Application
This unit describes the skills required to work near utility services during the construction, repair or installation of utilities’ infrastructure. Work activities may involve trench excavation or the application of trenchless technologies for installation or repair.
This unit applies to those involved in the construction, repair or installation of underground utility infrastructure and locating, identifying and protecting existing utilities’ infrastructure to prevent damage, injury, death or loss of service.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to WHS.
Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, performing routine tasks, in mostly familiar context ensuring minimum damage to the environment.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Plan and prepare to locate utility services at work site | 1.1 Obtain plans and relevant information from specific utility service owners using appropriate information source. 1.2 Determine work site boundaries and requirements from plans, specifications and instructions. 1.3 Determine type, size and likely configuration of all underground and overhead services from plans and typical or local installation practices. 1.4 Identify hazards and precautions associated with excavating or working near utilities’ apparatus. |
2. Locate utility apparatus by excavation | 2.1 Select tools and equipment for location of all apparatus. 2.2 Locate and identify apparatus and indicators of apparatus presence using tools and equipment. 2.3 Determine full extent of apparatus in the ground. |
3. Operate plant in close proximity to underground or overhead utility apparatus | 3.1 Monitor plant during work activities. 3.2 Identify potential or actual encroaches of plant on minimum clearances to apparatus. 3.3 Give instructions to plant operator using agreed signals. |
4. Protect and support utility apparatus during excavation and backfilling | 4.1 Protect apparatus according to utility owner requirements to prevent damage. 4.2 Support apparatus along or across excavation according to utility owner requirements or engineering advice to prevent damage. 4.3 Report damage to apparatus to utility owner according to agreed protocols. 4.4 Reinstate apparatus during backfill according to utility owner’s requirements. |
5. Initiate emergency procedures | 5.1 Recognise emergency situations or events. 5.2 Implement emergency response for particular infrastructure involved. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
locating and identifying utilities
assessing and identifying risk of potential hazards associated with each utility
responding to all types of emergencies relating to utility services
using basic mathematics for calculations and measurement
communicating with employees, other service providers and customers
gathering information regarding location of utilities at a particular site
applying safe work methods for locating and protecting utilities at or near a work site
selecting and using tools and equipment
monitoring use of equipment
using agreed procedures and signals to ensure timely warnings of proximity to utilities’ apparatus
protecting and supporting apparatus during performance of work tasks and during site restoration
applying emergency procedures in response to a range of specific incidents
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
published guidelines for working near utility services in the state or territory in which work is being undertaken
system layout
environmental aspects of excavation
relevant utilities and service bodies
communication systems
landscape and ground structure of work area
risk assessment and identification of potential hazards associated with each utility
emergency response procedures for all types of utility services
equipment operation, capacity and limitations
effects of weather and conditions on site or plant
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Networks