ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to use power tools underwater

1.1 Work task, worksite data and work object are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for power tools.

1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan.

1.3 Power tools and protective equipment are selected, inspected and prepared.

1.4 Compressor and associated leads and hoses are selected, inspected and prepared.

1.5 Power tools, compressor, and associated leads and hoses are secured safely to/from the dive site.

1.6 Access obstructions and other hazards are assessed and action is taken to remove/reduce the risk.

1.7 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied in accordance with standard procedures, manufacturers' instructions and legislation.

2. Operate power tools underwater

2.1 Power tools are secured on self during the dive for ease of accessibility and lack of interference with mobility and dive equipment.

2.2 Safe route for leads and hoses is established.

2.3 Work-safe area is established and the location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing work task/s.

2.4 Power tools are operated underwater ensuring management of their associated hazards.

2.5 Operator maintenance is conducted at the worksite on power tools, leads and hoses.

2.6 Power tools are temporarily disconnected and rendered safe to evaluate the work task.

3. Operate the compressor

3.1 Pre-start checks are performed, and hoses and leads are connected.

3.2 Pressure is developed gradually without surging and compressor is stabilised and trimmed to required work output.

3.3 Routine operational checks are conducted and warning signs are diagnosed and addressed.

3.4 Compressor is shut down.

3.5 Emergency shut down is conducted.

4. Conclude power tool operations

4.1 Environmental impact arising from the use of power tools is minimised and waste products are recovered.

4.2 Power tools, leads and hoses are de-serviced after use.

4.3 Compressor is de-serviced after use.

4.4 Equipment log books are completed.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

ability to dive

conduct general operator maintenance

diagnose equipment faults

employ power tools and equipment

take remedial actions

Required Knowledge

dive equipment

dive physics

equipment (compressor, power tools, hoses and leads):

causes and remedies for surging

control of output

effects of temperature and compression ratio pressure/temperature relationships and effects on condensation (e.g. moisture and/or gas)

methods of resolving problems

principles of operation

physics of operation

general occupational/diving safety awareness

oceanography

relevant references and Australian Standards

use of compressor

use of power tools on land

work hazards

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

attend to personal and collective safety

consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan

lift either:

air – clear mud from hole of half a cubic metre or

water – clear mud from hole of half a cubic metre

operate any four of the following:

power wrench, including changing sockets on site; tightening and loosening nuts

drill, including drilling a hole in steel plate; changing bits on site

disc cutter, including cutting steel or concrete; changing disc on site

jack hammer, including breaking concrete

chainsaw, including cutting wooden beams 230 x 100 mm

angle grinder, including cleaning and smoothing a fillet; chamfering a 12 mm plate; changing disc on site

scrubber, including cleaning 2 m2 of horizontal and vertical surface

operate a pneumatic or hydraulic compressor including:

connecting hoses and leads

connecting to the power supply

adjusting output power

switching the compressor on/off.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks using the power tools outlined in the Critical Aspects of Evidence.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the ocean supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.

When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; power tools; and compressor, leads and hoses.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Work task may include:

bending

chiselling

cleaning/de-rusting

cutting

fastening

grinding

hammering

nailing

stapling

tightening and loosening bolts and screws

twisting

Worksite data may include

composition of work object

condition of work object

current

depth

gradient

hazards

obstacles

Work object may include:

anchorage

cable

cement slab/foundation

composition such as:

aluminium

fibreglass

high and low alloy steels

high and low carbon steels

mild steel

stainless steel

timber

condition

pipe

sheet (hull)

submerged object e.g. vehicle, boat

support/strut

Power tools may include:

angle grinders

drills

jackhammers

nail guns

pneumatic wrenches

sanders

saws

screwdrivers

water jet

Protective equipment may include:

boots

ear protection

gloves

Selecting, inspecting and preparing power tools and protective equipment may include:

honing

loading

oiling/greasing

sharpening

Compressor may include:

hydraulic

pneumatic

Selecting, inspecting and preparing compressor may include:

checking fluids

fuelling

pre-start checks

Action to remove/reduce the risk may include:

erecting signage

using patrol/sentry craft

Operation of power tools may include:

general:

changing power settings and directions

changing tools

replacing (drill) bits, belts and blades

specific:

bending

chiselling

cleaning/de-rusting

cutting fastening

grinding

hammering

nailing

smashing

sucking

tightening and loosening bolts and screws

twisting

Hazards may include:

fall zone of objects being worked on

impact of power tool on dive equipment (e.g. hoses, gauges, communications)

operational zone of power tool

release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the worksite

Operator maintenance of power tools may include:

removing blockages and work debris from the tool

tightening tool fittings after prolonged use

Routine operational checks may include:

fluids

fuel

pressure

temperature

Warning signs may include:

feed variations

rise/fall in temperature

smoke

surging (rise/fall in power)

unusual noise

unusual smell (e.g. oil)

Environmental impact may include:

contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)

physical damage to reef and associated floor eco-systems (e.g. coral)

visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)

De-servicing may include:

drying

logging work details into equipment logs

oiling/greasing

washing in fresh water