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

This unit covers cutting and/or pruning vegetation above ground level and removal of vegetation obstructions, up to the live work zone as defined for both authorised and instructed persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus, using the established cutting plan relevant to the vegetation type. It encompasses the safe use of appropriate/specialised tools and equipment according to requirements and established procedures. It includes safely accessing trees from above ground level to install restraints/slings, removing tree limbs in a safe manner, and clearing debris from the felling site to eliminate the occurrence of electrical incidents. It does not include entry of persons, mobile plant, equipment, and/or specialised tools into to the safe approach distance (SAD) as defined.

Also included is the preparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. All work and zones are in compliance with relevant state or territory regulatory agencies/bodies, local government legislation, industry bi-partite body, guidelines/codes of practices or other related requirements for safe work and access near live electrical and mechanical apparatus.

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence to operate specific pieces of equipment such as elevated work platforms.

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

Common Unit Group

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

UETTDREL13 Comply with sustainability, environmental and incidental response policies and procedures

UETTDREL14 Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker

UETTDRVC23 Plan the removal of vegetation up to vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

UETTDRVC27 Monitor safety compliance of vegetation control work in an ESI environment

UETTDRVC33 Apply pruning techniques to vegetation control near live electrical apparatus

Vegetation

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 cut/prune vegetation above ground up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus using an elevating platform 

1.1 

Work instructions and cutting plan are received and confirmed

1.2 

Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be performed in accordance with the cutting are discussed with all personnel to establish and confirm the work schedule

1.3 

WHS/OHS policies and procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are received and confirmed

1.4 

Suggestions to assist and/or improve meeting the cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the live work zone near electrical apparatus outcomes are made to others involved in the work

1.5 

Hazards are identified and WHS/OHS risks associated with working near live electrical apparatus are identified and reported according to established procedures

1.6 

Scope of responsibility under the relevant work permits/access authorisations is identified according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel

1.7 

Resources, including, equipment, tools, approved platforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), required for the job are obtained and, in working order according to established procedures

1.8 

Relevant responsibilities associated with first aid, working aloft, and/or other related work safety procedures at the worksite are confirmed in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident

1.9 

Client issues, including environmental values, are identified and referred to appropriate personnel in accordance with industry/community standards

1.10 

Site is prepared to produce a quality outcome, follow sustainable energy principles and practices, and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce, stock and individuals in accordance with established procedures

1.11 

Road signs, barriers and warning devices are obtained and positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements

1.12 

Pre-operational checks are undertaken to confirm safe and correct operation of tools and equipment for safe use near live electrical apparatus according to requirements and established procedures

1.13 

Work permits/access authorisations are confirmed and received, where applicable, for commencement of the work according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel

2 

Carry out the cutting/pruning of vegetation above ground up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus using an elevating platform 

2.1 

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

2.2 

Lifting, climbing, working aloft, and use of tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed in accordance with given instructions and according to requirements to eliminate the prospects of incidents

2.3 

Operational knowledge for the cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the live work zone near electrical apparatus is confirmed to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures

2.4 

Cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the live work zone near electrical apparatus using an elevated work platform (EWP) is carried out in accordance with the cutting plan, work schedule, given instructions and established procedures

2.5 

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed WHS/OHS risks are monitored and reported/referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

2.6 

Non-routine events are referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

2.7 

Problems associated with cutting vegetation above ground level outside of the vegetation exclusion zone near electrical apparatus are attended to using acquired known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure work instructions and established procedures are met

2.8 

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

3 

Complete the cutting/pruning of vegetation above ground up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus using an elevating platform 

3.1 

Work undertaken is checked against cutting plan and work schedule and anomalies reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures

3.2 

Accidents and/or incidents are actioned and reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures

3.3 

Worksite is rehabilitated, cleaned up, made safe and sustainable energy principles and practices applied in accordance with given instructions and established procedures or an agreed standard

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 

Appropriate personnel are notified of work completion according to established procedures

3.6 

Post-operational checks, minor maintenance and/or relevant documentation of equipment and tools/platform are conducted according to requirements

3.7 

Requirements for returning work permits and/or access authorisation permits are confirmed, where applicable

3.8 

Work completion records and report forms/data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established 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 UETTDRVC25A Use elevated platform to cut vegetation above ground level near live electrical apparatus.

