures. It also includes operation of substation switching devices such as circuit breakers, air break switches, fuses, reclosers, ring main units and isolators.

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

Other conditions may apply under State and Territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirement which must be confirmed prior to commencing this unit.

All competencies in the Common Unit Group must have been completed, plus all competencies in one (1) of the identified Pathway Unit Group(s).

Common Unit Group

UEENEEE101A Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

UEENEEE102A Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components

UEENEEE104A Solve problems in d.c. circuits

UEENEEE105A Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment

UEENEEE107A Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications

UEENEEG101A Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG102A Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuits

UETTDREL16 Working safely near live electrical apparatus

Transmission Overhead Pathway Group

UETTDREL11 Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12 Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS54 Install and maintain poles, structures and overhead conductors and cables

UETTDRTP26 Install transmission structures and associated hardware

UETTDRTP27 Maintain transmission structures and associated hardware

UETTDRTP29 Install and maintain transmission overhead conductors and cables

Distribution Overhead Pathway Group

UETTDRDP12 Maintain overhead energised low voltage conductors and cables

UETTDREL11 Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12 Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS41 Install network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS42 Maintain network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS52 Install and maintain poles, structures and associated hardware

UETTDRIS54 Install and maintain poles, structures and overhead conductors and cables

UETTDRIS56 Install and maintain low voltage overhead services

Rail Traction Pathway Group

UETTDREL11 Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12 Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS52 Install and maintain poles, structures and associated hardware

UETTDRIS54 Install and maintain poles, structures and overhead conductors and cables

UETTDRRT21 Install traction overhead wiring systems

UETTDRRT22 Maintain traction overhead wiring systems

UETTDRRT23 Install rail traction bonds

UETTDRRT27 Install overhead traction components and equipment

UETTDRRT28 Maintain overhead traction components and equipment

Distribution Cable Jointing Pathway Group

UETTDRCJ21 Lay ESI electrical cables

UETTDRCJ26 Install and maintain de-energised low voltage underground polymeric cables

UETTDRCJ27 Install and maintain de-energised high voltage underground polymeric cables

UETTDREL11 Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12 Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS41 Install network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS42 Maintain network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS55 Install and maintain low voltage underground services

Electrical Pathway Group

UEENEEE137A Document and apply measures to control OHS risks associated with electrotechnology work

UEENEEG006A Solve problems in single and three phase low voltage machines

UEENEEG033A Solve problems in single and three phase low voltage electrical apparatus and circuits

UEENEEG063A Arrange circuits, control and protection for general electrical installations

UEENEEG106A Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits

UEENEEG108A Trouble-shoot and repair faults in low voltage electrical apparatus and circuits

UEENEEG109A Develop and connect electrical control circuits

UEENEEK142A Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector

UETTDRIS67 Solve problems in energy supply network equipment

Substation

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1  

Prepare for substation switching to given schedule 

1.1 

Switching and work schedules, plans, drawings, workplace procedures and material lists are received and confirmed

1.2 

Job requirements and workplace procedures are identified and communicated with relevant personnel

1.3 

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental and workplace procedures for substation switching are obtained and confirmed for the purposes of the work to be performed

1.4 

Work is prioritised and sequenced for completion within acceptable timeframes following consultation with relevant personnel and in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5 

Hazards are identified, WHS/OHS risks are assessed and control measures identified in accordance with workplace procedures

1.6 

Relevant authority is obtained to access and perform switching in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7 

Plant, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for work is identified, obtained and confirmed in working order

1.8 

Worksite is prepared to minimise risk, damage to property, commerce and individuals in accordance with workplace procedures

1.9 

Traffic management plan is confirmed as being applied in accordance with workplace procedures

2 

Carry out substation switching to given schedule 

2.1 

WHS/OHS, sustainable energy and environmental principles and practices are monitored and followed to reduce incidents in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2 

Requirements for lifting and/or climbing and/or working at heights and the use of power tools/equipment are followed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3 

Substation switching to given schedule are applied to ensure completion in agreed timeframes, to quality standards and with a minimum of waste in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4 

Communications with switching control officer are established and maintained throughout isolation operation in accordance with workplace procedures

2.5 

Electrical equipment, associated circuits, line/network or worksite to be switched is isolated and checked as de-energised using appropriate devices, earthed, where required, and load transferred in accordance with job requirements and workplace procedures

2.6 

Substation switching to a given schedule is performed in accordance with work schedule, job requirements and workplace procedures

2.7 

Unplanned events are responded to in accordance with workplace procedures

2.8 

Relevant work permits are prepared and issued in accordance with workplace procedures

2.9 

Quality checks of work are undertaken in accordance with workplace procedures

3 

Complete substation switching to given schedule 

3.1 

Completed work is checked against work schedule, construction plans and drawings for compliance and anomalies are reported in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2 

WHS/OHS and environmental incidents are reported in accordance with workplace procedures, as required

3.3 

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

3.4 

Tools, equipment and surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5 

Relevant work permits are signed off, safety devices are removed, and the system is re-energised and returned to service in accordance with workplace procedures

3.6 

Work records, reports and/or documentation are completed 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 UETTDRSB39A Perform power system substation switching operation to a given schedule.

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

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the 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) requirements, including the use of risk control measures
• applying sustainable energy principles and practices
• checking all the following:

• approvals/clearances
• access permits

• using all the following:

• operating sticks
• operating earths
• voltage detectors

• using all the following:

• phasing equipment
• ground equipment isolating handles and earths

• using at least one (1) of the following:

• links
• air break switches
• fuses

• using at least two (2) of the following:

• reclosers
• ring main units
• circuit breakers

• dealing with unplanned events on at least one (1) occasion.

