Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This Competency Standard Unit covers the conducting of switching operations in a substation in accordance to a given instructions, switching schedule and established enterprises procedures. It encompasses the operation of substation switching devices such as circuit breakers, air break switches, fuses, reclosers, ring main units and isolators.

Application of the Unit 

2) 

This Competency Standard Unit is intended to augment formally acquired competencies. It is suitable for employment-based programs under an approved contract of training.

License to practice 

3)  

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence/registration to practice in the work place subject to regulations for undertaking of electrical work. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to Occupational Health and Safety, electricity/telecommunications/gas/water industry safety and compliance, industrial relations, environmental protection, anti discrimination and training. Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation and regulations may exist that limits the age of operating certain equipment.

Prerequisite Unit(s) 

4)  

Competencies 

4.1) 

Granting of competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

Where pre-requisite pathways have been identified. All competencies in the Common Unit Group must be have been completed plus all the competencies in one (1) of the identified Pathway Unit Group(s):

Transmission Overhead

Distribution Overhead

Rail Traction

Distribution Cable Jointing

Electrical

Common Unit Group

Unit Code

Unit Title

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

UETTDREL16A

Working safely near live electrical apparatus

Transmission Overhead Pathway Group

UETTDREL11A

Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12A

Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS54A

Install and maintain poles, structures, overhead conductors and cables

UETTDRTP26A

Install transmission structures and associated hardware

UETTDRTP27A

Maintain transmission structures and associated hardware

UETTDRTP29A

Install and maintain transmission overhead conductors and cables

Distribution Overhead Pathway Group

UETTDRDP12A

Maintain overhead energised low voltage conductors and cables

UETTDREL11A

Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12A

Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS41A

Install network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS42A

Maintain network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS52A

Install and maintain poles, structures and associated hardware

UETTDRIS54A

Install and maintain poles, structures, overhead conductors and cables

UETTDRIS56A

Install and maintain low voltage overhead services

Rail Traction Pathway Group

UETTDREL11A

Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12A

Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS52A

Install and maintain poles, structures and associated hardware

UETTDRIS54A

Install and maintain poles, structures, overhead conductors and cables

UETTDRRT21A

Install traction overhead wiring systems

UETTDRRT22A

Maintain traction overhead wiring systems

UETTDRRT23A

Install rail traction bonds

UETTDRRT27A

Install overhead traction components and equipment

UETTDRRT28A

Maintain overhead traction components and equipment

Distribution Cable Jointing Pathway Group

UETTDRCJ21A

Lay ESI electrical cables

UETTDRCJ26A

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

UETTDRCJ27A

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

UETTDREL11A

Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL12A

Operate plant and equipment near live electrical conductors and apparatus

UETTDRIS41A

Install network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS42A

Maintain network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS55A

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 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 energy procedures in the energy sector

UETTDRIS67A

Solve problems in energy supply network equipment

Literacy and numeracy skills 

4.2)  

Participants are best equipped to achieve this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 “Literacy and Numeracy”

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Employability Skills 

5)  

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6)  Elements describe the essential outcomes of a competency standard unit

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare for substation switching to a given schedule

1.1

Switching and work schedule(s), including drawings, plans, requirements, established procedures, and material lists, are received, analysed and confirmed, if necessary, by site inspection.

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures for the work are communicated to all personnel and identified for all work sites.

1.3

OHS policies and procedures related to requirements and established procedures for substation switching are obtained and confirmed for the purposes of the work to be performed and communicated.

1.4

Work is prioritised and sequenced following consultation with others for completion within acceptable timeframes and in accordance with established procedures.

1.5

Hazards are identified, OHS risks assessed and control measures are prioritised, implemented and monitored including emergency exits kept clear according to established procedures.

1.6

Relevant authority is obtained to access and perform work according to requirements and/or established procedures.

1.7

Resources including personnel, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained and confirmed in working order.