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
• confirming operational knowledge associated with the cutting vegetation above ground outside live work zone near live electrical apparatus using an elevated work platform (EWP) in all of the following:

• principles of electricity and the three phase power system
• power system
• recognition of aerial voltage systems
• identification of low voltage (LV) aerial circuits
• identification of high voltage (HV) aerial circuits
• safe working zone and ordinary person zone so defined by relevant authorities
• use of technical standards, acts, regulations, codes/guidelines and established/enterprise/asset owner’s procedures
• system control - information required and function
• vicinity permit - information required and function
• sensitive earth fault system
• environmental principals and procedures

• performing safe practices associated with the cutting vegetation above ground outside live work zone near live electrical apparatus using an EWP in all of the following:

• WHS/OHS practices and procedures
• electric shock and resuscitation
• release and rescue and height safety, including platform aerial emergency rescue procedure
• role of the safety observer
• events constituting an incident
• procedures in the event of/responding to incidents
• methods of identifying hazards
• risk assessment procedures for both worksite and pre-job checklist
• selection of the best position for monitoring and controlling work (cutting)
• selection of correct line of site to the cutter
• correct observation of the work from ground level
• constant analysis and decision making relevant to the safety of the work taking into account prevailing site conditions (lay of the land) and ongoing weather conditions

• using an EWP whilst performing all of the following:

• identifying tree types
• confirming vegetation species and types
• confirming vegetation cutting techniques for different vegetation
• confirming appropriate vegetation machinery and equipment to be used
• using feeder route plans

• performing the safe cutting/pruning of vegetation above ground outside live work zone near live electrical apparatus using an EWP in all of the following:

• using cutting plans relevant to the vegetation type
• safely using of all relevant personnel protective equipment (PPE)
• safely operating restraints, slings, lifting and loads
• safely using tools and equipment, such as hand saws, chainsaws, specialised tools and equipment and/or power pruners above ground on an EWP
• safely using chemical control and application above ground on an EWP
• safely using regulatory and/or approved industry cutting/pruning platforms
• safely working aloft on an EWP and undertaking cutting, pruning and tree trimming techniques near electrical apparatus
• conducting pre- and post-operational checks, inspection and minor maintenance
• safely deploying equipment and tools in varying ground conditions and weather
• safely removing debris

• 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:

• techniques in operating tools and equipment from an EWP encompassing:

• Commonwealth/state/territory and local government legislation, standards, codes, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements, including relevant certification and licensing applicable to the operating of tools and equipment from a platform
• types of EW’s used for vegetation control
• advantages and disadvantages of each type of EWP
• types of pre-operational checks on EWPs
• electrical test requirements e.g. test and certify periodically
• transporting and storage methods
• safety precautions when using EWPs
• proper use of EWPs
• earthing of the EWP
• proper methods of mounting and alighting EWPs
• hydraulic tools
• use of insulated EWPs - insulated EWP operator
• EWP operational techniques on a platform - height safety and working aloft
• understanding of definitions of drop zone and full zone
• safety precautions specific to working on EWPs - safe working practices and procedures; WHS/OHS hazards and precautions; identification of WHS/OHS hazards; assessment and control of WHS/OHS risks; types, selection, maintenance, storage and use of PPE, including harnesses; dangers of working in confined spaces and at heights while on an EWP; role of safety observer; permit to work systems and isolation procedures/protocols
• safe working policies and procedures

• enterprise-specific vegetation control equipment encompassing:

• types and application of vegetation cutting tools – chainsaws, hydraulic pruning saws, tool line and specialised pruning tools (cocky beaks and pruning saws)
• purpose and use of cutting plans relevant to the vegetation type
• cutting techniques of vegetation control tools and equipment
• techniques in undertaking different branch cuts - scarf under-cut, top cut technique, top scarf bottom-back cut technique, and side scarf opposite back-cut technique
• techniques in safe methods of controlling the descent of vegetation in an electrical environment - safety procedures, including safety ropes and lines; checking and setting up equipment; load calculations/estimations; techniques in using lowering equipment; determining the serviceability of ropes and other lowering devices
• pre-operational checks on vegetation control tools and equipment
• techniques in safely using vegetation control equipment - visual inspection of vegetation control equipment, methods of using equipment at heights and in confined spaces, and precautions to note during use of equipment (proximity of other personnel, proximity of powerlines and obstacles, and possible fire danger due to sparks)
• types of PPE used in conjunction with vegetation control equipment - head protection, eye protection, hearing protection, hand protection, foot protection, body protection and general protection
• basic maintenance of vegetation control equipment - cleaning, proper storage, basic repair and replacement, and testing for compliance to manufacturer and WHS/OHS requirements.

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