Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This Competency Standard Unit covers the coordination of the switching of LV distribution network components with due regard to the loadings and prevailing network constraints and may include scheduling of generators, VAR compensators, load shedding and non-essential loads in response to NEMMCO or network requirements. It also includes voltage control equipment.

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):

Common Unit Group

Unit Code

Unit Title

UEENEED104A

Use engineering applications software on personal computers

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

UEENEEE107A

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

UEENEEE124A

Compile and produce an energy sector detailed report

UEENEEE125A

Provide engineering solutions for problems in complex multiple path circuits problems

UEENEEE126A

Provide solutions to basic engineering computational problems

UEENEEG101A

Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG102A

Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG149A

Provide engineering solutions to problems in complex polyphase power circuits

UETTDREL11A

Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL16A

Working safely near live electrical apparatus

UETTDRIS62A

Implement and monitor the power system organisational OHS policies, procedures and programs

UETTDRIS63A

Implement and monitor the power system environmental and sustainable energy management policies and procedures

UETTDRSO36A

Develop low voltage distribution switching programs

UETTDRSO39A

Coordinate low voltage distribution networks

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

5

Writing

5

Numeracy

5

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

Plan for the coordination of LV distribution network demand

1.1

OHS practices/procedures and environmental and sustainable energy procedures, which may influence the coordination of LV Distribution network demand systems, are reviewed and determined.

1.2

Purpose of the coordination of the network demand is established after data is analysed and expected outcomes of the work are confirmed with the appropriate personnel.

1.3

Organisational established procedures on policies and specifications for the coordination of the network demand are obtained or established with the appropriate personnel.

1.4

Testing procedures are discussed with/directed to the appropriate personnel in order to ascertain the project brief.

1.5

Testing parameters are established from organisational established procedures on policies and specifications.

1.6

Equipment/tools and personal protective equipment are selected based on specified Performance Criteria and established procedures.

1.7

Work roles and tasks are allocated according to requirements and individuals’ competencies.

1.8

Work is prioritised and sequenced for the most efficient/effective outcome, completed within an acceptable timeframe to a quality standard and in accordance with established procedures.

1.9

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

1.10

Risk control measures are identified, prioritised and evaluated against the work schedule.

1.11

Relevant work permits are secured to coordinate the performance of work according to requirements and/or established procedures.

2

Carry out the coordination of LV distribution network demand

2.1

Circuit/systems modelling are used to evaluate alternative proposals as per established procedures.

2.2

OHS and sustainable energy principles, functionality and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are incorporated into the project in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures.

2.3

Coordination decisions are made on the basis of safety and effective outcomes according to requirements and/or established procedures.

2.4

Mathematical and/or engineering models of the coordination process are used to analyse the effectiveness of the finished project as per requirements and established procedures.

2.5

Technical advice is given regarding potential hazards, safety risks and control measures so that monitoring and preventative action can be undertaken and/or appropriate authorities consulted, where necessary, in accordance with requirements and established procedures.

2.6

Essential knowledge and associated skills are applied to analyse specific data and compare it with compliance specifications to ensure completion of the project within an agreed timeframe according to requirements.

2.7

Testing of the coordination process is undertaken according to requirements and established procedures.

2.8

Work teams/groups are arranged/coordinated/evaluated to ensure planned goals are met according to established procedures.

2.9

Solutions to non-routine problems are identified and actioned, using acquired essential knowledge and associated skills, according to requirements.

2.10

Quality of work is monitored against personal performance agreement and/or established organisational and professional standards.

2.11

Strategic plans are developed incorporating organisation initiatives as per established procedures.

3

Complete the coordination of LV distribution network demand

3.1

Final review of the coordination process is undertaken to ensure they comply with all requirements and include all specifications and documentations needed to complete the project.

3.2

Appropriate personnel are notified of completion and reports and/or completion documents are finalised/commissioned.

3.3

Reports and/or completion documents are submitted to relevant personnel/organisations for approval and, where applicable, statutory or regulatory approval.

3.4

Approved copies of managed LV Distribution network demand documents are issues and records are updated in accordance with established procedures.

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 coordinating LV distribution network demand.

