Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This Competency Standard Unit covers the installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables used on towers which includes the stringing, tensioning and terminating of the conductor/cable while de energised, securing of the conductor to the insulators or supports and the undertaking of the electrical connections. It also covers maintenance work associated with the diagnosing of faults, the conducting of visual inspections, the confirmation of phasing and the completion of other enterprise tests. It also encompasses confirming isolation of systems and circuits, and/accepting/ issuing electrical permits and the updating of system data/maintenance records.

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.

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

UEENEEE105A

Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment

UEENEEE107A

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

UETTDREL11A

Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL16A

Working safely near live electrical apparatus

UETTDRTP26A

Install transmission structures and associated hardware

UETTDRTP27A

Maintain transmission structures and associated hardware

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 the installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables used on towers

1.1

Works schedule(s), including drawings, plans, requirements, established procedures, and material lists are received/ sourced, 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 the installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables used on towers 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 work permits are 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 work site are confirmed current in First Aid, Rescue and other related 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, environment 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

Traffic management plan is identified and implemented.

2

Carry out installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables used on towers

2.1

OHS, sustainable energy and environmental 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 aloft, and use of power tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed and, currency according to requirements confirmed.

2.3

Systems and circuits are isolated as required, proved safe to work on in accordance with the requirements /permits and established procedures.

2.4

Essential knowledge and associated skills are applied in the safe installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables used on towers to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements.

2.5

Overhead conductor/cables are strung, tensioned and terminated as per requirements/established procedures.

2.6

Conductors and anti-vibration devices, spaces/spreaders are secured as per established procedures.

2.7

Electrical connections are made in accordance with the requirements/established procedures.

2.8

Maintenance, including repair and/or replacement of overhead conductors and cables used on towers is carried out, in accordance with the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.

2.9

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.

2.10

Unplanned events in the installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables used on towers are undertaken within the scope of established procedures.

2.11

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

2.12

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

3

Complete the installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables used on towers

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against works schedule for confirmation of phasing and 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 or disposed of in accordance with established procedures.

3.5

Relevant work permit(s) are signed off and, overhead conductors and cables used on towers are returned to service in accordance with requirements.

3.6

Works completion records, reports, as installed /modified drawing and/or documentation and information are finalised and processed and appropriate personnel 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 installing and maintaining overhead conductors and cables (towers).

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

KS02-TTP29A Powerline transmission installation safety

Evidence shall show an understanding of the safe working practices and procedures for the installation of overhead transmission conductors to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Limits of approach for personnel, vehicles, mobile plant and elevating work platforms (EWP)

T2 Requirements of persons prior to making bare hand contact with dead low voltage mains and apparatus

T3 Requirements of relevant electrical access permits necessary to allow work to be performed on low and high voltage apparatus

T4 Safe working practices encompassing:

• Requirements to enable safe working on conductive poles
• Procedure to attach an on-site earthing device to de-energised low and high voltage overhead circuit
• Safe working practices when working with associated hardware/equipment and insulators
• Precautions of voltages on transmission structures
• Dangers when working at heights
• Identification of hazards, assessing and controlling risks
• Types, selection, maintenance and uses of personnel protective equipment
• Permit to work systems and isolation procedures
• Safe working practices when using specialised equipment
• Emergency response and rescue including First Aid etc

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

At least one of the following:

Copper

Aluminium

Steel

Composite

Aluminium/steel reinforced

Pilot

B

At least two of the following:

Elevated work platform

Portable platform

Gondola

Hook ladder*

Elevated work box

(*must do)

C

At least five of the following:

Winches*

Tension equipment*

Stringing equipment

Cable trailers

Crimping equipment *

Pre-formed splices

Hardware

Cable drum stands

Ropes

Rollers/ sheaves

Comealongs

Swivels

(*must do)

D

At least two of the following:

Voltage/ de-energised indicating device

Field intensity meter

Operating rods

(*must do)

E

At least one of the following:

Dynamometer

Site board

Abney level

Sag chart*

Theodolite

(*must do)

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 installation and maintenance of overhead conductors and cables on towers.

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 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 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 installation and maintenance of overhead conductor and or cables used on transmission towers

Installation and maintenance may include the stringing, tensioning, terminating, removal, repairing and replacement of the conductors/cables. Visual inspections and the diagnosing of faults is also included.

Structures include towers and columns.

Types of conductor include copper, aluminium, steel and composites. Conductor configurations may be single or bundled and include pilot cables.

Overhead conductors include earthing systems

Plant may include elevating work platform, winches and capstans, specialist tension stringing equipment, cable trailers, cable drum stands and equipotential equipment.

Testing and recording equipment includes, insulation resistance testers, recording meters and other approved devices and techniques applicable to the voltage. .

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
• 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)  

Transmission Units