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 the operation and routine maintenance of specialised plant and equipment at ground level near live electrical apparatus. It includes carrying out pre-operational checks, calibrating equipment, reporting faults and maintaining operational records and an awareness of workplace safety and positive environmental practices associated with specialised plant and equipment operation. It also includes traffic control measures and compliance with relevant state or territory regulatory agencies/bodies, local government legislation, industry bi-partite bodies, guidelines/codes of practices or other related requirements for safe use of equipment near live electrical and mechanical apparatus.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may only be practiced under the regulations pertaining to each state and territory for the safe planning for the removal of vegetation around live powerlines up to the live work zone, including near live electrical apparatus, and regulations that directly relate to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and/or contracts of training where they apply.

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

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 operate and conduct routine maintenance of specialised plant and equipment near live electrical apparatus 

1.1 

Specialised plant and equipment are selected appropriate to job requirements and confirmed against work instructions

1.2 

Routine pre-operational checks of machinery and equipment are carried out to manufacturer specifications for safe use near live electrical apparatus according to requirements and established procedures

1.3 

Plant and/or equipment are securely attached and/or calibrated for operation to manufacturer specifications

1.4 

Faulty plant and equipment are identified, safety tagged, and reported to supervisor according to enterprise requirements

1.5 

WHS/OHS hazards in the workplace are identified, risk assessed and reported according to enterprise requirements

2 

Operate specialised plant and equipment near live electrical apparatus 

2.1 

Specialised plant and equipment are operated in a safe and controlled manner, and monitored for performance and efficiency

2.2 

Risks to self, others and the environment are recognised and minimised according to enterprise and WHS/OHS requirements

2.3 

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) WHS/OHS requirements

2.4 

Environmental implications associated with plant and equipment operation are identified, assessed and reported to the supervisor

3 

Complete the operation and routine maintenance of ground level specialised plant and equipment near live electrical apparatus 

3.1 

Plant and equipment shutdown procedures are carried out to manufacturer specifications and enterprise requirements

3.2 

Plant and equipment operational records are maintained according to enterprise requirements

3.3 

Plant and equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and/or reported according to enterprise requirements

3.4 

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

3.5 

Appropriate personnel are notified of work completion according to established procedures

3.6 

Plant and equipment are cleaned, secured and stored according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise requirements

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 UETTDRVC31A Operate specialist equipment at 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
• using at least three (3) of the following specialist equipment:

• chippers
• stump grinders
• brush cutters
• slashers/tritters
• power pruners
• chemical control applicators

• performing all of the following:

• pre-start and safety checks according to manufacture specifications
• checking and confirming equipment calibration settings and operating methods
• observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation
• preparation of independently powered tools, including cleaning, priming, tightening, basic repairs and adjustments
• identifying and segregating unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement
• pre- and post-operational checks, inspections and minor maintenance
• safe deployment of machinery and equipment in varying conditions and weather

• interpreting and applying all of the following:

• standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• industry standards
• production schedules
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• work notes
• product labels
• manufacturer specifications
• operator manuals
• enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
• supervisors oral or written instructions
• work and routine maintenance plans

• determining WHS/OHS hazards encountered in the workplace, including all of the following:

• exposure to:

• loud noise
• fumes
• solar radiation
• dust
• ergonomic hazards associated with posture and vibration
• hazardous substances (fuel, oils and fertiliser)
• oil and grease spills

• presence of:

• bystanders
• livestock and wildlife
• difficult terrain and varying gradients
• potholes
• ditches
• gullies
• embankments
• obstacles (rocks, logs fences, debris and buildings)
• extreme weather conditions
• electricity
• overhead powerlines
• mechanical malfunctions and exposed moving parts, and other machinery, including hydraulics

• selecting and using specialised plant and equipment
• using operational techniques for the specific terrain (on and off-road environments) and weather conditions
• maintaining working loads within specifications, including ensuring hitch-points are operated at the correct height
• confirming what personal protective equipment (PPE) is relevant including the following:

• boots
• hat/hard hat
• overalls
• gloves
• protective eyewear
• hearing protection
• respirator or facemask
• sun protection (sun hat and sunscreen)

• confirming environmental implications associated with the operation of machinery and equipment, including all of the following:

• negative environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions, the incorrect use and disposal of maintenance debris (oils, containers and chemical residues), and hazardous substances (fuel and fertiliser) – impacts including run-off flows of water and cleaning agents from servicing, maintenance and cleaning activities, soil disturbance and dust problems from high speed and frequent traffic (including irrigation equipment)

• confirming what procedures are included in the shutdown of machinery and equipment, including the following:

• safe dismount procedures (including turning engine off), maintaining a clear thoroughfare, parking away from hazards, securing, engaging handbrake, removing keys, refuelling and cleaning

• 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:

• enterprise-specific vegetation control equipment encompassing:

• safety policies, procedures and precautions with regards to using, transporting and storage of specialised plant and machinery
• legislation, standards, codes, supply authority regulations and specific enterprise regulations pertaining to the use and care of specialised plant and machinery
• characteristics, capabilities and application of specialised plant and machinery for a particular job
• types and application of vegetation cutting tools – chainsaws, brush cutters, hydraulic pruning saws, tool line and specialised pruning tools (cocky beaks and pruning saws)
• types, selection and application of vegetation mulching tools and specialist equipment
• types and application of herbicide application equipment
• purpose and use of cutting plans relevant to the vegetation type
• cutting techniques of vegetation control tools and specialist 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
• pre-operational checks on vegetation control tools and equipment
• techniques in safely using vegetation control specialist 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, length of power lead 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.