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

KS01-TSO43A Low voltage distribution network demand - coordination

Evidence shall show an understanding of low voltage distribution network demand - coordination to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Enterprise specific procedures and work practices relating to managing network demand encompassing:

• Commonwealth, State/Territory and local government legislation, supply authority regulations Standards, codes, and or enterprise requirements applicable to the procedures and work practices relating to managing network demand
• Requirements for the use of demand management manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings
• Identify and interpret enterprise demand management procedures
• Techniques in the applying enterprise demand management procedures

T2 Effective management and communication encompassing:

• Commonwealth, State/Territory and local government legislation, Standards, codes, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements applicable to assisting in effective management and communication
• Enterprise operational principles - workplace OHS enterprise plan, environmental enterprise policies and procedures, industrial relations policies and procedures, anti-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Relationship between the management and employees - methods used to collate and distribute/disseminate information, responsibilities of each member of the work team, staff development activities and legislation requirements with regard to OHS training, methods of addressing barriers such as literacy and cultural differences and provisions relating to OHS issue resolution
• Techniques associated with organisational policies and procedures related to human resources - relevant awards and certified agreements, legislation impacting on people management, range of support services and expertise available.
• Techniques in managing relationships - identifying problems, methods of conflict resolution, methods of consultation, communication, negotiation and mentoring, strategies for positive feedback.
• Techniques in leadership in achieving enterprise strategic and operational plans
• Techniques in managing relationships under stress - stress management.

T3 Methodology used in writing enterprise specific management reports encompassing:

• Commonwealth, State/Territory and local government legislation, supply authority regulations Standards, codes, and or enterprise requirements applicable to the writing enterprise specific management reports
• Techniques in researching, collating and analysing information for the report - recording, filing, retrieving systems, storing and retrieving data from computer systems.
• Relationship of management reports to enterprise policies and procedures - enterprise structure and resources, workplace OHS and risk management enterprise data, financial and operational data, environmental enterprise policies and procedures, industrial relations policies and procedures, anti-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Techniques in writing enterprise specific management reports - methods used to disseminate information and facilitate enterprise requirements, document proformas and compliance and legislative requirements to produce effective reports in the appropriate format.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9)  This provides essential advice for assessment of the competency standard unit and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria and the Range Statement of the competency standard unit 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 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

Demonstrate at least three (3) coordinate of multiple simultaneous system manipulations that encompass the following:

LV distribution network

LV network manipulation to control loading on equipment

Transformers with LV windings (if applicable to enterprise equipment)

LV busbars

LV isolators

LV switchgear (applicable to enterprise equipment).

B

All of the following:

Writing switching instructions

Checking and review switching instructions

Coordinating multiple simultaneous switching instructions

Confirm line loading

Preparing and authorising LV distribution switching programs

Coordinate multiple switching processes

Coordinate the status of all access permits/authorities on LV network equipment relevant to the scope

Ensure network plant operates within design and regulatory requirements on a real time basis

Application and administration of SCADA or equivalent.

Analysis, diagnosis and reporting of system failure

Calculate and analyse paralleling conditions on the interconnected LV system.

C

Prepare, write and check switching sheets to:

Manage load

Manage voltage

Minimise loss

Maximise system reliability

Allow safe network access for maintenance activities

Allow safe network access for construction activities

Validating fault reports arising from system disturbances.

D

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 the coordination of LV distribution network demand.

Note:

Access will be needed to: relevant modelling tools, drawings, computerised electrical plant control and monitoring facilities and enterprise operational policies, procedures and work practices.

In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency working in realistic environment and a variety of conditions.

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 Transmission, Distribution and Rail Traction Industry. 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 competency standard unit 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 coordination of a switching of LV distribution network components with due regard to the loadings and prevailing network constraints and shall be demonstrated using the following:

LV distribution feeders/distribution network; transformers or regulators with LV windings; LV busbars; LV isolators ; LV switchgear (applicable to enterprise equipment); generation that interconnects with the LV network; VAR compensation devices that interconnect with the LV network; switching instructions (applicable to enterprise equipment); computers (applicable to enterprise equipment); network diagrams (applicable to enterprise equipment).

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)  

System Operation Units