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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare and plan to conduct assessment of vegetation and, recommend control measures for work near live electrical apparatus.
   • Work instructions are identified and confirmed.
   • Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be preformed are discussed with all personnel to establish and confirm the work schedule.
   • OHS policies and procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are received and confirmed.
   • Recommendations to assist in meeting assessment of vegetation and recommendation of control measures for working near live electrical apparatus outcomes are made to others involved in the work.
   • Hazards are identified, OHS risks associated with working near live electrical apparatus are identified and reported according to established procedures.
   • Scope of responsibility under the relevant work permit(s)/access authorisation(s) are received and confirmed according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel.
   • Resources including, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are identified and, where to be used confirmed in working order according to established procedures.
   • First Aid, Pole Top Rescue and/or other related work safety procedures at the worksite are identified in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident.
   • Client issues are identified and referred to appropriate personnel in accordance with industry/acceptable /community standards.
   • Work schedule 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.
   • Road signs, barriers and warning devices are identified, where appropriate, in accordance with given instructions and requirements.
2. Conduct assessment of vegetation and, recommend control measures for work near live electrical apparatus.
   • 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.
   • Lifting, climbing, working aloft, and use of power tools/equipment, techniques and practices are identified for inclusion in the assessment report according to requirements confirmed to eliminate the prospects of incidents.
   • Operational knowledge for the assessment of vegetation and recommendation of control measures for working near live electrical apparatus to be applied to the work is confirmed to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and, to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures.
   • Assessment of vegetation and in particular trees for defects is undertaken in accordance with established procedures.
   • Analysis of assessment results and recommendation is made of vegetation control measures to be deployed for working near live electrical apparatus in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures.
   • Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed OHS risks are monitored and reported/referred to the immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures.
   • Non-routine events are responded and referred to the immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures.
   • Problems associated with the assessment of vegetation and the recommendation of control measures for working near live electrical apparatus are attended to using acquired known solutions and skills to ensure requirements and established procedures are met.
   • Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with given instructions and established procedures.
3. Complete the assessment of vegetation and recommend control measures for work near live electrical apparatus.
   • Work undertaken is checked against work schedule and anomalies reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures.
   • Accidents and/or incidents are actioned and reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures.
   • Work site is made safe in accordance with given instructions and established procedures.
   • Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with established procedures
   • Appropriate personnel are notified of work completion according to established procedures.
   • Works completion records, report forms/data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established procedures.

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 assessing vegetation and recommending control measures for work near live electrical apparatus All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies KSTVCA ESI vegetation control assessment KS01-TVC24A ESI vegetation control assessment Evidence shall show an understanding of assessment of vegetation and recommendation of control measures in an ESI environment to an extent indicated by the following aspects T Principles of conducting assessment of the condition and type of vegetation for the purpose of controlling its growth away from live lines encompassing Standards codes CommonwealthStateTerritory legislation supply authority regulations permit requirements andor enterprise requirements associated with the cuttingpruningcontrolling the growth of vegetation around live powerlines up to the high voltage live work zone as defined for both Instructed and Authorised Persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus Techniques in established procedures for defining species of vegetation and tree characteristics including obvious tree defects and hazards Techniques in selecting the relevant and suitably appropriate vegetation removal method Techniques in identifying obvious hazards and risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment and compliance with relevant State or Territory regulatory agenciesbodies local government legislation Industry bipartite body GuidelinesCodes of Practices or other related requirements for Safe work and access near live Electrical and Mechanical Apparatus Techniques in determining the appropriate safe working methods up to the defined safe working zone near energised electrical apparatus including electrical powerlines for nonelectrical workerordinary persons Safety precautions working on vegetation control safe working clearances from live line identifying OHS hazards assessing and controlling OHS risks types selection maintenance and uses of personal protective equipment permit to work systems and isolation procedures safe working practices when using specialised equipment emergency response and rescue including First Aid etc working at heights and in confined spaces Techniques in establishing the appropriate safe work methods andor type of plant tools and or equipment to control vegetation the selection of the most appropriate tools such as chainsaws mowers saws trimmers and or the most appropriate chemical applicator Use and application of plant tools and equipment use to control vegetation chainsaws mowers saws trimmers and chemicals Techniques in communicating and relaying information to other personnel Techniques in compiling and recording assessment data collected T Enterprise specific vegetation control equipment encompassing Types and application of vegetation mulching tools 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 equipment Types of personal protective equipment used in conjunction with vegetation control equipment head protection eye protection hearing protection hand protection foot protection body protection general protection