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:

• installation of switchgear and associated equipment, including:

• types and function of various switchgear - isolators, air-break switches, gas-filled switches, vacuum type, links, fuses, oil disconnectors, fuse switches, circuit breakers, operating characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of different types switchgear, installation procedures, earthing, and requirements and techniques
• types of equipment - transformers, reactors, regulators, capacitors, relays, surge arrestors, fault indicators and mobile generators
• installation procedures for switchgear and equipment - standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements, assembly and erecting procedures, earthing requirements and techniques, and pole mounted locations
• maintenance procedures for switchgear and equipment - diagnosing and rectifying faults according to electricity supply industry (ESI) standards and procedures
• testing and commissioning - ESI standards and procedures

• low voltage (LV) switching principles including:

• standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements applicable to switching of LV to a given schedule
• requirements for the use of manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings - types, characteristics and capabilities of electrical apparatus; use, characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and testing equipment; and LV network interconnectors source of possible back-feed
• LV switching techniques - identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with LV switching operations, electrical access permit(s), operational procedures and earthing procedures
• personnel protective equipment (PPE) for LV switching

• high voltage (HV) switching principles, including:

• standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements applicable to switching of HV to a given schedule
• requirements for the use of manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings - types, characteristics and capabilities of electrical apparatus; use, characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and testing equipment; and network interconnectors source of possible back-feed
• role of the HV switching operator
• operational forms, access authorities and permits associated with HV switching - types of operational forms, access authorities and permits, purpose and procedure for operational forms, and access authorities and permits
• use and operation of equipment associated with HV overhead and substation equipment - test instruments, sticks, interrupters and arc stranglers
• types and categories of HV switchgear
• application, function and operating capabilities of switchgear
• restrictions pertaining to HV switching equipment
• procedures for the isolation of HV transmission main and working earths
• earthing HV electrical apparatus practices and procedures for access - purposes of operational and additional work part on-site earths, factors determining the location and effectiveness of operational earthing, acceptable industry procedures, PPE and HV switching techniques
• operate switching apparatus - identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with HV switchgear operation, systematic and defensive techniques, mobile radio procedures and double isolation procedures

• HV fault switching principles, including:

• primary causes, effects and types of HV electrical faults
• HV protection devices - main components, types, categories, applications and functions
• basic principle of operation of HV system protection devices
• protection coordination and protection zoning
• HV feeder auto-reclosing suppression – function and application
• circuit condition requirements and switching considerations when paralleling and separating HV feeders

• HV distribution transformer principles, including:

• operation of HV distribution transformers - principle governing factors for transformer ratings, protection and alarms, operating limitations and the relationship between transformer and HV fuse rating, purpose and principle operation of HV distribution transformer tap changers, HV distribution transformer and transformer-cable combination switching practices, paralleling requirements, isolation and earthing procedures for access, common distribution transformer and associated electrical apparatus faults
• HV underground switching equipment - arc stranglers, switch operation, load break elbows, switching cubicles, canister fuses, bayonet fuses, F and G switching cubicles, voltage indicators and phasing testers

• HV single wire earth return (SWER) system, including:

• application and function of SWER system components
• circuit arrangement
• principle of operation
• hazards and procedures associated with faulty SWER systems
• procedure to isolate, energise and commission SWER substations

• feeder automation system, including:

• function of feeder automation system and the main components
• operation procedure for a remote field device from a local control station
• functions of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) (or any other relevant data acquisition and control) systems and its main components
• SCADA system security interlocks and access restrictions
• SCADA system operation when switching apparatus or retrieving data via a remote access device, such as remote access terminal (RAT), dial up voice annunciated system and local control station
• function of the main components of a local/remote control system
• operation of a field devices using SCADA systems via a RAT, dial up annunciated system and local control station

• HV overhead and substation switching principles, including:

• legislation, standards, codes, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements applicable to HV overhead and substation switching
• requirements for the use of manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings - types, characteristics and capabilities of HV electrical equipment to be switched; use, characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and testing equipment
• role and responsibilities of the HV switching operator
• operational forms, access authorities and permits hazard/risk assessments associated with HV switching - types of operational forms, access authorities and permits hazard/risk assessments, purpose and procedure for operational forms, access authorities and hazard/risk assessments
• use and operation of equipment associated with HV overhead and substation equipment - test instruments, sticks, interrupters and arc stranglers
• HV switchgear – types, categories, application and operating capabilities
• operation of HV overhead switching or indicating devices - fuses, disconnect fuses, load switching, live line indicators, capacitors, reclosers, sectionalisers, underslung links, airbreaks, switches, disconnects, live line clamps, phasing sticks and phasing tester
• operation of protection systems and substation equipment - fault levels and settings, types and applications, protection systems and substation equipment fault levels and settings, and types and applications
• restrictions pertaining to HV switching equipment
• procedures for the isolation of HV mains and working earths - earthing HV electrical apparatus practices and procedures for access authority issuing, and HV switching techniques
• operating switching apparatus - identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with HV switchgear operation, systematic and defensive techniques, mobile radio procedures and double isolation 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 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:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations
• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities, equipment and PPE currently used in industry performing power system substation switching operations to a given schedule
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, relevant industry standards, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.