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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to cut/prune vegetation above ground up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus using an elevating platform.
   • Work instructions and cutting plan are received and confirmed.
   • Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be performed in accord with the cutting 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.
   • Suggestions to assist and/or improve meeting the cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the live work zone near 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) identified according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel.
   • Resources including, equipment, tools, approved platforms and personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained and, in working order according to established procedures.
   • Relevant responsibility associated with First Aid, working aloft, and/or other related work safety procedures at the worksite are confirmed in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident.
   • Client issues including environmental values are identified and referred to appropriate personnel in accordance with industry/acceptable /community standards.
   • Site 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 obtained and positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements.
   • Pre-operational checks are undertaken to confirm safe and correct operation of tools and equipment for safe use near live electrical apparatus according to requirements and established procedures.
   • Work permit(s)/access authorisation(s) are confirmed and received, where applicable, for commencement of the work according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel.
2. Carry out the cutting/pruning of vegetation above ground up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus using an elevating platform.
   • 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 tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed in accordance with given instructions and, according to requirements confirmed to eliminate the prospects of incidents.
   • Operational knowledge for the cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the live work zone near electrical apparatus is confirmed to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and, to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures.
   • Cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the live work zone near electrical apparatus using a EWP is carried out in accordance with the cutting plan and work schedule and, given instructions and 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 referred to the immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures.
   • Problems associated with cutting vegetation above ground level outside of the vegetation exclusion zone near electrical apparatus are attended to using acquired known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure work instructions 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 cutting/pruning of vegetation above ground up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus using an elevating platform.
   • Work undertaken is checked against cutting plan and work schedule, 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 rehabilitated, cleaned-up, sustainable energy principles and practices applied, and made safe in accordance with given instructions and established procedures or an agreed standard.
   • 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.
   • Post-operational checks, minor maintenance and/or relevant documentation of equipment and tools/platform are conducted according to requirements.
   • Requirements for returning work permit(s) and/or access authorisation permits are confirmed, where applicable.
   • 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 cutting vegetation above ground outside live work zone near live electrical apparatus platform All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies KSTVCA ESI vegetation control using EWP KS01-TVC25A ESI vegetation control using EWP Evidence shall show an understanding of the use EWP to cut vegetation above ground level near live electrical apparatus to an extent indicated by the following aspects T Techniques in operating tools and equipment from an EWP encompassing Commonwealth State and local government legislation standards codes supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements including relevant certification and licensing applicable to the operating of tools and equipment from a platform Types of EWPs used for vegetation control Advantages and disadvantages of each type of EWP Types of preoperational checks on EWPs Electrical test requirements eg test and certify periodically Transporting and storage methods Safety precautions when using EWPs Proper use of elevating work platforms Earthing of the EWP Proper methods of mounting and alighting platforms Hydraulic tools Use of insulated Elevating Work Platforms insulated Elevating Work Platforms Operator EWP operational techniques on a platform height safety working aloft Understanding of definitions of drop zone and full zone Safety precautions specific to working on platforms safe working practices and procedures Occupational Health and Safety hazards and precautions identification of OHS hazards assessment and control of OHS risks types selection maintenance storage and use of personal protective equipment including harnesses dangers of working in confined spaces and at heights while on a platform role of safety observer permit to work systems and isolation proceduresprotocols Safe working policies procedures T Enterprise specific vegetation control equipment encompassing Types and application of vegetation cutting tools chainsaws hydraulic pruning saws tool line specialised pruning tools cocky beaks and pruning saws Purpose and use of cutting plans relevant to the vegetation type Cutting techniques of vegetation control tools and equipment Techniques in undertaking different branch cuts scarf undercut top cut technique top scarf bottomback cut technique side scarf opposite backcut technique Techniques in safe methods of controlling the descent of vegetation in an electrical environment safety procedures including safety ropes and lines checking and setting up equipment load calculationsestimations techniques in using lowering equipment determining the serviceability of ropes and other lowering devices Preoperational checks on vegetation control tools and equipment Techniques in safely using vegetation control equipment visual inspection of vegetation control equipment methods of using equipment at heights and in confined spaces precautions to note during use of equipment proximity of other personnel proximity of powerlines and obstacles and possible fire danger due to sparks 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 Basic maintenance of vegetation control equipment cleaning proper storage basic repair and replacement and testing for compliance to manufacturers and OHS requirements

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 cutting vegetation above ground outside Live Work Zone near live electrical apparatus using a platform 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 and Ordinary person 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
		B	Confirm safe practices associated with the cutting vegetation above ground outside Live Work Zone near live electrical apparatus using a platform in all of the following	OHS safety practices and procedures Electric shock and resuscitation Release and rescue and height safety including platform aerial emergency rescue procedure Role of the Safety Observer Events constituting an incident Procedures in the event ofresponding to incidents Methods of identifying hazards Risk assessment procedures for both worksite and prejob checklist 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 cutting vegetation above ground outside Live Work Zone near live electrical apparatus using a platform 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
		D	Confirm the safe cuttingpruning of vegetation above ground outside Live Work Zone near live electrical apparatus using a platform in all of the following	Use of cutting plans relevant to the vegetation type Safe use of all relevant personnel protective equipment Safe operation of restraints slings lifting and loads Safe use of tools and equipment such as hand saws chainsaws specialised tools and equipment and or power pruners above ground on a platform Safe use of chemical control and application above ground on a platform Safe use of regulatory andor approved industry cuttingpruning platforms Safe working aloft on a platform and undertaking cutting pruning and tree trimming techniques near electrical apparatus Conduction of pre and post operational checks inspection and minor maintenance Safe deployment of equipment and tools in varying ground conditions and weather Safe debris removal
		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 actual cuttingpruning of vegetation above ground up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus using platforms 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
	TLILICA TLILIC508A	Licence to operate a boomtype elevating work platform boom length metres or more

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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 cutting and/or pruning of vegetation above ground level and removal of vegetation obstructions up to the live work zone (using platform technique) as defined for both Authorised and Instructed Persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus. Aerial work is conducted using regulator and/or industry approved platform(s) and includes insulated type and aerial emergency rescue near live electrical apparatus Use of established cutting plan(s) relevant to the vegetation type Safety practices include: the safe use of appropriate/specialised tools and equipment, the safe use of vegetation climbing equipment and techniques and may include safely accessing trees to install restraints/slings, removing tree limbs in a safe manner, clearing debris from the felling site to eliminate the occurrence of electrical incidents and reparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. It also includes working safely up to the defined “ordinary person zone” near energised electrical apparatus (inc. electrical powerlines) for non-electrical worker/ordinary persons and risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. Excludes entry of persons, mobile plant, equipment, and/or specialised tools into to the safe approach distance (SAD) as defined. Work and zones is in 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. 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. Safe operation and care of an Elevating Work Platform Work permit(s) and/or access authorisation permits Technical standards and Industry Guidelines Loading and slinging techniques Use of technology and mathematical calculations 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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