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	Confirm operational knowledge associated with the assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following	Principles of electricity the three phase power system Power system Recognition of aerial voltage systems Identification of Low Voltage Aerial Circuits Identification of High Voltage Aerial Circuits Safe working zone so defined by relevant authorities Use of technical standards acts regulations codes guidelines and establishedenterpriseasset owners procedures System Control Information required and function Vicinity Permit Information required and function Sensitive Earth Fault SEF System Confirm environmental principals and procedures Safe approach distances for insulated cranes and plant Safe approach distances for persons and hand held tools
		B	Confirm safe practices associated with the assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following	OHS safety practices and procedures Electric shock and resuscitation Release and rescue Role of the Safety Observer Events constituting an incident Procedures in the event ofresponding to incidents Methods of identifying hazards Risk assessment procedures 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
		C	Confirm vegetation control associated with the assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following	Identify tree types Confirm vegetation species and types Confirm vegetation cutting techniques for different vegetation Confirm appropriate vegetation machinery and equipment to be used Use of feeder route plans Conduct calculations related to loading and slinging
		D	Confirm the safe assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following	Safe use of tools plant and equipment Safe storage transportation and use of chemicals Pre and post operational checks inspections and minor maintenance on tools and equipment Safe deployment of machinery and equipment in varying conditions and weather Safe use of appropriate personal protective equipment Safe cuttingpruning and tree trimming methods Correct advice on vegetation species types and characteristics Correct advice on cutting plans relevant to the vegetation species and type Analysis of vegetation control measures particularly of trees for defects Safe assessments techniques of vegetation for defects and hazards Correct recommendations for appropriate pruning andor cutting processes to be used near live electrical apparatus Preparing assessment reports with appropriate recommendations for course of action
		E	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 safely undertake an assessment of vegetation and make recommendations of control measures for work near live electrical apparatus 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 Transmission Distribution and Rail Traction Industry 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
	For optimisation of training and assessment effort competence in this unit may be assessed concurrently with the following units
	RTCA RTC2016A	Recognise plants

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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 assessment of vegetation and in particular trees for defects and hazards prior to cutting and pruning near live electrical apparatus up to the live work zone as defined for both Authorised and Instructed Persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus. The assessment is compiled and recorded in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures for established species of vegetation and/or particular tree species, types and characteristics Also included is the preparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment and 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 Working safely up to the defined “safe working zone” near energised electrical apparatus (inc. electrical powerlines) for non-electrical worker/ordinary persons. Risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. Excludes any work that is or may be performed by other competent operatives within the defined “live work zone” Electricity supply infrastructure assets condition – sagging, swaying, ties, cross arms, poles, insulators, conductors, service wires, electrical apparatus/equipment, etc. Safe approach distances zones/Safe Working Clearance Other areas which may need to be taken into consideration are: work permit(s) and/or access authorisation permits, technical standards and Industry Guidelines, rural applications, inclement weather, ground configuration and access – undulations, uneven ground, soft ground, damp, road construction, pavements, etc, feeder route plans and the use of technology and mathematical calculations Equipment and specialised tools for use in electrical environments and loading and slinging techniques Vegetation control includes: site rehabilitation, horticultural vegetation cutting and pruning techniques to minimise regrowth - chemicals and physical cutting and pruning tools/equipment, concerns for vegetation type/species and significance – heritage, significant, urban/rural; vegetation fire prone areas and areas of particular significance. Areas of particular significance Loading and slinging techniques 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 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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