1.8

Relevant personnel at worksite are confirmed current in First Aid, Pole Top Rescue and other related work procedures according to requirements

1.9

Liaison and communication issues with other/authorised personnel, authorities, clients and land owners are resolved to carry out work where necessary.

1.10

Site is prepared according to the work schedule and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce, and individuals in accordance with established procedures.

1.11

Personnel participating in the work, including plant operators and contractors, are fully briefed and respective responsibilities confirmed where applicable in accordance with established procedures.

1.12

Road signs, barriers and warning devices are positioned in accordance with requirements.

2

Carry out substation switching to a given schedule

2.1

OHS and sustainable energy principles and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are monitored and followed in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures.

2.2

Lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces and aloft, and use of power tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed and, currency according to requirements confirmed.

2.3

Essential knowledge and associated skills are applied in safe substation switching to a given schedule to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and, to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements

2.4

Communications with Switching Control Officer are established and maintained throughout the isolation operation according to established procedures.

2.5

Electrical equipment and associated circuits line/network or work site to be switched is isolated and proved de-energised using appropriate devices, earthed where required and load transfer successfully achieved according to requirements and established procedures.

2.6

Substation switching to a given schedule is carried out, in accordance with the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.

2.7

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed OHS risks are reported to the immediate authorised persons for directions according to established procedures.

2.8

Unplanned events occurring during substation switching to a given schedule are responded to and undertaken within the scope of established procedures.

2.9

Relevant permits are prepared and issued in accordance with established procedures.

2.10

Known solutions to a variety of problems are applied using acquired essential knowledge and associated skills.

2.11

Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with instructions and established procedures

3

Complete substation switching to a given schedule

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against works schedule for conformance with requirements and anomalies reported in accordance with established procedures.

3.2

Accidents and/or injuries are reported in accordance with requirements/established procedures, where applicable.

3.3

Work site is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with established procedures.

3.4

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

3.5

Relevant permit(s) are signed off, safety devices are removed, and the system is re-energised and returned to service in accordance with requirements/established procedures.

3.6

Works completion records, reports, as installed /modified drawing and/or documentation and information are finalised and processed and appropriate personnel and authority notified.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

8)  Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills (EKAS): This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of performing substation switching to a given schedule.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-TSB39A Power system substation switching operation

Evidence shall show an understanding of power system substation switching operation to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Installation of switchgear and associated equipment encompassing:

• 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, 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, pole mounted locations
• Maintenance procedures for switchgear and equipment - diagnosing and rectifying faults according to electricity supply industry standards and procedures,
• Testing and commissioning - electricity supply industry standards and procedures.

T2 Low voltage switching principles encompassing:

• Standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements applicable to switching of low voltage 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, LV network interconnectors source of possible backfeed
• Low voltage switching techniques - identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with LV switching operations, electrical access permit(s), operational procedures, earthing procedures
• Personnel protective equipment (PPE) for LV switching

T3 High voltage switching principles encompassing:

• Standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements applicable to switching of high voltage 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, network interconnectors source of possible backfeed
• 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, access authorities and permits.
• Use and operation of equipment associated with HV overhead and substation equipment - test instruments, sticks, interrupters, 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, personal protective equipment, high voltage switching techniques.
• Operate switching apparatus - identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with HV switchgear operation, systematic and defensive techniques, mobile radio procedures, double isolation procedures.

T4 High voltage fault switching principles encompassing:

• Primary causes, effects and types of HV electrical faults
• HV protection devices - main components, types, categories, applications, functions.
• Basic principle of operation of HV system protection devices
• Protection co-ordination and protection “zoning”
• HV feeder auto-reclosing suppression – function, application
• Circuit condition requirements and switching considerations when paralleling and separating HV feeders.

