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 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 persons 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 RCCRPL 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 projectbased 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

Utility service may include:

Appropriate information sources may include:

Alignment of services refers to:

Utility locating procedures may include locating utility apparatus using:

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

Legislative and organisational requirements may include:

Appropriate tools and equipment may include:

Apparatus may include: