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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for substation switching to a given schedule
   • Switching and work schedule(s), including drawings, plans, requirements, established procedures, and material lists, are received, analysed and confirmed, if necessary, by site inspection.
   • Relevant requirements and established procedures for the work are communicated to all personnel and identified for all work sites.
   • OHS policies and procedures related to requirements and established procedures for substation switching are obtained and confirmed for the purposes of the work to be performed and communicated.
   • Work is prioritised and sequenced following consultation with others for completion within acceptable timeframes and in accordance with established procedures.
   • Hazards are identified, OHS risks assessed and control measures are prioritised, implemented and monitored including emergency exits kept clear according to established procedures.
   • Relevant authority is obtained to access and perform work according to requirements and/or established procedures.
   • Resources including personnel, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained and confirmed in working order.
   • Relevant personnel at worksite are confirmed current in First Aid, Pole Top Rescue and other related work procedures according to requirements
   • Liaison and communication issues with other/authorised personnel, authorities, clients and land owners are resolved to carry out work where necessary.
   • Site is prepared according to the work schedule and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce, and individuals in accordance with established procedures.
   • Personnel participating in the work, including plant operators and contractors, are fully briefed and respective responsibilities confirmed where applicable in accordance with established procedures.
   • Road signs, barriers and warning devices are positioned in accordance with requirements.
2. Carry out substation switching to a given schedule
   • OHS and sustainable energy principles and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are monitored and followed in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures.
   • Lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces and aloft, and use of power tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed and, currency according to requirements confirmed.
   • Essential knowledge and associated skills are applied in safe substation switching to a given schedule to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and, to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements
   • Communications with Switching Control Officer are established and maintained throughout the isolation operation according to established procedures.
   • Electrical equipment and associated circuits line/network or work site to be switched is isolated and proved de-energised using appropriate devices, earthed where required and load transfer successfully achieved according to requirements and established procedures.
   • Substation switching to a given schedule is carried out, in accordance with the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.
   • 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.
   • Unplanned events occurring during substation switching to a given schedule are responded to and undertaken within the scope of established procedures.
   • Relevant permits are prepared and issued in accordance with established procedures.
   • Known solutions to a variety of problems are applied using acquired essential knowledge and associated skills.
   • Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with instructions and established procedures
3. Complete substation switching to a given schedule
   • Work undertaken is checked against works schedule for conformance with requirements and anomalies reported in accordance with established procedures.
   • Accidents and/or injuries are reported in accordance with requirements/established procedures, where applicable.
   • Work site is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with established procedures.
   • Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with established procedures.
   • Relevant permit(s) are signed off, safety devices are removed, and the system is re-energised and returned to service in accordance with requirements/established procedures.
   • Works completion records, reports, as installed /modified drawing and/or documentation and information are finalised and processed and appropriate personnel and authority notified.

Required Skills

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 performing substation switching to a given schedule All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies KSTSBA Power system substation switching operation KS01-TSB39A Power system substation switching operation Evidence shall show an understanding of power system substation switching operation to an extent indicated by the following aspects T Installation of switchgear and associated equipment encompassing Types and function of various switchgear isolators airbreak switches gasfilled switches vacuum type links fuses oil disconnectors fuse switches circuit breakers operating characteristics advantages and disadvantages of different types switchgear installation procedures earthing requirements and techniques Types of equipment transformers reactors regulators capacitors relays surge arrestors fault indicators and mobile generators Installation procedures for switchgear and equipment standards codes legislation supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements assembly and erecting procedures earthing requirements and techniques pole mounted locations Maintenance procedures for switchgear and equipment diagnosing and rectifying faults according to electricity supply industry standards and procedures Testing and commissioning electricity supply industry standards and procedures T Low voltage switching principles encompassing Standards codes legislation supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements applicable to switching of low voltage to a given schedule Requirements for the use of manuals system diagramsplans and drawings types characteristics and capabilities of electrical apparatus use characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and testing equipment LV network interconnectors source of possible backfeed Low voltage switching techniques identifying hazards assessing and controlling risks associated with LV switching operations electrical access permits operational procedures earthing procedures Personnel protective equipment PPE for LV switching T High voltage switching principles encompassing Standards codes legislation supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements applicable to switching of high voltage to a given schedule Requirements for the use of manuals system diagramsplans and drawings types characteristics and capabilities of electrical apparatus use characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and testing equipment network interconnectors source of possible backfeed Role of the HV switching operator Operational forms access authorities and permits associated with HV switching types of operational forms access authorities and permits purpose and procedure for operational forms access authorities and permits Use and operation of equipment associated with HV overhead and substation equipment test instruments sticks interrupters arc stranglers Types and categories of HV switchgear Application function and operating capabilities of switchgear Restrictions pertaining to HV switching equipment Procedures for the isolation of HV transmission main and working earths Earthing HV electrical apparatus practices and procedures for access purposes of Operational and additional work part onsite earths factors determining the location and effectiveness of Operational earthing acceptable industry procedures personal protective equipment high voltage switching techniques Operate switching apparatus identifying hazards assessing and controlling risks associated with HV switchgear operation systematic and defensive techniques mobile radio procedures double isolation procedures T High voltage fault switching principles encompassing Primary causes effects and types of HV electrical faults HV protection devices main components types categories applications functions Basic principle of operation of HV system protection devices Protection coordination and protection zoning HV feeder autoreclosing suppression function application Circuit condition requirements and switching considerations when paralleling and separating HV feeders T High voltage distribution transformer principles encompassing Operation of HV distribution transformers principle governing factors for transformer ratings protection and alarms operating limitations and the relationship between transformer and HV fuse rating purpose and principle operation of HV distribution transformer tap changers HV distribution transformer and transformer cable combination switching practices paralleling requirements isolation and earthing procedures for access common distribution transformer and associated electrical apparatus faults HV underground switching equipment arc stranglers switch operation load break elbows switching cubicles canister fuses bayonet fuses F and G switching cubicles voltage indicators and phasing testers T High voltage SWER system encompassing Application and function of SWER system components Circuit arrangement Principle of operation Hazards and procedures associated with faulty SWER earth systems Procedure to isolate energise and commission SWER substations T Feeder automation system encompassing Function of feeder automation system and the main components Operation procedure for a remote field device from a local control station Functions of System Control and Date Acquisition SCADA or any other relevant Data Acquisition and Control systems and its main components SCADA system security interlocks and access restrictions SCADA system operation when switching apparatus or retrieving data via a remote access device such as Remote Access Terminal RAT Dial Up Voice Annunciated System and Local Control Station Function of the main components of a localremote control system Operation of a field devices using SCADA systems via a Remote Access Terminal RAT Dial Up Annunciated System and Local Control Station T HV overhead and substation switching principles encompassing Legislation Standards codes legislation supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements applicable to HV overhead and substation switching Requirements for the use of manuals system diagramsplans and drawings types characteristics and capabilities of HV electrical equipment to be switched use characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and testing equipment Role and responsibilities of the HV switching operator Operational forms access authorities and permits hazardrisk assessments associated with HV switching types of operational forms access authorities and permits hazardrisk assessments purpose and procedure for operational forms access authorities and hazardrisk assessments Use and operation of equipment associated with HV overhead and substation equipment test instruments sticks interrupters arc stranglers HV switchgear types categories application operating capabilities Operation of HV overhead switching or indicating devices fuses disconnect fuses load switching live line indicators capacitors reclosers sectionalisers underslung links airbreaks switches disconnects live line clamps phasing sticks phasing tester Operation of protection systems and substation equipment fault levels and settings types and applications protection systems and substation equipment fault levels and settings types and applications Restrictions pertaining to HV switching equipment Procedures for the isolation of HV mains and working earths earthing HV electrical apparatus practices and procedures for access authority issuing HV switching techniques Operate switching apparatus identifying hazards assessing and controlling risks associated with HV switchgear operation systematic and defensive techniques mobile radio procedures double isolation procedures

Evidence Required

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

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 Industrys 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 substancematerial 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
	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 UET 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 learners 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 toolsequipmentmaterialsproceduresworkplacesother variables
		Group No	The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated	Item List
		A	All of the following	Approvalsclearances Access permits
		B	All of the following	Operating sticks Operating earths Voltage detectors
		C	All of the following	Phasing equipment Ground equipment isolating handles and earths
		D	Any one of the following	Links Air break switches Fuses
		E	Any two of the following	Reclosers Ring main units Circuit breakers
		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

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 substation switching to a given schedule 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 structuralconstruction types and method and in a variety of environments

Method of assessment

This Competency Standard Unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume Part Assessment Guidelines Note Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this Competency Standard Unit applies This requires that the specified essential knowledge and associated skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learningassessment 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
	There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit

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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 carrying out of switching operations in a substation in accordance to a given instructions and switching schedule. Switchgear includes ring main units, circuit breakers, isolators, earth switches, HV links, air break switches, capacitor banks, reactor banks, line/wave traps and fuses. (Refer to Definition 25) Specialist tools include HV phasing sticks, HV link sticks, HV live-line clamp operating sticks, HV ground transformer isolating handles and associated earths, HV overhead operating earths and HV detectors. Switching program/schedule including necessary detail, e.g. structure, switch or equipment number; locations; HV feeder; outage times; works plan/order. 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 Confined space 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

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