Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to conduct telecommunications operations near substantial safety hazards. It includes safety hazard management at heights near electrical distribution infrastructure, radiation devices or other services in confined spaces.
It applies to field officers who work with cables on elevated work platforms, in confined spaces and on roofs and other structures near power lines. It does NOT include work on public electricity assets.
Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the ICT Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for details of licensing, legislative or certification requirements.
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. Conduct risk assessment | 1.1 Confirm work instructions with appropriate personnel and seek clarification if required 1.2 Select work health and safety (WHS) legislation, policy and procedures and technical standards relevant to the work and work site 1.3 Assess risks from electrical, radiation, gas and other services in or adjacent to the worksite 1.4 Assess safety of the worksite, other services and support structures using appropriate monitoring equipment 1.5 Complete a job safety analysis (JSA) or similar risk assessment record listing potential safety hazards associated with site and work requirements, and report safety hazards to relevant personnel 1.6 Obtain and confirm permits from relevant authorities within scope of personal authority or seek assistance from appropriate authority 1.7 Assess potential emergency situations relevant to the site 1.8 Note earthing arrangements for telecommunications infrastructure and any other services that impinge on the worksite |
2. Develop hazard management plan | 2.1 Propose strategies to manage potential safety hazards 2.2 Communicate hazard management strategies and confirm with co-workers 2.3 Establish and confirm safety procedures to ensure management of emergency situations 2.4 Obtain safety equipment and personal protective equipment 2.5 Delineate safe work zones and limits of approach to other services 2.6 Arrange road safety and traffic control measures 2.7 Implement safe strategies for working at heights and in confined spaces |
3. Work safely | 3.1 Use safety equipment and clothing effectively 3.2 Use ladders, climbing or lifting equipment to work safely at heights 3.3 Operate hand and power tools safely at heights 3.4 Work within identified safety zones and approach limits 3.5 Comply with enterprise and industry earthing practices 3.6 Monitor and manage risks throughout work procedures 3.7 Apply emergency procedures in the event of an incident 3.8 Reinstate the worksite to ensure safety of telecommunications workers, the public and the telecommunications network |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of ability to:
conduct a risk assessment for a telecommunications site near power infrastructure
develop a simple hazard management plan
assess the requirements for working at heights and working in confined spaces
apply safety precautions while working at heights or in confined spaces near power infrastructure.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe appropriate electrical safety and technical knowledge relating to the type of work, operating plant or vehicle near power lines (safe system of work according to the relevant electrical regulations and Acts)
identify environmental control processes:
disposal and handling of hazardous and dangerous substances
noise pollution
waste disposal
identify main components of work health and safety (WHS) legislation, regulations and codes of practice that affect the work function
identify and explain the principles of WHS including legislation and standards
describe ways WHS is managed in the workplace, and activities required under WHS legislation, including:
hazard identification
hazards that exist in the workplace
WHS instruction
preferred order of ways to control risks (known as the hierarchy of control)
risk assessment and control
sound knowledge of operating safely at heights
training and provision of WHS information
identify workplace environmental and WHS procedures relevant to the work being undertaken, including:
designation of personnel responsible for WHS
requirement for employee participation in WHS management
standard meanings of WHS symbols found on signs and labels in the workplace
raising WHS issues
recognising and reporting on hazards
responding to accidents, fires and emergencies
work operations to control risks
identify common road and pedestrian safety control measures appropriate to the worksite.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the Telecommunications – Occupational Health and Safety field of work and include access to:
telecommunications site near power infrastructure
relevant WHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice
enterprise WHS policies and procedures
personal protective equipment.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.2, 1.6 | Reads and interprets documentation from a variety of sources and consolidates information to determine safety requirements |
Writing | 1.5, 2.1, 2.3 | Accurately records and completes organisational safety documents and correspondence using clear language and correct spelling, grammar and terminology |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.5, 2.3 | Uses clear language, concepts, tone and pace appropriate for the audience to communicate safety outcomes |
Navigate the world of work | 1.2, 1.6, 2.7, 3.4-3.8 | Understands rights and responsibilities and complies with legal and regulatory requirements Complies with explicit policies and procedures Explores and implements implicit expectations of policies and procedures |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.5, 2.3 | Uses a limited range of accepted practices for communicating in a work environment |
Get the work done | 1.2-1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.3-2.7, 3.1-3.4, 3.8 | Plans and implements routine tasks and workload making limited decisions on sequencing, timing and collaboration, seeks assistance in setting priorities Responds to predictable routine problems, implementing standard or logical solutions |
Sectors
Telecommunications – Occupational Health and Safety