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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Identify pruning principles and the various pruning techniques near live electrical apparatus and its effects on vegetation.
  2. Prepare for pruning near live electrical apparatus
  3. Undertake pruning near live electrical apparatus
  4. Complete pruning activity near live electrical apparatus.

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 planning for the removal of vegetation up to vegetation exclusion zone 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 pruning techniques

KS01-TVC33A ESI vegetation control pruning techniques

Evidence shall show an understanding of pruning techniques to vegetation control near live electrical apparatus to an extent indicated by the following aspects

T Pruning principles near powerlines encompassing

Reasons for pruning around powerlines

Identifying site conditions inspection methods of vegetation to be pruned what to look for determination of worksite working area identification of possible endangered species identification of appropriate personnel protective equipment to be used identification of the location of plant tools equipment and fellow workmates for safe work practices

Inspecting location and determining work methods

Principles of correct pruning practice types of pruning Formative Corrective Preventative Natural target pruning

Cutting Techniques different branch cuts single top cut technique single undercut handsaw technique for light small branches chainsaw technique for heavy branches single sidecut technique step cut undercut then a top cut technique scarf undercut then top cut technique top scarf bottomback cut technique side scarf then opposite backcut technique spearcut technique snippingcutting back overhang lv

Correct pruning practices AS Pruning of amenity trees according to enterprise requirements

Effects of pruning incorrect pruning how much to prune size of cut

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 tools equipment materials procedures workplaces other variables

Group No

The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated

Item List

A

Demonstrate correct pruning principles and techniques

The goals of pruning may include to shape form correct or control growth prevent disease or damage promote health control capacity and vigour and provide clearance for electrical assets

B

Demonstrate all of the following OHS requirements

identifying hazards

assessing and reporting risks

cleaning

maintaining and storing tools and equipment

appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection

drinking to avoid dehydration

safe operation of tools and equipment

correct manual handling

basic first aid

personal hygiene and reporting problems to supervisors

C

Demonstrate all of the following

Identification of potential hazards

Practical application of legislation and codes of practice

Implement control measures to eliminatereduce hazardsincident

Apply incident reportingrecordinginvestigation procedures

Apply safe manual handling techniques

D

Demonstrate appropriate selection of all of the following pruning equipment

ropes

handsaws

hand and batterypowered secateurs

pneumatic snips and compressor

hedge trimmers both manual and powered

small chainsaws and hydraulic and motorised polesaws

E

Determine what personal protective equipment PPE is required to undertake pruning activities

Hathardhat

boots

overalls

gloves

protective eyewear

respirator or face mask

face guard

hearing protection

sunscreen lotion

F

Determine what hygiene management practices are required while pruning

Such as Sterilisation of clothing tools and equipment

Management debris removal

G

Demonstrate the correct cutting angle for all of the following

Branch Bark Ridge

Stem Bark Ridge

Codominant Stem

Visible Branch Collar

H

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 list 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 planning for the removal of vegetation up to the vegetation exclusion zone 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

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit


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 pruning principles and techniques to perform vegetation clearing activities in accordance with the Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS4373 so as to achieve the statutory vegetation clearance requirements near live powerlines up to the live work zone as defined for both Instructed and Authorised Persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus.

Includes electrical and communications conductors and cables/powerlines and associated equipment on poles and structures according to requirements and established procedures.

Excludes the full gamut of rigging techniques and practices required of a Rigger or entry into to the safe approach distance (SAD) as defined for persons, mobile plant, equipment and specialised tools.

Includes appropriate pruning and/or cutting techniques and practices (encompasses cutting plan) for given vegetation species to minimise regrowth within the electrical field according to requirements and procedures.

Includes 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 “ordinary person zone” near energised electrical apparatus (inc. electrical powerlines) for non-electrical worker/ordinary persons and in some instances vegetation.

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 “ordinary person zone”

Electricity supply infrastructure assets including electrical apparatus, electrical and communication conductors, and equipment

Safe approach distances zones/Safe Working Clearance

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.

Constants and variables included in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section 1 of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement.

Appropriate and relevant persons (see Personnel)

Appropriate authorities

Appropriate work platform

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

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