DEFDV015B
Employ explosive power tools in an underwater environment

This unit covers the competency required to employ explosive power tools (EPT) in an underwater environment.The unit also include selecting the appropriate EPT for the work task and inspecting them for serviceability. The diver must ensure the EPT are secure on own body throughout the dive, and correctly operate the EPT during the work task, with particular attention to safety during firing.The diver will be responsible for the recovery of any waste arising from the work task to ensure the preservation of the environment. Finally, the EPT must be de-serviced and stored appropriately for ongoing use.Note: This Unit of Competency relates, in part, to the existing standards of the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development of this Unit of Competency; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.

Application

As agreed in the creation of this Training Package, applications for units transferred from the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package will be developed as part of continuous improvement plans, and taking into account the change in Unit of Competency format as detailed in templates for Streamlined Training Packages

Prerequisites

DEFDV001B Dive using self contained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres.

DEFDV008B Employ hand tools in an underwater environment.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to use EPT underwater

1.1 Work task and worksite data are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for EPT.

1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan

1.3 EPT, explosive charges and protective equipment are selected, inspected and prepared.

1.4 EPT and explosive charges are secured safely to/from the dive site.

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

2. Operate EPT underwater

2.1 EPT and explosive charges are secured on self for ease of accessibility and lack of interference with mobility and dive equipment.

2.2 Material or base set out intended for explosive fasteners complies with detailed drawings and specifications.

2.3 EPT attachments are installed and EPT charges are chambered.

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

2.5 EPT are operated underwater ensuring management of their associated hazards.

2.6 EPT are cleared and rendered safe to evaluate the work task.

2.7 Fastener penetration is checked for angle, depth and integrity of base.

3. Conclude underwater EPT operations

3.1 Environmental impact arising from use of EPT is minimised and waste products are recovered.

3.2 EPT and protective equipment are de-serviced after use.

3.3 Explosive charge usage is documented.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

ability to dive

correctly take care with and handle explosive charges

employ EPT

implement firing and misfiring drills

Required Knowledge

dive equipment

dive physics

explosive hazards

explosive power tool usage on land

general occupational/diving safety awareness

oceanography

principles of operation

relevant references and Australian Standards

safety distances

work hazards

Evidence Required

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; to consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan; and to focus on the integrity of the fasteners in performing the intended role.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks where the diver fires a minimum of two charges over, at a minimum, two underwater work tasks into concrete, masonry or steel.

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.

Assessment should be conducted over a time frame that allows for the safe demonstration of competency.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; EPT and charges.

Range Statement

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

fastening

Worksite data may include::

composition of base (refer below for types of base)

condition of base

current

depth

gradient

hazards

obstacles

EPT may include:

direct action

indirect action

Protective equipment may include:

boots

ear protection

gloves

Selecting, inspecting and preparing EPT, explosive charges and protective equipment may include:

date checks

reviewing equipment logs

visual inspection

Action to remove/reduce the risk may include:

erecting signage

using patrol/sentry craft

Material or base may include:

concrete

masonry

steel

EPT attachments may include:

channel

rebate

Operation of EPT may include:

loading

firing

misfire procedures

Hazards may include:

fall zone of objects being worked on

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

operational zone and danger area of ept

release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the worksite

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

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.