The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work near utility services during the construction, repair or installation of utilities' infrastructure including:

gathering information regarding location of utilities at a particular site

gathering and applying safe work methods for locating and protecting utilities at or near a work site

selecting appropriate tools and equipment

monitoring use of equipment and using agreed procedures and signals to ensure timely warnings of proximity to utilities' apparatus

protecting and supporting apparatus during performance of work tasks and during site restoration

applying emergency procedures in response to a range of specific incidents.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

locate and identify utilities

assess and identify risk of potential hazards associated with each utility

respond to all types of emergencies relating to utility services

use basic mathematics for calculations and measurement

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

use tools and equipment

follow policies, procedures and standards

communicate with employees, other service providers and customers

work effectively as part of a team

use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace

use communication systems.

Required knowledge:

published guidelines for working near utility services in the State or Territory in which work is being undertaken

system layout

environmental aspects of excavation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

landscape and ground structure of work area

risk assessment and identification of potential hazards associated with each utility

emergency response procedures for all types of utility services

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on site or plant.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Utility service may include:

electricity

gas

fuel and oil

water

sewer and stormwater

communication lines

pay television

road traffic control

power cables

steam pipes

relevant surface fittings

cathodic protection cables.

Appropriate information sources may include:

'Dial Before You Dig' national call centre for subscribing utilities (note: not all underground utility services are listed with 'Dial Before You Dig')

local agencies, which should also be contacted following 'Dial Before You Dig' enquiries.

Alignment of services refers to:

location of utilities' assets at a certain or agreed distance from property boundaries in the road reserve.

Utility locating procedures may include locating utility apparatus using:

utility plans

surface fittings

indicators or markers

standard allocations

on-site features

manual location.

Type, size and likely configuration of utility apparatus may include:

colour

materials

appearance

dimensions

installation practices

arrangement of apparatus.

Legislative and organisational requirements may include:

relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations

codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs

relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements.

Appropriate tools and equipment may include:

personal protective equipment

shovels with insulated handles

crow bars with insulated handles

air or water vacuum potholing equipment

hand and power tools

lifting and winching equipment

mechanical excavation equipment

pneumatic and motorised equipment, including:

compressors

pneumatic spades and attachments

motorised cutting equipment

on- and off-road vehicles

portable pumps

communication equipment.

Apparatus may include:

pipes, including:

vitrified clay

reinforced concrete

polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

polyethylene

cast iron cement lined

ductile iron cement lined

glass reinforced piping

mild steel cement lined

structures, including:

meter pits

valve pits

drop structures

regulators

erosion barriers

person access chambers and pits

head walls

thrust blocks

inspection shafts.