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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to operate and conduct routine maintenance of specialised plant and equipment near live electrical apparatus.
   • Specialised plant and equipment is selected appropriate to job requirements and confirmed against a work instructions..
   • Routine pre-operational checks of machinery and equipment are carried out to manufacturer’s specifications for safe use near live electrical apparatus according to requirements and established procedures.
   • Plant and/or equipment is securely attached and/or calibrated for operation to manufacturer’s specifications.
   • Faulty plant and equipment is identified, safety tagged, and reported to supervisor according to enterprise requirements.
   • OHS hazards in the workplace are identified, risk assessed and reported according to enterprise requirements.
2. Operate specialised plant and equipment near live electrical apparatus.
   • Specialised plant and equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner, and monitored for performance and efficiency.
   • Risks to self, others and the environment are recognised and minimised according to enterprise and OHS requirements.
   • Suitable personal protective clothing and equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to OHS requirements.
   • Environmental implications associated with plant and equipment operation are identified, assessed and reported to the supervisor.
3. Complete the operation and routine maintenance of ground level specialised plant and equipment near live electrical apparatus.
   • Plant and equipment shut-down procedures are carried out to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise requirements.
   • Plant and equipment operational records are maintained according to enterprise requirements.
   • Plant and equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and/or reported according to enterprise requirements.
   • Post-operational checks, minor maintenance and/or relevant documentation of plant and equipment are conducted according to requirements.
   • Appropriate personnel are notified of work completion according to established procedures.
   • Plant and equipment is cleaned, secured and stored according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise requirements.

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 operating vegetation control specialised plant and equipment 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 specialist equipment KS01-TVC31A ESI vegetation control specialist equipment Evidence shall show an understanding of operating specialist equipment at ground level near live electrical apparatus to an extent indicated by the following aspects T Enterprise specific vegetation control equipment encompassing Safety policies procedures and precautions with regards to using transporting and storage of specialised plant and machinery Legislation Standards codes legislation supply authority regulations and specific enterprise regulations pertaining to the use and care of specialised plant and machinery Characteristics capabilities and application of specialised plant and machinery for a particular job Types and application of vegetation cutting tools chainsaws brush cutters hydraulic pruning saws tool line specialised pruning tools cocky beaks and pruning saws Types selection and application of vegetation mulching tools and specialist equipment 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 specialist equipment Techniques in undertaking different branch cuts scarf undercut top cut technique top scarf bottomback cut technique side scarf opposite backcut technique Preoperational checks on vegetation control tools and equipment Techniques in safely using vegetation control specialist 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 length of power lead 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 the range of specialised plant and equipment is applicable to this standard in at least of the following This should be Confirm the use of at least of the following Chippers Stump grinders Brush cutters SlashersTritters Power pruners Chemical control applicators Pre and post operational checks inspections and minor maintenance Safe deployment of machinery and equipment in varying conditions and weather Must do B Confirm what is involved in routine preoperational checks of specialised plant and equipment This should be Confirm all of the following Prestart and safety checks as per manufactures specifications Checking and confirming equipment calibration settings and operating methods Observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation Preparation of independently powered tools may include cleaning priming tightening basic repairs and adjustments Identify and segregate unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement C Confirm what enterprise requirements apply to this standard Standard Operating Procedures SOPs Industry standards Production schedules Material Safety Data Sheets MSDSs Work notes Product labels Manufacturers specifications Operators manuals Enterprise policies and procedures including waste disposal recycling and reuse guidelines OHS procedures Supervisors oral or written instructions Work and routine maintenance plans D Confirm from the following what OHS hazards are encountered in the workplace Exposure to loud noise fumes solar radiation dust ergonomic hazards associated with posture and vibration hazardous substances fuel oils fertiliser oil and grease spills Presence of bystanders livestock and wildlife difficult terrain and varying gradients potholes ditches gullies embankments obstacles rocks logs fences debris buildings extreme weather conditions electricity overhead powerlines mechanical malfunctions and exposed moving parts and other machinery including hydraulics E Confirm how safe and controlled operation of machinery and equipment has been demonstrated This should include Appropriate selection and use of specialised plant and equipment Using operational techniques for the specific terrain on and offroad environments and weather conditions Maintaining working loads within specifications including ensuring hitchpoints are operated at the correct height F Confirm what personal protective clothing and equipment is relevant to this standard Boots hathard hat overalls gloves protective eyewear hearing protection respirator or facemask and sun protection sun hat sunscreen G Confirm what environmental implications associated with the operation of machinery and equipment Negative environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions the incorrect use and disposal of maintenance debris oils containers chemical residues and hazardous substances fuel fertiliser Impacts may also include runoff flows of water and cleaning agents from servicing maintenance and cleaning activities soil disturbance and dust problems from high speed and frequent traffic including irrigation equipment H Confirm what procedures are included in the shutdown of machinery and equipment Safe dismount procedures including turning engine off maintaining a clear thoroughfare parking away from hazards securing engaging handbrake removing keys refuelling and cleaning I 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 operation and routine maintenance of specialised plant and equipment 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 Fell small tress RTC2005A Fell small tress RTCA Apply chemicals under supervision RTC2706A Apply chemicals under supervision

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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 is to be demonstrated in relation to the operation and routine maintenance of specialised plant and equipment such as chippers, slashers, tritters, brush cutters, stump grinders, power pruners, chemical control applicators and other related associated and powered specialised plant and equipment used near live electrical apparatus. Excludes plant and machinery that encompasses driving/flying and associated licenses, such as aerial croppers, boom-operated mowers, insulated elevating work platforms and the like. Preparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment and includes traffic control measures 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 use of equipment near live Electrical and Mechanical Apparatus. Prevailing Licensing Requirements Excludes any work that is or may be performed by other competent operatives within the defined “ordinary person zone” Working near energised live electricity supply infrastructure assets Includes periodical and pre-operational checks of the specialised plant and equipment for safe operation and conduct of maintenance checks and, associated documentation Safe approach distances zones/Safe Working Clearance Work permit(s) and/or access authorisation permits Technical standards and Industry Guidelines Ground configuration – undulations, uneven ground, soft ground, damp, etc Plant, equipment and tools for use in electrical environments 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 Assessing risk Assessment Authorisation Documenting detail work events, record keeping and or storage of information Drawings and specifications Emergency Environmental and sustainable energy procedures Environmental legislation 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 Work clearance systems

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