T5 High voltage distribution transformer principles encompassing:

• 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

T6 High voltage SWER system encompassing:

• Application and function of SWER system components
• Circuit arrangement
• Principle of operation
• Hazards and procedures associated with faulty SWER earth systems
• Procedure to isolate, energise and commission SWER substations

T7 Feeder automation system encompassing:

• Function of feeder automation system and the main components
• Operation procedure for a remote field device from a local control station
• Functions of “System Control and Date 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 Remote Access Terminal (RAT), Dial Up Annunciated System and Local Control Station.

T8 HV overhead and substation switching principles encompassing:

• Legislation, Standards, codes, legislation, 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, arc stranglers.
• HV switchgear – types, categories, application, 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; 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; 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; HV switching techniques.
• Operate switching apparatus - identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with HV switchgear operation, systematic and defensive techniques, mobile radio procedures, double isolation procedures.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9)  This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit of competency and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria and the range statement of the unit of competency and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Competency Standard Unit and shall be used in conjunction with all component parts of this unit and, performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9.1) 

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the Industry’s preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with Industry and, Regulatory policy in this regard.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Hence, sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature so as to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal every day work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its ‘richness’. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practiced. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9.2) 

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated Performance Criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the “Assessment Guidelines – UET12”. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of Performance Criteria demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the Performance Criteria and range; and
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the Performance Criteria and range; and
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit to such an extent that the learner’s performance outcome is reported in accordance with the preferred approach; namely a percentile graded result, where required by the regulated environment; and
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of employability skills; and

• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, policies and workplace procedures; and

• Demonstrated performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

Range of tools/equipment/materials/procedures/workplaces/other variables 

Group No 

The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated 

Item List 

A

All of the following:

Approvals/clearances

Access permits

B

All of the following:

Operating sticks

Operating earths

Voltage detectors

C

All of the following:

Phasing equipment

Ground equipment isolating handles and earths

D

Any one of the following:

Links

Air break switches

Fuses

E

Any two of the following:

Reclosers

Ring main units

Circuit breakers

F

At least one occasion:

Dealing with an unplanned event by drawing on essential knowledge and associated skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9.3) 

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual substation switching to a given schedule.

In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency working below ground, in limited spaces, with different structural/construction types and method and in a variety of environments.

Method of assessment 

9.4) 

This Competency Standard Unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 “Assessment Guidelines”.

Note:

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this Competency Standard Unit applies. This requires that the specified essential knowledge and associated skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and associated skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9.5) 

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit.

RANGE STATEMENT 

10)  This relates to the unit of competency as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the Performance Criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This Competency Standard Unit shall be demonstrated in relation to the carrying out of switching operations in a substation in accordance to a given instructions and switching schedule.

Switchgear includes ring main units, circuit breakers, isolators, earth switches, HV links, air break switches, capacitor banks, reactor banks, line/wave traps and fuses. (Refer to Definition 25)

Specialist tools include HV phasing sticks, HV link sticks, HV live-line clamp operating sticks, HV ground transformer isolating handles and associated earths, HV overhead operating earths and HV detectors.

Switching program/schedule including necessary detail, e.g. structure, switch or equipment number; locations; HV feeder; outage times; works plan/order.

The following constants and variables included in the element/Performance Criteria in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section 1 of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement of this unit:

• Appropriate and relevant persons (see Personnel)
• Appropriate authorities
• Appropriate work platform
• Assessing risk
• Assessment
• Authorisation
• Confined space
• Diagnostic, testing and restoration
• Documenting detail work events, record keeping and or storage of information
• Drawings and specifications
• Emergency
• Environmental and sustainable energy procedures
• Environmental legislation
• Environmental management documentation
• Established procedures
• Fall prevention
• Hazards
• Identifying hazards
• Inspect
• Legislation
• MSDS
• Notification
• OHS practices
• OHS issues
• Permits and/or permits to work
• Personnel
• Quality assurance systems
• Requirements
• Testing procedures
• Work clearance systems

Competency Field 

11)  

Industry Specific Cross-Discipline Units