Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, construct and maintain an electric fence.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, manufacturer’s specifications and sustainability practices
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine electric fencing requirements | 1.1 Access property maps and assess fencing requirements according to enterprise objectives and legislative requirements 1.2 Determine equipment, materials and labour requirements and ensure estimated costings are within budgetary constraints 1.3 Compare alternative electric fencing options to ensure cost-effectiveness 1.4 Prepare fencing plan giving consideration to siting fences in relation to natural features and proposed uses |
2. Prepare for construction | 2.1 Seek clarification of work plan 2.2 Organise and transport tools and equipment to the work site 2.3 Confirm and arrange labour requirements if required 2.4 Assess risk and minimise potential and existing hazards appropriately |
3. Construct electric fence | 3.1 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment 3.2 Construct electric fence according to work plan 3.3 Attach and position gates for correct operation and function 3.4 Install energiser according to manufacturer's specifications. |
4. Complete fencing operations | 4.1 Check fencing for correct installation and performance 4.2 Identify and fix electric fence faults 4.3 Clear and tidy work site and dispose of all waste in an environmentally responsible manner 4.4 Transport tools and fencing equipment from the work site and check and store 4.5 Record and maintain relevant information |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
develop an electric fencing plan for the enterprise
identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
calculate and measure fencing requirements and calculate costings off the fencing plan
read and interpret plans and site maps and mark out fence lines
construct an electric fence that meets specifications and the needs of the enterprise
operate fencing tools and construction equipment
test and monitor the electric fence for earthing and current flow, resistance and leakage
follow enterprise work health and safety policies
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
basic operation of electric fences including earthing and current flow, resistance and leakage
differences between portable and mains power
issues affecting electric fencing in relation to the whole property plan
range of electric fencing designs, construction methods and materials
dangers posed by electricity to personnel and livestock
conditions under which electric fences may cause fire
safe methods for diagnosing routine faults
common electric fencing hazards and safety precautions
relevant State/Territory legislation and regulations regarding electric fences
work health and safety legislative requirements
relevant codes of practice with regard to protection of the environment
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Infrastructure (INF)